Colorado Avalanche vs. Minnesota Wild emerge as the marquee second-round clash, with Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes set to duel. Colorado’s first-round sweep of Los Angeles showcased their elite defense, while Minnesota’s historic second-round return adds urgency. Analysts split on whether the Avalanche’s depth or the Wild’s home-ice advantage will decide the series.

Buffalo Sabres aim to advance past the Montreal Canadiens in a battle of resurgent teams. Buffalo’s top line, led by Tage Thompson, dominated Boston in Round 1, while Montreal’s Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield struggled against Tampa. A potential seven-game thriller hinges on which squad’s top line finds its rhythm.

The Carolina Hurricanes face Philadelphia Flyers in a defensive slugfest. Frederik Andersen and Dan Vladar have been playoff stalwarts, but Carolina’s lackluster first-round offense—scoring just one goal against Ottawa—raises concerns. Philadelphia’s rookie Porter Martone has injected energy, but the Canes’ Taylor Hall remains their linchpin.