NHL Playoffs Round 2 Preview: Matchups, X-Factors, and Picks

The first round of the NHL playoffs delivered everything hockey fans could ask for – including two dramatic Game 7 comebacks to wrap up the opening stage of the bracket. With the Winnipeg Jets pulling off a wild double-overtime win last night, the NHL Playoffs Round 2 Preview comes as the next round officially begins tonight with the Maple Leafs and Panthers getting things underway.

Let’s take a closer look at each second-round matchup, including the storylines, the X-factors, and who you should be backing.

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Florida Panthers

Pick: Florida in 7

Both teams are coming off extended rest, with Florida dispatching Tampa Bay in five games and Toronto closing out Ottawa in six. There’s some bad blood here – the Panthers eliminated the Leafs in the 2023 playoffs – and this series promises to be physical from the start.

Toronto comes in as the East’s top seed, led by elite offensive talent and a surprisingly strong goaltending duo in Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll. Stolarz put up top-five numbers during the regular season, but his playoff performances so far have been inconsistent. Can he handle a Florida team that lives in front of the crease and thrives on high-traffic chances?

I’m skeptical. The Leafs did well to add grit with guys like Scott Laughton and Brandon Carlo, and Matthew Knies has stepped up as a two-way presence. But the Panthers are deep, balanced, and playoff-tested. Matthew Tkachuk has been excellent, Brad Marchand is settling in, and the scoring has been spread out and steady.

This one should go the distance, but Florida’s depth gives them the edge.

Washington Capitals vs. Carolina Hurricanes

Pick: Washington in 6

Both teams cruised through Round 1 in five games. Carolina overwhelmed New Jersey, while Washington quickly dispatched a scrappy Montreal team.

This series likely comes down to goaltending. Carolina’s tandem of Frederik Andersen and Pyotr Kochetkov is solid but unspectacular. If Washington can pepper the net and force long shifts, they could wear them down. On the flip side, Washington’s goaltending — led by Logan Thompson — gives them a real edge. Thompson wasn’t perfect against Montreal, but he steadied himself after a tough Game 3.

Up front, the Caps still lean on Alex Ovechkin, but Connor McMichael and Tom Wilson have provided meaningful support. Carolina has more defensive depth, but if the goaltending tilts toward Washington – and I think it will – that’s the difference.

Vegas Golden Knights vs. Edmonton Oilers

Pick: Vegas in 6

Is this the year the Connor McDavid-led Oilers finally break through? Maybe. But I wouldn’t bet on it.

The Oilers struggled early against the Kings, with defensive lapses and shaky goaltending from Stuart Skinner. Calvin Pickard has emerged as the better option in net, but he’s still more of a reliable backup than a true playoff starter.

Offensively, McDavid and Leon Draisaitl will get theirs, but keep an eye on Evan Bouchard. He’s the engine of their power play, and if Edmonton has any chance in this series, he’ll need to be elite.

Vegas, meanwhile, looks dangerous. They had some shaky moments against Minnesota, but Adin Hill settled in and closed the series with three straight wins. With proven leaders like Mark Stone and Jack Eichel – and more trustworthy goaltending – the Golden Knights have the edge. The Oilers might win a shootout or two, but Vegas should take the series.

Winnipeg Jets vs. Dallas Stars

Pick: Dallas in 6

You couldn’t ask for more drama in Round 1 than what the Jets and Blues gave us. After falling behind 3–1, Winnipeg stormed back and won Game 7 in double OT thanks to a deflection by captain Adam Lowry – after the Jets miraculously tied the game with 3 seconds left in regulation.

It was incredible. But also exhausting. And it might cost them.

Dallas, meanwhile, is coming off its own Game 7 comeback and is integrating new star Mikko Rantanen, who exploded with a hat trick in the series-clinching win. Add him to a group that already includes Jason Robertson, Matt Duchene, and Roope Hintz, and Dallas suddenly looks scary deep.

The big question for Winnipeg is goaltending. Connor Hellebuyck, despite a Vezina-worthy regular season, has been inconsistent and was pulled multiple times against St. Louis. If he doesn’t bounce back, Dallas could run away with this.

Winnipeg’s emotional high from Game 7 won’t last forever. Fatigue and firepower will tip this in Dallas’ favor.

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