The team is rejuvenated due to the outstanding player of rookie Porter Martone. The eight playoff matchups still have a way to go, and anything can change. Here are the updated Stanley Cup power rankings.MORE: Buffalo Sabres make Stanley Cup Playoff history in crazy win over Bruins8.

Vegas Golden KnightsVegas is getting more than they asked for from Utah. The Mammoth have shown they are not an easy matchup, but the Golden Knights are staying on their toes. Vegas is still the favorite to win the series.7.

Montreal CanadiensApr 19, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Montreal Canadiens forward Juraj Slafkovsky (20) reacts to scoring a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period in game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn ImagesMontreal’s matchup with Tampa Bay has the feeling that it will go down to the wire. The division foes have traded blows left and right.

The Canadiens need their offense to continue propelling the team forward.6. Tampa Bay LightningThe Lightning are strapped in for a battle with the Canadiens. Tampa Bay knows their division opponent well and will need to be at its best for the rest of the series.

Defense and goaltending are the keys to moving on.5. Philadelphia FlyersPhiladelphia has been outstanding. The team is being led by rookie phenom Porter Martone.

Martone was excellent in his nine regular-season games, scoring four goals and adding six helpers. He hasn’t slowed down in the playoffs, scoring a goal in each of the first two games.4. Minnesota WildThe Wild have their work cut out for them against Dallas.

They know Dallas well, and it wouldn’t be shocking to see the series go the distance. Minnesota must keep Dallas off the score sheet.MORE: Chris Pronger clears air on Maple Leafs’ GM speculation3. Dallas StarsApr 20, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) and right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) celebrate the win over the Minnesota Wild in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center.

Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn ImagesDallas needs to play well-rounded games the rest of the way. The Stars must find a way to score early and rely on their defense and goaltending to keep the Wild’s offense at bay. Their first-round matchup has the makings of an instant classic.2.

Carolina HurricanesCarolina is making easy work in its first-round matchup. They were a heavy favorite and rightfully so. They are locked in and ready to keep pushing forward.1.

Colorado AvalancheThe Stanley Cup favorites have a commanding 2-0 lead in the series. The Avalanche could elect for a gentlemen’s sweep, but the team can use the extra days rest following a sleep. The road to the Finals goes through Colorado.— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —