That was a great first round for the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs

This series will be about which team can own the big moments. And after a relatively quiet first round — an absurd 11 points (2g, 9a) in six games — I think Connor McDavid is going to absolutely go off in the second round.

The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs first round had some great series. Two of the seven went seven games, which is always fun. I wish I could say I'm surprised by this stat considering how close the regular season was, but I'm not surprised at all.

This year, we're keeping track of predictions with a new system:

? - Lost series

? - Won series

And now, for the second round predictions.

Toronto ? vs Florida ?

Peter: I'm not overly impressed with the Leafs' play in the first round. Even with their productive power play, they conceded two shorthanded goals. I think goalie Anthony Stolarz made the difference, continuing his strong regular season form. However, after witnessing Hellebuyck's performance this postseason, I can no longer trust a team that relies so heavily on its goalie. Florida in seven.

Ian: It takes a vivid imagination to picture a scenario where the Toronto Maple Leafs eliminate both Tkachuk brothers in the opening two rounds and Steve Dangle experiences genuine happiness. While I attended art school, my brain isn't capable of such creativity. Perhaps Toronto is meant for great things and Craig Berube is the coach to lead them to the promised land, but I'm not buying it, especially against a strong forechecking team like Florida. Can you really envision Max Pacioretty scoring another series-winning goal? (Shakes head.) Florida in six.

Keith: Florida in six.

Carolina ☔️ vs Washington ?️

Peter: I hope to be wrong, just as the predictive models are wrong about this series. These are two contrasting extremes of how the hockey meta-game is played. Washington is a decent possession team with exceptional finishing talent, while Carolina is a world-beating possession team with mediocre finishers. I think the Caps can win this if they capitalize on the Carolina forecheck with their counterattack, perhaps through Connor McMichael's stick. Or, if Logan Thompson goes into nutzo mode again. But I'm not placing any bets on that today. Carolina in seven.

Ian: My logical mind tells me Carolina will win this series, but I've learned this season that nothing can overpower the Capitals' strength in friendship. Alex Ovechkin, at 39 years old, scored four goals in the first round. FOUR GOALS. Logan Thompson was arguably the best goalie in the entire NHL. The Capitals' roster is full of players performing their roles superbly and pulling together (forgive me for the mixed metaphor). I'm not sure how or why. Washington in seven.

Keith: Carolina in four.

Edmonton ?️ vs Vegas ⚔️

Peter: Both teams are incredibly strong; this feels like a classic second-round matchup. I think both teams have depth issues, so it will come down to strength-on-strength. I feel like Noah Hanifin could shut down Connor McDavid at times. It's his best bet, but I don't think it will be enough. I admit I'm not feeling very confident about this prediction. Edmonton in six.

Ian: This series will be decided by which team seizes the crucial moments. After a relatively quiet first round - an absurd 11 points (2g, 9a) in six games - I think Connor McDavid is going to explode in the second round. Same with Leon Draisaitl. Edmonton in five.

Keith: Edmonton in five.

Winnipeg ✈️ vs Dallas ⭐️

Peter: I don't know when I'll recover from last weekend's games. If either team were to face a different opponent this round, I'd predict a hangover defeat. Head-to-head, I think it's a coin toss. But if the Jets are as battered as it seems - with Mark Scheifele and Josh Morrissey out - then this is a simpler calculation. Dallas in six.

Ian: The Winnipeg Jets pulled off one of the greatest Game 7 comebacks in history on Sunday. There's a certain swagger and confidence that comes with a victory like that, especially when you already finished the season as the league's best team. Even though I think Jake Oettinger is one of the best goalies in the NHL, which I do, I just see the Jets finding a way. Winnipeg in seven.

Keith: Winnipeg in four.

This time, Keith has picked the Carolina Hurricanes to sweep the Washington Capitals. I really dislike this guy. Now it's your turn. Share your series predictions in the comments below. I prefer this format: CITY in X games.