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Stanley Cup playoffs picks: Who wins every second-round series?

Stanley Cup Playoffs 2025: Who Will Advance to the Conference Finals?

Stanley Cup Playoffs 2025: Second Round Predictions and Analysis

The first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs has wrapped up, and what a thrilling start it was! Eight teams have punched their tickets to the next round, while eight others have seen their dreams dashed. As we gear up for the second round, ESPN’s experts have weighed in with their predictions for each matchup. So, which teams will advance to the conference finals? Let’s dive into the details and see what the experts have to say.

Atlantic Division Showdown

The Toronto Maple Leafs and the Florida Panthers are set to face off in what promises to be an electrifying series. The Panthers have been a force to be reckoned with, and the experts seem to agree. Here’s how the predictions stack up:

  • John Buccigross: Panthers in seven
  • Ryan Callahan: Panthers in six
  • Cassie Campbell-Pascall: Panthers in six
  • Sachin Chandan: Panthers in six
  • Meghan Chayka: Panthers in six
  • Ryan S. Clark: Panthers in seven
  • Linda Cohn: Panthers in six
  • Rachel Doerrie: Panthers in six
  • Ray Ferraro: Panthers in six
  • Emily Kaplan: Panthers in seven
  • Tim Kavanagh: Maple Leafs in six
  • Peter Lawrence-Riddell: Panthers in six
  • Steve Levy: Panthers in six
  • Vince Masi: Panthers in six
  • Victoria Matiash: Panthers in six
  • Sean McDonough: Panthers in six
  • Mark Messier: Panthers in six
  • AJ Mleczko: Panthers in six
  • Arda Öcal: Maple Leafs in six
  • Kristen Shilton: Maple Leafs in seven
  • John Thoering: Panthers in six
  • Bob Wischusen: Panthers in six
  • Greg Wyshynski: Panthers in six

Consensus prediction: Panthers (20 of 23 picks)

Metropolitan Division Clash

In the Metropolitan Division, the Washington Capitals will take on the Carolina Hurricanes. This series is expected to be a nail-biter, with the Capitals slightly favored by the experts:

  • John Buccigross: Capitals in seven
  • Ryan Callahan: Capitals in seven
  • Cassie Campbell-Pascall: Capitals in six
  • Sachin Chandan: Capitals in six
  • Meghan Chayka: Hurricanes in six
  • Ryan S. Clark: Capitals in seven
  • Linda Cohn: Capitals in six
  • Rachel Doerrie: Capitals in six
  • Ray Ferraro: Capitals in seven
  • Emily Kaplan: Capitals in seven
  • Tim Kavanagh: Capitals in six
  • Peter Lawrence-Riddell: Hurricanes in seven
  • Steve Levy: Capitals in five
  • Vince Masi: Hurricanes in six
  • Victoria Matiash: Hurricanes in six
  • Sean McDonough: Capitals in seven
  • Mark Messier: Hurricanes in six
  • AJ Mleczko: Hurricanes in five
  • Mike Monaco: Hurricanes in six
  • Arda Öcal: Capitals in six
  • Kristen Shilton: Hurricanes in six
  • John Thoering: Capitals in seven
  • Bob Wischusen: Capitals in seven
  • Greg Wyshynski: Capitals in seven

Consensus prediction: Capitals (16 of 24 picks)

Central Division Battle

The Winnipeg Jets and the Dallas Stars are set to duke it out in the Central Division. The Stars have the edge according to the experts, but the Jets are not to be underestimated:

  • John Buccigross: Stars in seven
  • Ryan Callahan: Stars in five
  • Sachin Chandan: Stars in six
  • Meghan Chayka: Stars in six
  • Ryan S. Clark: Stars in seven
  • Linda Cohn: Jets in seven
  • Rachel Doerrie: Stars in six
  • Ray Ferraro: Stars in six
  • Emily Kaplan: Stars in six
  • Tim Kavanagh: Stars in seven
  • Peter Lawrence-Riddell: Stars in six
  • Steve Levy: Stars in seven
  • Vince Masi: Jets in seven
  • Victoria Matiash: Jets in seven
  • Sean McDonough: Stars in six
  • Mark Messier: Stars in six
  • Mike Monaco: Stars in six
  • Arda Öcal: Stars in six
  • Kristen Shilton: Stars in six
  • John Thoering: Stars in seven
  • Bob Wischusen: Jets in seven
  • Greg Wyshynski: Stars in six

