The last two Stanley Cup Finals have had a familiar look, with the Florida Panthers downing the Edmonton Oilers both times.
Are we looking at a third consecutive meeting and a three-peat for the Panthers?
USA TODAY Sports’ NHL panel doesn’t think so, with neither team chosen to make the Final.
Two have the Carolina Hurricanes reaching the Final for the first time since 2006 and two have the Colorado Avalanche coming out of the Western Conference.
One had the Panthers winning the Atlantic Division and the Oilers are represented in individual awards with Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl winning the Hart Trophy.
Here are USA TODAY Sports’ preseason predictions for the 2025-26 NHL season:
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