Hurricanes Are Champions!
Congratulations to the Carolina Hurricanes in winning the 2026 Stanley Cup. They proved to be the best team in this years playoffs. Carolina defeated the Vegas Golden Knights in convincing style, winning the last three games of the series for a four games to two victory.
The Runner-up Vegas Golden Knights proved to be a worthy opponent. They started the Finals in good style, playing like the team that swept the President Trophy Champion Colorado Avalanche in the Conference Finals. Vegas took a two games to one lead. But, their downfall seemed to be their inability to make adjustments as the series moved forward. Carolina was able to adapt and adjust with an aggressive and smothering style of play to overcome the strengths of the Knights.
In this regard, Carolina Head Coach Rod Brind ‘Amour and his coaching staff deserve much credit. Brind ‘Amour was the Captain of the Hurricanes when they won the Stanley Cup back in 2006. His aggressive hard nosed style of play as a player runs deep in the character of this Hurricanes team. This is Second Stanley Cup Victory for the Carolina franchise.
Vegas coach John Tortorello, a very good coach in his own right, had the Knights playing a confident brand of hockey early in this series. Tortorello was hired as the Vegas Coach with only four games remaining in the regular season, as Vegas removed former coach Bruce Cassidy from the role.
Kudos to General Manager Eric Tulsky and his Carolina management team. They built a championship team by assembling a diverse mix of personalities, skill sets and team depth. This team gelled with tremendous chemistry.
The Hurricanes are built from the goaltender out. Carolina proved that having strength down the middle and on defense can offset the need for all-star level goaltending. Both Frederik Anderson and Brandon Bussi were the featured goaltending tandem. Their individual journeys’ have been interesting, culminating as 2026 Stanley Cup Champions. Bussi entered the series in relief of Frederik Anderson partway through game three. He then won the next three games. They are both good goaltenders, but not in the elite echelon of goalies.
Hurricanes Captain Jordan Staal was the Conn Smythe Trophy winner as the Playoff MVP. The 37 year old, 6’4 Center from Thunder Bay Ontario proved to be a beast on the ice inserting leadership, energy, physicality and skill. Jordan is the oldest to win this award in NHL history. Quite an accomplishment.
Some key performers in the Finals. For Carolina, Taylor Hall (18 Points), Logan Stankovan (15 points) and Jordan Staal (11 points). Jacob Slavin and Jalen Chatfield were strong on defense. Vegas Golden Knights were led by Mitch Marner (29 points), Jack Eichel (20 points) and Brett Howden (18 points). Shea Theodore was strong on defense (16 points). Goaltender Carter Hart had a good overall playoff season as well.
Mystic Phil D is the GDH Stanley Cup Bracket Challenge Champion
This years GDH Mystic Bracket Challenge was once again very close. And once again, Mystic Phil D is the Winner. He correctly picked 10 series and is now the Three Time Defending Champion.
Just one point behind were Mystic Colin Mac and Mystic CMac3130.
There were a total of 85 games played in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Mystic Christina Mac led the Pac with a prediction of 86 games, followed by Mystic Anna D with 87. Very close.
| Mystic Rank After Round 3 | Mystic | CAR vs VGK | Mystic Correct Picks After 15 Series | Total Games Played (Tie Breaker 45 Rd 1 + 24 Rd2 +10 Rd3 +6 Finals = 85 total) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Phil D (2x Champ) | CAR 7 | 4/3/2/1//10 | 48/24/12/7//91 |
| 2nd | Colin Mac | CAR 7 | 3/4/1/1//9 | 47/25/12/7//91 |
| 3rd | CMAC 3130 | CAR 6 | 4/3/1/1//9 | 49/24/12/6//91 |
| 4th | Christina Mac | VGK 7 | 3/3/1/0//7 | 46/23/10/7//86 |
| 5th | Brad Mac | VGK 7 | 3/2/2/0//7 | 48/23/12/7//90 |
| 6th | Ginger Donkey (Don Mac) | CAR 6 | 4/2/0/1//7 | 50/25/12/6//93 |
| 7th | Anna D | VGK 6 | 4/1/1/0//6 | 46/23/12/6//87 |
| 8th | Sally Mac | CAR 5 | 3/1/1/1//6 | 49/26/11/5//91 |
| 9th | Nicole Mac | VGK 6 | 3/2/0/0//5 | 49/26/12/6//93 |
Greetings. In introducing myself, I must relate that family is most important. I am a husband, father and grandfather. Beautiful extended family. I was born in the 60’s. Graduated from Laurentian University in Sudbury in 1985 with a degree in Social Work. Recently retired.
Sports has been and continues to be my foremost outlet for stress. I have been a coach/ trainer on over 40 youth teams, including hockey, baseball and soccer. Hockey is my number one sport. Began playing as a young child and continue to play several times per week. Huge Fan. I am not an expert per say when it comes to having close contacts to the hockey world. Still have expertise as a Fan. I have probably earned some form of “Hockey PTSD” over the years with the highs and lows of the cheering for the Leafs. I want to respectfully share my opinion and respectfully view your opinions. Should be fun. Keep your stick on the ice.
Take Care and Stay Safe.