With the conclusion of two dramatic Game 7s, the stage is set for the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, with eight teams fighting for the title.
Eastern Conference Matchups
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The reigning Florida Panthers will have a tough test against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Panthers looked dominant as they dispatched the Tampa Bay Lightning. The star forward Matthew Tkachuk returned from injury, helping to maintain their strong performance. The Leafs need to ramp up their scoring if they hope to best the defending champions.
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In another matchup, the Washington Capitals, who took the top position in the East, face off against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Western Conference Matchups
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The Winnipeg Jets, the top seed, narrowly escaped elimination but now face a formidable opponent in the Dallas Stars, who just managed to scrap by the Colorado Avalanche after a challenging first round.
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Finally, the Vegas Golden Knights will take on the Edmonton Oilers. The Golden Knights need to turn around their early struggles against the Minnesota Wild as they face the high-scoring Oilers.
As the championships unfold, predictions for the series are firmly in favor of Florida, Carolina, Dallas, and Vegas to advance further in the playoffs.
