With two thrilling Game 7s wrapping up Round 1, the stage is set for the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Eight remaining teams will fiercely compete over the next two weeks, battling for a spot in the Eastern and Western Conference Finals.
In the Eastern Conference, the reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers demonstrated their continued dominance but face a significant challenge against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Meanwhile, the Washington Capitals, who finished with the top record in the East, are set to clash with the Carolina Hurricanes in a Metropolitan Division matchup.
Out West, the top-seeded Winnipeg Jets narrowly avoided an early exit in the first round but now face an even tougher opponent in the Dallas Stars. The Stars themselves pulled off a dramatic Game 7 comeback from a 2-0 deficit against the Colorado Avalanche and are now considered favorites against the Presidents` Trophy winners.
Rounding out the second round is a highly anticipated series between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Edmonton Oilers. Vegas advanced by defeating the Minnesota Wild in six games, while Edmonton showcased impressive resilience by winning four consecutive games to overcome a 2-0 series deficit against the Los Angeles Kings.
As the second round gets underway, here are our experts` predictions for the winner of each series.
Panthers vs. Maple Leafs
Series odds: Panthers -184, Maple Leafs +150 (via FanDuel)
Bengel: I underestimated the Panthers in the opening round, a mistake I won`t repeat. Florida appeared incredibly efficient in their five-game victory over the Lightning. Star forward Matthew Tkachuk`s return was pivotal, providing the offensive spark the team needed. The Panthers showcased their balanced attack with contributions from Sam Reinhart, Tkachuk, Aleksander Barkov, and others. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky also delivered a solid playoff performance with a 2.21 goals-against-average in Round 1.
For the Maple Leafs to succeed, their talented core of Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Mitch Marner, and John Tavares will need exceptional performances. They must find ways to generate significant offense against a strong defensive team. While I expect an entertaining series, Florida`s firepower and championship pedigree give them the edge. Pick — Panthers def. Maple Leafs 4-2
Nivison: The Maple Leafs overcame a minor scare against the Senators to reach the second round for the second time in three years. Their previous trip ended in a five-game elimination by these same Panthers. To change that outcome, Toronto`s “Core Four” plus Matthew Knies must maintain their strong play; this group accounted for 12 goals and 20 assists against Ottawa.
However, the Panthers present a far more challenging opponent. Their performance against the Lightning was truly dominant. Gustav Forsling and Aleksander Barkov effectively neutralized Tampa`s top threats, including Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point. Florida has a proven ability to shut down elite offensive players, and their forwards can match anyone`s scoring pace. Toronto will put up a fight, but I believe Barkov`s impact will once again be the difference. Pick — Panthers def. Maple Leafs 4-2
Hurricanes vs. Capitals
Series odds: Hurricanes -160, Capitals +140 (via DraftKings)
Bengel: The Capitals were tested by the Canadiens despite winning in five games. While they showed strong offense at times, finishing second in goals per game (3.49) during the regular season, they might rely too heavily on Alex Ovechkin. The Hurricanes possess greater scoring depth with players like Andrei Svechnikov, Sebastian Aho, and others.
Although I favor Carolina, I anticipate this being a lengthy, tightly contested series as both teams are quite evenly matched. They were the top two teams in the first round regarding lowest goals-against-average. Carolina is expected to regain starting goaltender Frederik Andersen from injury, providing a significant boost. This series could hinge on which team`s defense and goaltending rises to the occasion, and I`m leaning towards the Hurricanes in a close battle. Pick — Hurricanes def. Capitals 4-3
Nivison: Both teams entered their first-round series as clear favorites and played accordingly. Beyond the offense, the goaltending has been particularly impressive. Logan Thompson of Washington and Frederik Andersen of Carolina rank among the top goalies in goals saved above average this postseason (per Natural Stat Trick).
