Predictions and Analysis for the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs Round 2

Bengel: I picked against the Panthers in the first round and won`t make that error again. Florida looked like a perfectly tuned machine dispatching the Lightning in five games. The return of star forward Matthew Tkachuk was crucial; he proved to be the engine driving Florida`s offense. The Panthers showed a balanced attack with contributions from Sam Reinhart, Tkachuk, Aleksander Barkov, and others. Having a proven playoff goalie like Sergei Bobrovsky, who posted a 2.21 goals-against-average in Round 1, is also a major asset.

For the Maple Leafs to win, they need spectacular performances from their core group: Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Mitch Marner, and John Tavares. They must find ways to generate substantial offense against Florida`s defense. While I expect an entertaining series, the Panthers` depth and status as reigning champions give them the decisive advantage. Pick: Panthers defeat Maple Leafs 4-2

Nivison: The Maple Leafs survived a minor scare from the Senators to reach the second round for the second time in three years. Their last second-round appearance ended in a five-game loss to these same Panthers. For a different outcome this time, their core players plus Matthew Knies must maintain their strong play; that group combined for 12 goals and 20 assists against Ottawa.

However, their opponent is much more formidable now. What the Panthers did to Tampa Bay last round was frankly terrifying. Gustav Forsling and Aleksander Barkov effectively shut down Tampa`s top offensive threats like Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point. Florida has a history of neutralizing elite opponents, and their own forwards can score with anyone. Toronto will compete hard, but Barkov`s impact makes the difference again. Pick: Panthers defeat Maple Leafs 4-2

Bengel: It`s worth noting that the Capitals faced a tougher test against the Canadiens than their five-game series win suggests. Washington`s offense was potent during the regular season, ranking second in goals per game (3.49). However, they sometimes seem overly reliant on Alex Ovechkin, whereas the Hurricanes boast more distributed scoring depth with players like Andrei Svechnikov and Sebastian Aho.

While I favor Carolina in this matchup, I predict a lengthy series as these teams appear very evenly matched. Both teams ranked among the top two in lowest goals-against-average in the first round. Carolina is expected to get starting goaltender Frederik Andersen back from injury for the series opener, providing a significant boost. This series could hinge on which team`s defense and goaltending rises to the occasion, and I ultimately back the Hurricanes in a close contest. Pick: Hurricanes defeat Capitals 4-3

Nivison: Both teams were clear favorites in their first-round series and performed accordingly. Beyond their offensive output, the goaltending was notably impressive. Logan Thompson and Frederik Andersen rank as the top two goalies in goals saved above average this postseason, according to Natural Stat Trick.

The key question is which goalie will falter first in this series. If Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov continue their Round 1 form, it will likely be Thompson. Svechikov found his scoring touch, and Aho proved his value as a premier two-way center. For Washington, Alex Ovechkin scored four goals against the Canadiens, showing he can still be a force. Unfortunately for the Capitals, Carolina`s defensive structure is vastly superior to Montreal`s. Goals will be much harder to come by for Washington, leading to a Hurricanes series victory. Pick: Hurricanes defeat Capitals 4-2

Bengel: Both teams provided plenty of drama in the first round but ultimately survived tough tests. Mikko Rantanen delivered incredible performances in Games 6 and 7 to push the Stars past the Avalanche. After a slow start, Rantanen accumulated a staggering four goals and four assists in the final two games. Perhaps even more impressive, Dallas won the series without key players like forward Jason Robertson and defenseman Miro Heiskanen. Given their depth, particularly down the middle, the Stars are the team to beat here, and I expect them to emerge victorious.

Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, a Vezina Trophy frontrunner, did not perform like the league`s top netminder in the opening round. Hellebuyck posted a concerning 3.85 goals-against-average and a .830 save percentage over seven games against the Blues. He allowed at least three goals in six contests and five or more in three games. Hellebuyck must significantly improve for Winnipeg to stand a chance against the Stars` potent offense, but I don`t see that happening consistently. Pick: Stars defeat Jets 4-2

Nivison: These teams were in deep trouble in the third period of their respective Game 7s before dramatically rallying to win. Winnipeg managed their comeback despite another troubling performance from star goalie Connor Hellebuyck in regulation; his 9.84 goals allowed above average ranks last in the playoffs per Natural Stat Trick.

The main question for me is whether Hellebuyck can build confidence from his strong overtime effort in Game 7. If he can, the Jets have a real chance. If he continues to struggle, the series will be short. The Stars` offensive firepower, especially with Jason Robertson potentially returning, is too much for Hellebuyck to overcome while allowing soft goals. Furthermore, Winnipeg has little margin for error with Mark Scheifele and Josh Morrissey banged up from their series against St. Louis. Dallas is deeper, healthier, and has better goaltending heading into this round. Pick: Stars defeat Jets 4-1

Bengel: The Golden Knights had a shaky start against the Wild, but their talent eventually powered them into the second round. However, allowing a 3.17 goals-against-average is not ideal, even with a proven playoff goalie like Adin Hill, especially with the Oilers up next. Hill will need to play more like he did in the final three games against Minnesota. Despite a slow start offensively, Jack Eichel finished the first round strong, accumulating five points in the final three games.

Meanwhile, the Oilers led the NHL with a 4.5 goals-per-game average in their first-round series against the Kings, scoring five or more goals in three games. With superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, scoring chances are always abundant. However, goaltending has historically been Edmonton`s weak spot. They switched to Calvin Pickard as their starter for the final four games against Los Angeles, all of which were victories. If Pickard can provide solid goaltending, the Oilers have a chance, but I believe the Golden Knights will do enough to advance. Pick: Golden Knights defeat Oilers 4-3

Nivison: The Oilers proved once again last round that Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl can compensate for many flaws. That dynamic duo combined for 21 points as Edmonton won four straight games after trailing the series 2-0. The Kings were arguably one of the teams best equipped to handle Edmonton`s stars but ultimately couldn`t contain them.

On paper, the Golden Knights should be capable of challenging them, but defensemen Alex Pietrangelo and Noah Hanifin had some inconsistent moments against Minnesota. If that continues, McDavid and Draisaitl will feast again. On the other side, Edmonton is still missing Mattias Ekholm on defense, making them vulnerable to Vegas`s attack led by Jack Eichel and Tomas Hertl. Coupled with neither team receiving stellar goaltending in Round 1, this series could be surprisingly high-scoring. In a high-scoring series, it`s difficult to bet against McDavid and the Oilers. Pick: Oilers defeat Golden Knights 4-3