Consensus prediction: Stars (17 of 21 picks)

Pacific Division Duel

Finally, the Pacific Division will see the Vegas Golden Knights take on the Edmonton Oilers. This series is a toss-up, with the Golden Knights slightly favored:

  • John Buccigross: Oilers in seven
  • Ryan Callahan: Golden Knights in six
  • Cassie Campbell-Pascall: Oilers in seven
  • Sachin Chandan: Oilers in seven
  • Meghan Chayka: Golden Knights in seven
  • Ryan S. Clark: Golden Knights in seven
  • Linda Cohn: Oilers in seven
  • Rachel Doerrie: Golden Knights in seven
  • Ray Ferraro: Golden Knights in seven
  • Emily Kaplan: Golden Knights in seven
  • Tim Kavanagh: Golden Knights in six
  • Peter Lawrence-Riddell: Golden Knights in six
  • Steve Levy: Golden Knights in seven
  • Vince Masi: Oilers in six
  • Victoria Matiash: Golden Knights in six
  • Sean McDonough: Golden Knights in seven
  • Mark Messier: Oilers in seven
  • AJ Mleczko: Golden Knights in six
  • Mike Monaco: Oilers in six
  • Arda Öcal: Oilers in six
  • Kristen Shilton: Oilers in seven
  • John Thoering: Golden Knights in seven
  • Bob Wischusen: Golden Knights in seven
  • Greg Wyshynski: Oilers in seven

Consensus prediction: Golden Knights (14 of 24 picks)

As the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs gets underway, fans are in for a treat with these exciting matchups. Will the experts’ predictions hold true, or will we see some surprises along the way? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the race for the Stanley Cup is heating up!

Original source article rewritten by our AI can be read here.
Originally Written by: ESPN staff

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Eagles The Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, are up against arguably the best team they’ve faced in a Super Bowl during the Mahomes era. The Eagles have been formidable, losing only three games all season, two of which were due to dropped passes that could have sealed victories. This Eagles team is stronger than the one the Chiefs defeated two years ago and even more intimidating than the 49ers teams Kansas City bested in Super Bowls LIV and LVIII. Philadelphia’s prowess is such that they are considered more daunting than the Tom Brady-led Buccaneers, who handed Mahomes his only championship game defeat in Super Bowl LV. While this may not be the best Chiefs team we’ve seen, it might be the craftiest. The Chiefs have consistently found ways to win, often in spectacularly close games. Their victory over the Bills in the AFC Championship Game was their 15th consecutive win in games decided by seven points or fewer. The question remains: Can the Eagles prevent the Chiefs from making history? Meet the Teams Kansas City Chiefs Coach: Andy Reid Andy Reid, with his wealth of playoff and Super Bowl experience, has been instrumental in the Chiefs’ success. In 26 seasons, Reid boasts a 28-16 postseason record and a 3-2 Super Bowl record. Despite challenges such as injuries and defensive inconsistencies, Reid has guided the Chiefs to the brink of a third consecutive championship. How did they get here? The Chiefs’ journey to a 17-2 record, including two playoff victories, was no easy feat. Kansas City won 11 regular-season games and the AFC Championship Game against the Bills by one score, often relying on a mix of skill and luck. A blocked field goal in Week 10 against the Broncos exemplified their ability to make crucial plays at critical moments. Philadelphia Eagles Coach: Nick Sirianni Nick Sirianni has made history as the first coach in the Super Bowl era to reach the playoffs in each of his first four seasons while making multiple Super Bowl appearances. With a regular-season record of 48-20, Sirianni’s winning percentage ranks third in the modern era, trailing only legends John Madden and George Allen. How did they get here? The Eagles’ season began with a shaky 2-2 start, but they quickly found their rhythm. A focus on Saquon Barkley during their Week 5 bye propelled them to a 10-game winning streak and a 14-3 regular-season record. Philadelphia’s top-ranked rushing game and defense earned them the No. 2 seed in the NFC, culminating in a dominant 55-23 victory over the Commanders in the NFC title game. Quarterback Breakdown Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs Despite a “down year” by his standards, Mahomes remains a formidable force. 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