2026 NHL Postseason 2nd Round Preview

Eastern Conference

M1. Carolina Hurricanes vs. M3 Philadelphia Flyers

First Round Series: The Hurricanes make quick work of the Ottawa Senators, sweeping them in four straight across a week. The Flyers got out to a 3-0 series lead against the Pittsburgh Penguins and held on to win the series in six games on Cam York's overtime winner.

Season Series: Every regular-season meeting required more than 60 minutes to complete, with three won by the Hurricanes. Three of the four ended in the shootout, with the Canes winning the first two and Philadelphia winning the final contest.

Postseason History: This is the first postseason meeting between the two franchises, marking the second straight first-time opponent for Carolina.

Prediction: On paper, this series appears far more favorable for the Hurricanes than their encounter with the Senators. That doesn't mean it'll be any easier. The concern I have stems from the Canes' inability to win a game against them in regulation this season, leaving it to chance. However, if there's one edge that the Canes have over the Flyers, it's their experience. 11 Flyers made their postseason debuts during the first round, while the Canes are full of postseason veterans. They know what it takes. We've seen them stumble in this position before. I'm a little more confident that they can get it done this time. Hurricanes in 6 (Prediction made before Game 1)

A1. Buffalo Sabres vs. A3. Montreal Canadiens 

First Round Series: The Sabres ended the longest postseason series win drought by finishing the Boston Bruins in six games. The Canadiens needed all seven games to prevail over the Tampa Bay Lightning, winning on the road in the winner-take-all game on Sunday.

Season Series: The Sabres and the Canadiens split their four meetings during the regular season, and it was about as even as you'll get. All four games ended in regulation. All four games were decided by two goals. Each team won at home and on the road. However, they haven't played since the end of January.

Postseason History: This is the eighth postseason meeting between the Sabres and the Canadiens. Montreal owns a 4-3 edge in series wins, but the sides haven't met since the 1998 Conference Semifinals, a four-game sweep for the Sabres. 

Prediction: This is going to be another incredibly fun series between two exciting teams. This is a situation where I think Montreal going the distance against Tampa is to their benefit. The Canadiens might not seem like it, but they hold a significant experience edge over Buffalo, though that might not be saying much since the Sabres haven't been in the playoffs in a long time. Both goalies come in on fire, and both sides have weapons around the ice to make the other side nervous. It's another one that I could see going the distance, but I think the experience that Montreal has will prove to be a deciding factor. Canadiens in 6

Western Conference

C1. Colorado Avalanche vs. C3. Minnesota Wild

First Round Series: The second sweep of the opening round came courtesy of the best team during the regular season, as Colorado ended Anze Kopitar's career in four games. Minnesota needed a little more time, but they did a great job of keeping the Stars down, winning in six games.

Season Series: Their four meetings during the regular season were split down the middle, with each side earning a regulation win and a shootout win. They each won their game in regulation in the others' barn, though they haven't met since early March.

Postseason History: This is the third postseason meeting between the Avalanche and the Wild, with Minnesota winning two of the three. This is the first time they've met outside of the first round, and the first meeting since 2014, a seven-game win for the Wild.

Prediction: Most everything we saw from the Avalanche during the first round indicates that they remain the team to beat in the Western Conference and, potentially, in the NHL. They have one of the deepest rosters in the world and one of the best coaches in the world. They are a juggernaut. Minnesota doesn't appear to be worried about that. The Wild were the better team against the Stars by a fair margin, but injuries heading into the round are a cause for concern. I think the Wild possess the skill to stick with the Avalanche and give them a good scare. However, Colorado's depth should give them the edge. Avalanche in 6 (Prediction made before Game 1)

P1. Vegas Golden Knights vs. P3. Anaheim Ducks

First Round Series: Both teams required six games to win their opening series. Anaheim got the job done first, beating the defending conference champions on Thursday night. Vegas was shortly behind them, finishing Utah on Friday night. 

Season Series: The Ducks swept their three meetings during the regular season. All three games ended with a 4-3 score, with two of them ending in overtime. The only game that ended in regulation was in Anaheim in February. This was their last meeting of the regular season.

Postseason History: This is the first postseason meeting between the Golden Knights and the Ducks, who haven't been to the second round since before Vegas was an NHL franchise.

Prediction: The Ducks should feel very good about where they sit right now. They tamed the beast that used to be the Edmonton Oilers with relative ease, and they should feel very confident about their chances against the Golden Knights, whom they swept this season. Like the Carolina-Philadelphia series, this series could easily come down to experience, which Vegas holds a considerable edge in. They aren't far removed from a Stanley Cup victory after all. Based on my other selections, one would assume I'd take the boring pick and go with Vegas. However, I genuinely like the Ducks' chances. Ducks in 7

Predictions for the Rest

Conference Finals

Carolina over Montreal in 6

Colorado over Anaheim in 5

Stanley Cup Final

Colorado over Carolina in 7