As the NHL's 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs heat up, eight teams are set to face off in the highly anticipated second round. From the Eastern Conference, the Boston Bruins will take on the top-seeded Tampa Bay Lightning, while the Carolina Hurricanes will clash with the Toronto Maple Leafs. In the West, the Vegas Golden Knights will look to upset the Colorado Avalanche, who are seeking their third consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearance. Meanwhile, the Dallas Stars will face off against the St. Louis Blues in a battle of two of the league's most physical teams. With several series featuring high-powered offenses and stingy defenses, the second round promises to be an exciting and unpredictable ride.
Top storylines heading into 2nd round of 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs NHL.com
