With eight teams left in the playoffs and four series to be played, we don't have quite as many bold takes to make or analysis to do a deep dive into. Fortunately, it means we can max out our thought process for making the kinds or predictions few would have the courage to make.

The Athletic polled its staff on who would win each second-round series, plus the conference champions, Stanley Cup winner and Conn Smythe.

O'Brien would be a steal at this point in the draft, as Buffalo could try to replace center Dylan Cozens for the long haul with the sharpshooting O'Brien. He's coming off a 32-goal, 66-assist season in the OHL.

The New York Islanders won the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, jumping nine spots thanks to the lottery Monday, while Utah Hockey Club went from No. 14 to No. 4. With a draft order now known, a collection of our NHL reporters combined for a mock draft of the first 16 picks.

GM Barry Trotz knew dropping to No. 5 was possible in the NHL draft lottery, but he expects the Nashville Predators to find quality talent.