- Dallas Stars survive 7-game thriller against Colorado Avalanche
- Edmonton Oilers seek revenge against defending champion Vegas Golden Knights
- Florida Panthers face Toronto Maple Leafs in Eastern Conference rematch
- Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals clash in physical divisional rivalry
The NHL playoffs’ second round promises unprecedented drama after a grueling first round saw no series sweeps and two Game 7 deciders. Teams like Dallas and Edmonton emerged battered but battle-tested, setting up matchups that blend legacy rivalries with modern strategic depth. Analysts predict this phase will showcase more calculated play compared to the opening round’s chaotic energy, as coaches refine systems to counter specific opponents.
Dallas’ victory over Colorado highlighted the importance of roster depth. Without top defenseman Miro Heiskanen and leading scorer Jason Robertson, the Stars relied on historic performances like Mikko Rantanen’s three-goal third period in Game 7 – a first in NHL history. Goalie Jake Oettinger’s .926 save percentage against the Avalanche’s elite offense underscores why many consider Dallas a dark horse contender. With Heiskanen and Robertson nearing returns, the Stars’ Western Conference path grows increasingly formidable.
Edmonton’s second-round clash with Vegas carries palpable tension after the Golden Knights eliminated them en route to the 2023 Stanley Cup. The Oilers’ midseason coaching change to Kris Knoblauch revitalized their depth scoring, with role players contributing 37% of their goals against Los Angeles. However, Vegas’ top line of Jack Eichel, William Karlsson, and Mark Stone dominated Minnesota with 11 combined points, suggesting this series will hinge on containing star power. As Connor McDavid noted, “Playoff hockey rewards teams that balance structure with moments of individual brilliance.”
Eastern Conference matchups feature contrasting styles. Florida’s physical forechecking, which overwhelmed Tampa Bay, now faces Toronto’s high-powered offense led by Auston Matthews’ 69-goal regular season. The Panthers’ upgraded penalty kill, strengthened by trade deadline acquisitions, will be tested against a Leafs power play converting at 28.3% efficiency. Meanwhile, Carolina and Washington’s Metropolitan Division grudge match leans on defensive systems, with both teams ranking top-7 in shots allowed during the first round.
The Central Division’s competitiveness – evidenced by both its series reaching seven games – reflects broader league trends toward parity. Salary cap management has enabled teams like Vegas to retain core talent while adding playoff-tested veterans. This strategic balancing act creates matchups where third-line contributions often decide outcomes, as seen when Edmonton’s bottom-six forwards scored three game-winning goals against Los Angeles.
Coaching adjustments will play a pivotal role. Florida’s Paul Maurice has emphasized reducing high-danger chances against Toronto’s skilled wingers, while Washington’s Spencer Carbery aims to counter Carolina’s puck-possession game with aggressive neutral-zone traps. As Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy observed, “Teams that adapt fastest between games usually survive these best-of-seven wars.”
With sportsbooks listing Florida (+400) and Edmonton (+500) as title favorites, this round could shape the Stanley Cup Final landscape. Historical data shows 73% of second-round winners since 2010 eventually reached the Final, intensifying pressure on contenders. Whether it’s Dallas’ defensive resilience or Toronto’s quest to end a 57-year drought, hockey fans are guaranteed a masterclass in playoff intensity.
