With two Game 7s officially decided to conclude Round 1, the second-round matchups are set for the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, and eight teams will continue to battle for hockey’s ultimate prize. Over the next two weeks, the Eastern and Western Conference Finals will be determined as these teams face off against each other.

In the Eastern Conference, the reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers have shown they could still be the team to beat, yet they will face a formidable challenge against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Meanwhile, the Washington Capitals – who clinched the best record in the East – will go head-to-head with the Carolina Hurricanes in a Metropolitan Division battle.

In the Western Conference, the top-seeded Winnipeg Jets managed to bypass disaster in their opening round but will take on an even tougher opponent in the Dallas Stars. The Stars also clinched their progression from a 2-0 deficit against the Colorado Avalanche, yet they are favored to upset the Presidents’ Trophy winners.

Lastly, the Vegas Golden Knights are set to take on the Edmonton Oilers in what promises to be a legendary clash. Vegas dispatched the Minnesota Wild in six games to advance, while Edmonton swept the Los Angeles Kings.

Before the second round begins, here are our expert picks for every series winner:

Panthers vs. Maple Leafs

• Series odds: Panthers -184, Maple Leafs +150 (via FanDuel)
• Bengel: I regret picking against the Panthers in the opening round, but I won’t make the same mistake again. They appeared as a well-oiled machine, defeating the Lightning in just five games. Star forward Matthew Tkachuk made a welcome return to the lineup and was pivotal for Florida. Their balanced attack is complemented by the reliable goaltending of Sergei Bobrovsky, showcasing a strong performance with a 2.21 goals-against average.
• Nivison: The Maple Leafs survived a mini scare from the Senators, returning to the second round for the second time in three years after being ousted by the Panthers previously. They will need stellar performances from their Core Four. This series will be captivating, but I believe that the Panthers’ firepower makes them the reigning champions for a reason. Pick: Panthers def. Maple Leafs 4-2.