The race for the Kelly Cup is entering its most exciting stage as the 2026 ECHL postseason continues to deliver drama, upsets, and championship-caliber performances. With only a handful of teams remaining in contention, the Kelly Cup playoffs are rapidly approaching their conclusion, and hockey fans are closely following every game.
This year’s postseason has already guaranteed a new champion after the defending title holders, the Trois-Rivières Lions, failed to qualify for the playoffs. That development opened the door for several contenders, including the dominant Florida Everblades and the regular-season powerhouse Kansas City Mavericks.
As the final rounds unfold, the battle for ECHL supremacy remains wide open.
Kelly Cup Playoffs Enter Championship Stretch
The 2026 Kelly Cup playoffs began with 16 teams competing across four divisions, all aiming to secure the league’s most prestigious prize.
The postseason follows a familiar format consisting of four rounds of best-of-seven series. Teams must survive division semifinals, division finals, conference finals, and ultimately the Kelly Cup Finals to be crowned champions.
Throughout the playoffs, several organizations have demonstrated why they were among the strongest teams during the regular season.
The Everblades, who won three consecutive Kelly Cups between 2022 and 2024, entered this postseason determined to reclaim the championship they lost last season. Meanwhile, Kansas City carried the momentum of the league’s best regular-season record into the playoffs and quickly established itself as a legitimate title favorite.
The intensity and unpredictability of the Kelly Cup playoffs have once again showcased why the ECHL remains one of North America’s most competitive professional hockey leagues.
Florida Everblades Continue Their Dominant Run
No team has looked more impressive during these Kelly Cup playoffs than Florida.
The Everblades swept the Savannah Ghost Pirates in the South Division semifinals before eliminating the South Carolina Stingrays in just five games during the division finals. Their momentum continued in the Eastern Conference Finals, where they defeated the Wheeling Nailers four games to one.
Florida’s postseason success has been built on exceptional defensive hockey and timely scoring. They have consistently controlled games while limiting opponents’ offensive opportunities.
Their path to the championship series reflects the experience that comes from years of playoff success. Having already won multiple titles in recent seasons, the Everblades understand what it takes to navigate the pressure of the postseason.
As the Kelly Cup playoffs approach their final stage, Florida remains one of the strongest contenders for the trophy.
Kansas City Mavericks Fighting for Western Conference Crown
While Florida has dominated the East, Kansas City continues to battle through a highly competitive Western Conference.
The Mavericks swept the Tahoe Knight Monsters in the Mountain Division semifinals before eliminating the Allen Americans in four straight games during the division finals.
Those victories positioned Kansas City as the favorite to emerge from the West.
However, the Western Conference Finals against the Fort Wayne Komets have proven significantly more challenging. Through the first four games, the Mavericks established a 3-1 series lead, putting themselves within one victory of advancing to the Kelly Cup Finals.
Kansas City’s offensive firepower has been a major factor throughout these Kelly Cup playoffs, allowing them to overwhelm opponents with sustained pressure and scoring depth.
A victory in the conference finals would set up a highly anticipated championship clash against Florida.
Wheeling Nailers Exceed Expectations
One of the most impressive stories of the 2026 Kelly Cup playoffs belongs to the Wheeling Nailers.
The Penguins affiliate fought through multiple grueling series to reach the Eastern Conference Finals. They defeated the Reading Royals in five games before surviving a dramatic seven-game battle against the Maine Mariners.
Wheeling’s resilience was evident throughout the postseason. Several of their victories came in overtime, highlighting the team’s ability to perform under pressure.
Although their playoff run ended against Florida, the Nailers exceeded expectations and provided some of the most memorable moments of the postseason.
Their success demonstrates the depth of talent present throughout the ECHL.
Fort Wayne Komets Refuse to Go Away
The Fort Wayne Komets have also emerged as one of the standout teams of these Kelly Cup playoffs.
After dispatching the Indy Fuel in the division semifinals, the Komets overcame the Toledo Walleye in six games to capture the Central Division title.
Their reward was a showdown with Kansas City in the Western Conference Finals.
Despite entering the series as underdogs, Fort Wayne has consistently challenged the Mavericks and kept the series competitive.
The Komets’ ability to remain in contention illustrates the unpredictable nature of the Kelly Cup playoffs, where momentum can change quickly and every game carries enormous importance.
How to Watch the Kelly Cup Playoffs
Fans hoping to follow the remainder of the Kelly Cup playoffs can do so exclusively through FloHockey.
Unlike some major professional leagues, the ECHL postseason is not currently broadcast on traditional television networks.
FloHockey provides comprehensive coverage of every playoff game, including live broadcasts, highlights, replays, and analysis.
The platform has become the primary destination for hockey fans seeking complete access to ECHL postseason action.
As the playoffs progress toward the championship round, viewership is expected to increase significantly.
NHL Affiliates Playing Important Roles
One of the unique aspects of the Kelly Cup playoffs is the connection between ECHL clubs and NHL organizations.
Many participating teams serve as developmental affiliates for NHL franchises, creating an important pathway for player development.
The Florida Everblades are affiliated with the St. Louis Blues, while the Kansas City Mavericks work closely with the Seattle Kraken.
Fort Wayne serves as an affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers, and Wheeling is connected to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
These relationships allow prospects to gain valuable playoff experience while helping ECHL teams remain competitive.
The success of these affiliates during the Kelly Cup playoffs often reflects positively on their NHL partners as well.
Kelly Cup Playoffs 2026 Schedule: What Comes Next in the Championship Race?
The remaining games of the 2026 Kelly Cup playoffs will determine which teams earn the right to compete for the championship.
Florida has already secured its place in the Kelly Cup Finals after a commanding run through the Eastern Conference.
Kansas City remains the favorite to emerge from the West, though Fort Wayne continues to fight to extend the series and keep its championship hopes alive.
The possibility of a Florida versus Kansas City final is particularly intriguing. Both teams have been among the league’s best throughout the season and possess the talent required to win the title.
If that matchup materializes, it would feature two organizations that have consistently set the standard for excellence in the ECHL.
The Road to the Kelly Cup Nears Its End
The 2026 Kelly Cup playoffs have delivered everything hockey fans could hope for: dramatic overtime games, dominant performances, unexpected runs, and championship-caliber hockey.
Florida has already proven it belongs among the league’s elite once again, while Kansas City is attempting to complete a season that has been filled with success from the opening night of the regular campaign.
As the final series approaches, the spotlight will only grow brighter.
Soon, one team will lift the Kelly Cup and etch its name into ECHL history. Until then, the remaining chapters of the Kelly Cup playoffs promise more excitement, intensity, and unforgettable hockey moments.
