:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72272664/1489280818.0.jpg)
The 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs are approaching the Conference Finals. Most of the top teams have been eliminated and we’re going to get a Stanley Cup champion we haven’t seen in a while. The only remaining team that was in last year’s conference finals still playing is the Edmonton Oilers, who were swept by the Colorado Avalanche. Both teams from the 2022 East Finals — the Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Rangers — have been eliminated in 2023. Here we’ll go over which teams are in the Conference Finals this year.
2023 NHL Playoffs: Conference Finals teams
Eastern Conference
No. 1 MET Hurricanes vs. WC2 ATL Panthers
Carolina Hurricanes over New Jersey Devils, 4-1
The Hurricanes defeated the Devils in Game 5 in overtime 3-2 to advance to the Eastern Conference Final with a series win in the second round.
Florida Panthers over Toronto Maple Leafs, 4-1
The Panthers defeated the Maple Leafs in Game 5 in overtime, 3-2, to advance to the Eastern Conference Final with a series win in the second round.
Western Conference
No. 1 PAC Golden Knights vs. No. 2 CEN Stars
Vegas Golden Knights over Edmonton Oilers 4-2
The Golden Knights defeated the Oilers in Game 6 to advance to the conference finals for the third time in franchise history, a history in existence since 2017-18.
Dallas Stars over Seattle Kraken 4-3
The Stars defeated the Kraken in Game 6 on Monday night 2-1 to advance to the conference finals for the second time in the past four seasons. Jake Oettinger had 21 saves and Roope Hintz and Wyatt Johnston scored in the victory for Dallas.