The initial field of 16 teams in the Stanley Cup Playoffs has now been reduced to eight following the conclusion of the first round. The second round is set to begin, featuring exciting matchups across both conferences as teams continue their quest for the championship trophy.
NHL Playoffs Second Round Matchups
As teams advance, the competition intensifies. Here`s a look at the matchups set for the second round.
Western Conference
In the Western Conference, one series features the Dallas Stars against the Winnipeg Jets. The Stars advanced after a dramatic Game 7 win against the Colorado Avalanche, where they overcame a third-period deficit. This victory continued coach Peter DeBoer`s impressive undefeated record in Game 7s. The Jets, meanwhile, survived a tough seven-game series against the St. Louis Blues, highlighted by a thrilling double-overtime Game 7 win at home. Winnipeg held a regular-season advantage over Dallas, winning three out of four games.
The other Western Conference matchup pits the Vegas Golden Knights against the Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers recovered from an early 2-0 series deficit against the Los Angeles Kings in the first round, winning four consecutive games to advance. The Golden Knights eliminated the Minnesota Wild in six games, securing three straight wins after falling behind 2-1. The regular-season series between Vegas and Edmonton was split evenly, 2-2. Connor McDavid was a significant offensive force for the Oilers in their first-round series.
Eastern Conference
In the Eastern Conference, the defending champion Florida Panthers are set to face the Toronto Maple Leafs. Florida had a strong first round, dropping only one game against their in-state rivals, the Tampa Bay Lightning. Toronto advanced by defeating the Ottawa Senators in six games (as described in the text). The Panthers had the upper hand against the Maple Leafs during the regular season, winning three out of four meetings, although they split their two games played in early April. Sam Reinhart was a key offensive contributor for Florida in the first round, while William Nylander led Toronto.
Another Eastern Conference series sees the Carolina Hurricanes take on the Washington Capitals. The text states that the Capitals advanced by defeating the Montreal Canadiens in five games. Carolina also had a dominant first round, eliminating the New Jersey Devils in just five games. The regular-season series between Washington and Carolina was evenly split at two wins each over four games, with their last contest being a close shootout victory for the Capitals. Dylan Strome and Sebastian Aho were noted as key performers for the Capitals and Hurricanes, respectively, in their first-round series.
Responsible Gaming
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