As the 2026 NHL playoffs heat up, hockey fans are eagerly awaiting the next round of matchups. With the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs now in the books, The Hockey Writers has analyzed the remaining teams and made their predictions for Round 2. From the dominant powerhouses to the Cinderella story teams that managed to pull off upsets, this year's playoffs have been full of surprises. In this article, experts break down the series that are poised to be the most competitive and which teams have the best chance of advancing to the Conference Finals. Will the reigning champions be able to hold onto their title, or will a new challenger emerge to take the crown? Read on to find out who's predicted to move on and who's facing elimination.
2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs Round 2 Predictions The Hockey Writers