The 2026 Kelly Cup Playoffs have reached a pivotal stage, with the Western and Eastern Conference Finals set to determine the finalists for the championship series.
Western Conference Finals
The series between the Kansas City Mavericks and the Fort Wayne Komets is dead‑locked at one win apiece, and Game 4 is slated for Tuesday at 7:35 p.m. ET in Fort Wayne. Kansas City’s offense has been propelled by forward David Cotton, who tops the team with three goals and five points in the matchup, while defenseman Jalen Smereck sits tied for third among all playoff defensemen with eight points (1 goal, 7 assists). The Mavericks are averaging 4.00 goals per game, and Fort Wayne enters the game with a perfect 6‑0 home record in the postseason, outscoring opponents 25‑7.
Eastern Conference Finals
In the East, the Florida Everblades hold a 2‑0 lead over the Wheeling Nailers, with Game 3 scheduled for Wednesday at 7:10 p.m. ET in Wheeling. The Everblades have been dominant throughout the tournament, having swept the South Division Finals 4‑1 and posting a 4‑0 victory in the Mountain Division Semifinals.
Earlier rounds saw the North Division champion Wheeling Nailers edge the Maine Mariners 4‑3, while the South Division champion Florida Everblades dispatched the South Carolina Stingrays 4‑1. The Central Division champion Fort Wayne Komets defeated the Toledo Walleye 4‑2, and the Mountain Division champion Kansas City Mavericks swept the Allen Americans 4‑0.