Hockey Playoffs: Who’s Got the Edge in the Second Round?

The Hurricanes and Avalanche have both finished their first‑round battles with clean sweeps. Carolina keeps a streak alive, winning its fifth straight game by beating the Flyers in the opener of their second‑round series. Colorado, meanwhile, looks ready to test a tough Minnesota Wild lineup that is among the league’s best. Vegas faces an emerging Ducks squad, while Buffalo waits to see who will face them after the Lightning and Canadiens lock horns in a Game 7 showdown on Sunday, May 3. Predictions for the conference finals are hotly debated: some analysts think Carolina will finish in five games, others argue they’ll need a sixth. The Wild and Avalanche matchup is expected to be close, with some forecasts favoring Colorado in seven games and others seeing Minnesota win the deciding game. The Golden Knights are tipped to take the series against Anaheim in six, with comments noting their stronger defensive play and experience.Fans and experts weigh the teams’ recent performances. Carolina’s aggressive offense and solid defense could outmatch Philadelphia, while Minnesota’s star player Quinn Hughes and Colorado’s Cale Makar are seen as key figures who could tip the scales. In Vegas, penalties and a strong penalty kill might give them an advantage over Anaheim’s high‑scoring style. Each series is described as a potential “coin flip, ” but analysts point out subtle edges that could sway outcomes. The playoffs continue to show how small differences—rest, depth, and momentum—can decide series. As teams adjust strategies and players rise to the occasion, the second round promises drama and surprises that keep fans on edge.