NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: May 5, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Second Round Action & Predictions

The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs are heating up as the second round begins, with several matchups already set following intense first-round finishes, including the Vegas Golden Knights hosting the Anaheim Ducks in Game 1 on Monday, a series where Vegas is favored to secure home ice advantage for the opening win following their elimination of Utah. Meanwhile, the Western Conference also features the Colorado Avalanche taking on the Minnesota Wild, with Sports Line’s model already projecting Game 2 picks for that series after the Wild managed to survive the first round. In the East, the Philadelphia Flyers meet the Carolina Hurricanes in their own Game 2 scenario, with Hurricanes forward Ehlers expected to return in time for the opener, a series where the model provided specific player prop bets, including wagers on Taylor Hall of the Hurricanes.

Several high-profile contenders faltered early, as the Tampa Bay Lightning and Edmonton Oilers were among the biggest first-round disappointments, setting the stage for second-round previews that aim to determine the four teams advancing to the conference finals as the bracket takes shape. The initial round saw several dramatic Game 7 outcomes, including victories for the Pistons, Cavaliers, 76ers, and Canadiens, though specific playoff results for the latter two teams in the subsequent round remain fluid as of Monday's action. In the aftermath of the first round, attention turns to roster management for eliminated clubs, with analysis already focusing on free agency and draft strategies for every non-contending team.

Betting Markets & Player Props

Analyst predictions for the ongoing postseason heavily feature player performance props, with Wild left wing Kirill Kaprizov singled out for favorable bets during Sunday’s slate of games. to Monday’s matchups, expert analysis pointed toward backing specific outcomes, including bets involving Taylor Hall of the Hurricanes as part of a broader set of recommended wagers for the day’s playoff contests which also included the Flyers-Hurricanes matchup. For bettors looking to engage with the atmosphere, Draft Kings offered promotions providing $100 in bonus bets tied to action across both the NBA and NHL on Sunday, specifically highlighting the Lightning-Canadiens game among the featured Sunday contests.

Contract News & Draft Outlook

Away from the immediate playoff intensity, team building for the future is underway, evidenced by the St. Louis Blues signing Holloway to a five-year, $38.75M contract. Attention is also shifting toward the upcoming amateur talent pool, as the highly anticipated NHL Draft lottery is scheduled for Tuesday night in New Jersey, where Penn State star forward Gavin McKenna is widely regarded as the top prize available. The recent conclusion of the first round saw the Buffalo Sabres advance past their playoff series for the first time since 2007, providing a morale boost as they look toward offseason planning alongside other eliminated franchises such as the team defeated by Vegas.

Injury & Disciplinary Updates

Disciplinary action is pending against the Bruins' Charlie McAvoy, who faces an in-person hearing for a slash, suggesting potential missed time for the defenseman. On the injury front, the prognosis for Connor McDavid appears grim, as he was reportedly hampered by a foot fracture during the Oilers' Round 1 defeat, explaining the team's early exit despite high preseason expectations as a Stanley Cup contender. Meanwhile, teams look to solidify their lineups for the second round, as seen in the effort to get Carolina's Ehlers healthy for Game 1.