The Buffalo Sabres return to the postseason didn’t go all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals like so many of us had hoped it would.
Instead we have an expected and heavily favored Eastern Conference champions Carolina Hurricanes who have breezed through with a 12-1 record taking on a surprise quantity Vegas Golden Knights who got hot at the right time and then knocked out the overwhelming favorite and Presidents Trophy winners Colorado Avalanche in a sweep.
Sabres fans have reason to dislike both teams and I won’t judge you for assuming hockey season is over.
2026 Stanley Cup Final schedule
Game 1: Vegas 5, Carolina 4
Game 2: Carolina 4, Vegas, 3 (OT)
Game 3: Vegas 5, Carolina 4 (2OT)
Game 4: Carolina 5, Vegas, 3
Game 5: Carolina 4, Vegas, 2
Game 6: Carolina at Vegas, 8 p.m. ET, Sunday, June 14 (ABC, SN, CBC, TVAS)
*Game 7: Vegas at Carolina, 8 p.m. ET, Wednesday, June 17 (ABC, SN, CBC, TVAS)
* – If necessary