The second round of the 2023 National Hockey League (NHL) Playoffs are set to start tonight, May 2nd, 2023.

Let’s look at the match-ups:

Eastern Conference

Florida Panthers (92 points) vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (111 points.) The Panthers received the second wild card spot in the East while the Leafs finished second in the Atlantic Division and fourth overall. The Panthers beat the Presidents’ Trophy winners, Boston Bruins, in seven games while the Maple Leafs beat the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games. This is the first time the two teams have met in the postseason. Look for the Maple Leafs to win in seven games and advance to their first Conference Finals since 2002.

New Jersey Devils (112 points) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (113 points.) The Hurricanes are the Metropolitan Division winners and finished second overall in the conference, with the Devils finishing right behind them in both categories. The Panthers beat the New York Islanders in six games while the Devils beat the New York Rangers in seven games. This is the fisth postseason meeting between the two teams with the Panthers winning three of the last four times. Look for the Devils to win in six games.

Western Conference

Seattle Kraken (100 points) vs. Dallas Stars (108 points.) The Stars finished fourh in the conference and second in their division while the Kraken won the first wild card spot. The Kraken beat the Colorado Avalanche in seven games while the Stars beat the Minnesota Wild in six games. This is the Kraken’s first time in the postseason. Look for the Stars to win in five games.

Edmonton Oilers (109 points) vs. Vegas Golden Knights (111 points.) The Golden Knights are the best team in the Western Conference while the Oilers finihsed in second place behind them in the Pacific Division. The Oilers beat the Los Angeles Kings in six games while the Golden Knights beat the Winnipeg Jets in five games. This is their first postseason meeting. Look for the Oilers to win in sevn games..