The key question here is which goalie will falter first or most often. If Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov continue their Round 1 form, it might be Thompson. Svechnikov rediscovered his scoring touch, and Aho proved his status as a premier two-way center. For Washington, Alex Ovechkin netted four goals against Montreal, demonstrating he can still score in the playoffs. Unfortunately for the Capitals, Carolina`s defensive structure is vastly superior to Montreal`s. Goals will be harder to come by for Washington, leading to a Hurricanes series win. Pick — Hurricanes def. Capitals 4-2
Stars vs. Jets
Series odds: Stars -165, Jets +140 (via BetMGM)
Bengel: Both teams navigated very difficult first-round tests, often needing dramatic performances. Dallas forward Mikko Rantanen delivered unforgettable performances in Games 6 and 7 against the Avalanche, racking up four goals and four assists in the final two games after a slow start to the postseason. Perhaps even more impressive was Dallas winning the series without key players like forward Jason Robertson and defenseman Miro Heiskanen. Given the Stars` depth, particularly down the middle, they appear to be the team to beat in this matchup.
Conversely, Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, a Vezina Trophy favorite, struggled in the opening round. He posted a concerning 3.85 goals-against-average and a .830 save percentage over seven games against the Blues, allowing three or more goals in six games and five or more in three. Hellebuyck must significantly improve for Winnipeg to have a chance against the high-powered Stars offense, but I don`t see that happening consistently enough. Pick — Stars def. Jets 4-2
Nivison: Both these teams were in dire situations late in the third period of their respective Game 7s, only to mount dramatic comebacks and advance. The Jets managed this despite another concerning performance from star goalie Connor Hellebuyck in regulation. His 9.84 goals allowed above average ranks last among playoff goalies (per Natural Stat Trick).
The main question for me is whether Hellebuyck can build confidence from his strong overtime effort in Game 7. If so, the Jets have a real shot. If his struggles continue, the series will be short. The Stars have too much offensive firepower, especially with Jason Robertson nearing a return, for Hellebuyck to be allowing soft goals. Furthermore, Winnipeg has little margin for error as Mark Scheifele and Josh Morrissey appeared banged up after their tough series with St. Louis. Dallas is deeper, healthier, and currently benefiting from better goaltending. Pick — Stars def. Jets 4-1
Oilers vs. Golden Knights
Series odds: Golden Knights -115, Oilers -105 (via Caesars)
Bengel: The Golden Knights had a rocky start against the Wild but ultimately advanced based on their talent depth. However, their 3.17 goals-against-average is concerning, even with a proven playoff goalie like Adin Hill, especially now facing the Oilers. Hill will need to replicate his performance from the final three games against Minnesota. Despite a slow offensive start, Vegas saw star forward Jack Eichel finish the first round strongly with five points in the last three games.
Meanwhile, the Oilers led the league with an average of 4.5 goals per game in the first round against the Kings, scoring five or more in three contests. With superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, scoring opportunities are always abundant. However, Edmonton`s long-standing weakness has been goaltending. They switched to Calvin Pickard as the starter for the final four games against Los Angeles, winning all of them. If Pickard can provide reliable performances, the Oilers are dangerous, but I believe the Golden Knights have enough to advance. Pick — Golden Knights def. Oilers 4-3
Nivison: In the last round, the Oilers once again showed how Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl can compensate for team weaknesses. The duo combined for 21 points as Edmonton rebounded from a 2-0 series deficit to win four straight. The Kings were supposedly well-equipped to handle Edmonton`s stars, but they couldn`t contain them for long.
On paper, the Golden Knights should pose a challenge, but defensemen Alex Pietrangelo and Noah Hanifin had inconsistent performances against the Wild. If that continues, McDavid and Draisaitl will thrive. On the Oilers` side, they are still without Mattias Ekholm on defense, making them vulnerable to rushes from Jack Eichel and Tomas Hertl. Coupled with neither team receiving stellar goaltending in Round 1, this series could turn into a surprisingly high-scoring affair. If it does, betting against McDavid and the Oilers is difficult. Pick — Oilers def. Golden Knights 4-3
