NHL Hockey 8 Hours

Last updated: May 4, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

NHL Playoff Second Round Previews & Predictions

As the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs transition into the second round, analysts are releasing picks for every matchup, with focus shifting to which four teams will advance to the conference finals. In the Western Conference, the Vegas Golden Knights face the Anaheim Ducks in a series where Vegas is expected by some analysts to secure home-ice advantage early in the best-of-seven contest, aiming for a Game 1 parlay victory to kick off their campaign against the Ducks. Meanwhile, the Eastern Conference features a tight clash, as Sports Line’s model is preparing its projections for the Philadelphia Flyers vs. Carolina Hurricanes series, specifically revealing its Game 2 best bets where the Hurricanes are favored on home ice according to model projections. Although other league results involving the Pistons, Cavs, and 76ers winning Game 7s dominated headlines earlier, the focus now sharpens on these crucial second-round NHL clashes to determine the path to the final four.