NHL Playoff Second Round Predictions: Who Advances to the Conference Finals?

The Stanley Cup Playoffs have reached the second round, and the intensity is ramping up. Eight teams remain, each vying for a coveted spot in the Conference Finals and a chance to compete for hockey’s ultimate prize. These teams have collectively experienced the pressures of the third round a total of 15 times since 2018, showcasing the depth of experience and ambition within this elite group. Four of these teams have the potential to add another trip to their resume by prevailing in their current second-round series.

The Vegas Golden Knights lead the way, having reached the third round a remarkable four times in recent years. Their journey continues with a highly anticipated matchup against the Edmonton Oilers, a team that has tasted third-round action twice, including a run to the Stanley Cup Final last season. The Dallas Stars, another consistent contender with three trips to the conference finals in the past five years, including the last two, face the Winnipeg Jets, who last reached this stage back in 2018.

In the Eastern Conference, the defending champion Florida Panthers, who have won the last two Eastern Conference Finals, aim to continue their dominance against the Toronto Maple Leafs, a team desperate to break a long drought, having not reached the conference finals since 2002. The final second-round series sees the Washington Capitals, who experienced the third round in 2018, clash with the Carolina Hurricanes, who have been there in 2019 and again last year in 2023.

With the stage set, USA TODAY Sports offers its expert predictions for the second round:

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Washington Capitals

Season Series: 2-2
Playoff History: 1-0 Hurricanes

Jason Anderson: Hurricanes in 7

Anderson acknowledges the Capitals’ strong performance in the first round, where they displayed resilience and composure. He believes that against other Eastern Conference opponents, the Capitals might have had the edge. However, Anderson predicts that Carolina’s ability to dictate the game’s pace and maintain control, both with and without the puck, will ultimately prove too much for Washington to overcome. He anticipates a hard-fought series, with the Hurricanes emerging victorious in seven games.

Mike Brehm: Hurricanes in 6

Brehm highlights the Hurricanes’ suffocating defensive style, which limits opponents’ maneuvering space. He points to Washington goalie Logan Thompson’s single outing against Carolina this season, where he conceded three goals and was subsequently pulled due to injury. Brehm expects the Hurricanes’ defensive prowess to stifle the Capitals’ offense, leading to a series win in six games.

Jace Evans: Hurricanes in 6

Evans recognizes the Capitals’ home-ice advantage and their underdog status throughout the season. He acknowledges the possibility of a Capitals upset, particularly with Logan Thompson in top form. However, he ultimately sides with the Hurricanes, citing Coach Rod Brind’Amour’s possession-focused system as a key factor. Evans believes that the Hurricanes’ ability to dominate possession will exploit a vulnerability in the Capitals’ game, resulting in a series win for Carolina in six games.

Consensus: The experts largely favor the Carolina Hurricanes to advance, citing their superior defensive structure and possession-based system as advantages over the Washington Capitals.

Florida Panthers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

Season Series: 3-1 Panthers
Playoff History: 1-0 Panthers

Jason Anderson: Panthers in 5

Anderson was impressed by the Panthers’ dominant performance in the first round, where they dispatched the Tampa Bay Lightning in five games. He believes this bodes poorly for the Maple Leafs, who struggled at times against Ottawa. Anderson highlights Matthew Tkachuk’s resurgence and Sergei Bobrovsky’s reliable goaltending as key factors. He concludes that the Panthers simply pose too many challenges for Toronto to overcome, predicting a series win for Florida in five games.

Mike Brehm: Panthers in 6

Brehm recalls the Panthers’ playoff victory over the Maple Leafs in 2023, where they employed a physical style of play to neutralize Toronto’s star players. He argues that Florida still has the personnel to replicate that strategy, particularly with the addition of Brad Marchand, a player who has historically been a thorn in Toronto’s side. Brehm anticipates a similar approach from the Panthers, leading to a series win in six games.

Jace Evans: Panthers in 5

Evans believes that the Panthers’ dominant performance against Tampa Bay has put the entire league on notice. He identifies the Panthers as the Stanley Cup favorites, citing their depth and championship experience as significant advantages. Evans predicts that these factors will prove too much for the Maple Leafs to handle, resulting in a series win for Florida in five games.

Consensus: The experts overwhelmingly favor the Florida Panthers to advance, citing their dominant first-round performance, depth, experience, and ability to exploit Toronto’s weaknesses.

Dallas Stars vs. Winnipeg Jets

Season Series: 3-1 Jets
Playoff History: First Meeting

Jason Anderson: Stars in 6

Anderson acknowledges Winnipeg’s incredible Game 7 comeback and Connor Hellebuyck’s apparent resurgence. However, he believes that Jake Oettinger is the more reliable goalie in this series and highlights Mikko Rantanen’s strong play. Anderson predicts that the Stars will advance to the Western Conference Final in six games.

Mike Brehm: Stars in 6

Brehm notes that the Stars defeated a strong Avalanche team while missing key players Jason Robertson and Miro Heiskanen, both of whom are expected to return for this series. He also points out that the Jets are dealing with injuries to Mark Scheifele and Josh Morrissey. Brehm believes that the Stars’ strengthened roster and the Jets’ injury concerns will give Dallas a significant advantage, leading to a series win in six games.

Jace Evans: Stars in 5

Evans emphasizes that the Jets needed a Game 7 miracle to beat the Western Conference’s last-place playoff team. He believes that the soon-to-be-reinforced Stars will dispatch the Jets much more quickly, particularly if Connor Hellebuyck continues to struggle. Evans predicts a series win for Dallas in five games.

Consensus: The experts strongly favor the Dallas Stars to advance, citing their strong roster, the Jets’ injury concerns, and Hellebuyck’s struggles.

Vegas Golden Knights vs. Edmonton Oilers

Season Series: 2-2
Playoff History: 1-0 Golden Knights

Jason Anderson: Golden Knights in 5

Anderson believes that Edmonton’s momentum from their first-round comeback will be halted by Vegas. While acknowledging that neither team has played particularly well defensively, he believes that the Golden Knights have a clear talent advantage from top to bottom. Anderson predicts a series win for Vegas in five games.

Mike Brehm: Golden Knights in 7

Brehm acknowledges the challenge Vegas faces in containing Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. However, he points out that the Golden Knights successfully limited Kirill Kaprizov in the first round and held McDavid and Draisaitl to minimal production during the regular season. Brehm believes that if the Golden Knights can minimize the Oilers’ stars’ impact, their depth will lead them to a series win in seven games.

Jace Evans: Golden Knights in 6

Evans believes that the continued absence of Mattias Ekholm will finally catch up to the Oilers. He also points to the Oilers’ shaky goaltending situation as a significant vulnerability, noting that Calvin Pickard’s .893 save percentage is hardly inspiring. While acknowledging that Adin Hill needs to improve his save percentage for the Golden Knights, Evans predicts a series win for Vegas in six games.

Consensus: The experts generally favor the Vegas Golden Knights to advance, citing their superior depth and the Oilers’ defensive and goaltending concerns.