Four Series, Four Predictions: The NHL's Second Round Is About to Get Vicious

The first round is in the books. Now the real playoffs begin. With four matchups set to kick off, we're breaking down every second-round series and calling the winners. Some of these predictions might surprise you, but the math doesn't lie.

Carolina's Door Closes or Dynasties Die

The Carolina Hurricanes have been knocking on the door for seven years straight. They've made the Eastern Conference Finals three times since 2019 and shown up in the second round every non-bubble season. They had the best record in the entire Eastern Conference during the regular season and then swept the Senators in the first round without breaking a sweat. This is their moment. Their window doesn't stay open forever.

The Philadelphia Flyers are playing with house money. They made the playoffs for the first time in six years and won their first non-bubble playoff series since 2012 when they knocked out the Penguins. Yeah, they've improved immensely and they're clearly trending up. But the Hurricanes are a step above. Carolina has scoring depth, experience, and toughness that Philadelphia just doesn't match yet. Specialty teams play better for the Hurricanes, too, and that's the kind of edge that wins playoff series.

Call it in five. The Hurricanes are too experienced and too complete for the Flyers right now.

The Colorado and Minnesota Showdown Goes the Distance

Here's the thing: these two teams are probably better than Vegas and Anaheim combined. The Colorado Avalanche carry the President's Trophy curse after dominating the Kings in a first-round sweep, but they're still the best team in the NHL. No weak spots. If they're healthy and clicking, they win the Cup. The Minnesota Wild just took down the Stars in six games, and that's the kind of quality win that changes how you see a team.

Minnesota got stellar goaltending from Jesper Wallstedt while Matt Boldy led the way with six goals. Quinn Hughes was everywhere for the Wild, racking up a pair of goals and six assists while playing shutdown defense. Minnesota even won twice in Dallas, proving they can win the big games on the road.

This goes seven games. Colorado gets altitude in that final deciding game and survives.

Vegas Surges, Anaheim's Fairy Tale Ends

The Vegas Golden Knights had an up-and-down regular season but finished on top of the Pacific Division when it mattered. Then they brought in John Tortorella behind the bench, won seven of their final eight games, and carried that momentum through a first-round win over Utah in six games. That's the spark you need in May.

The Anaheim Ducks are young and hungry, making the playoffs for the first time since 2018. They shocked the Oilers in six games in the first round, the same Oilers that made the last two Stanley Cup Finals. The Ducks had edges in goaltending and energy when the Oilers ran out of gas.

But Vegas is surging at exactly the right time. Tortorella found the formula. Look for the Knights to win in six games and get back to the Western Conference Finals.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.