The NHL postseason is where everything changes. Matchups tighten. Stars emerge, and sometimes disappear. And as the intensity ramps up, the true contenders for the Stanley Cup begin to separate themselves from the rest. Here are the Stanley Cup Playoffs power rankings entering May, breaking down who looks like a true title threat and who might be running out of time.MORE: Officiating row erupts after Lane Hutson-Brayden Point incident in Game 51. Colorado AvalancheThe Avalanche entered the playoffs as winners of this years Presidents Trophy. Colorado was the leagues best team throughout the season. They end the season 1st in goals scored and goals allowed per game. In round one, they swept the Los Angeles Kings.2. Carolina HurricanesApr 20, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes center Jordan Staal (11) looks on during the warmups before the game against the Ottawa Senators in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn ImagesCarolinas season was overshadowed by Colorado. The Hurricanes were the top Eastern Conference team and ranked 2nd overall during the regular season. They ranked 2nd in goals scored per game, 8th in goals allowed per game, and 4th on the power play. In the first round of the playoffs, they swept the Ottawa Senators. 3. Minnesota WildMinnesota is another team whose great season was overshadowed by foes not only in the same conference, but in the same division. The Wild were outstanding this season and were one of the leagues most consistent performers. They ranked 4th in defensive efficiency, and it was a big help in their 4-2 series win over Dallas. 4. Buffalo SabresApr 28, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (26) reacts after scoring a goal during the first period against the Boston Bruins in game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn ImagesThe Sabres were the best story of the season. They conquered the adversity they faced early in the season and propelled themselves to the top of the Atlantic Division. The young Buffalo team finished 5th in goals scored per game. They hold a 3-2 series lead over the Bruins as they head on the road to Boston for game 6 Friday night.5. Montreal CanadiensMontreal hit a rough stretch but ended the regular season on a high note. The Canadiens offense was electric throughout the season, finishing 6th in goals scored per game. They won a big Game 5 on the road against Tampa and can close out their series Friday night at home. 6. Tampa Bay LightningThe Lightning had the leagues best hot streak from December 20th to February 25th. They catapulted to the top of the Atlantic Division and fell below 2nd place once. Tampa ended the regular season ranked 4th in goals scored and 3rd in goals allowed per game. They find themselves trailing Montreal 3-2 heading into Game 6 on Friday. If they can force Game 7, it will be back in Tampa. 7. Philadelphia FlyersPhiladelphias defense and goaltending carried the team throughout the regular season. However, the offense received an immediate boost when the team called up top prospect Porter Martone. He had barely 10 games of experience under his belt entering the playoffs, but scored a goal in each of the teams first 2 games and helped the Flyers beat the Penguins in six games. 8. Vegas Golden KnightsApr 27, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mark Stone (61) warms up before a game against the Utah Mammoth in game four of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn ImagesThe Golden Knights underachieved this season, but the regular season is over, and this Vegas roster is highly talented and has been putting their talent on display. The Golden Knights have a 3-2 series lead over Utah following their thrilling Game 5 win in double overtime.9. Anaheim DucksThe Ducks defense and goaltending finished the regular season ranked the lowest of any playoff-bound team, but their offense kept them in games. The Ducks finished the season ranked 18th in goals scored per game. None of their regular-season stats seemed to matter come playoff time, though, as the Ducks knocked off the two-time defending Western Conference champion Oilers in 6 games. 10. Boston BruinsBoston limped into the playoffs after struggling in April. Their defense gave the team a chance to win, but the offense went stagnant. They are currently losing 3-2 in their series to the Sabres, and were able to stay alive in the playoffs thanks to their 2-1 overtime victory in Buffalo on Tuesday night. 11. Utah MammothUtah was a dark horse entering the playoffs. The team is talented and has been a tough matchup in the opening round against Las Vegas. The Mammoths offense didnt rank as high as other playoff teams, but their defense and goaltending are as good as any team in the playoffs, which could give them a chance to even the series up at 3-3 Friday night and force a Game 7. Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead