The Stanley Cup Playoffs saw some riveting action throughout the first round. Two of the Western Conference series went the full seven games. The Dallas Stars and Winnipeg Jets ultimately moved onto the next round despite both looking dead in the water late in Game 7.

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

The 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs are here. The Winnipeg Jets are the NHL's top overall seed, having finished the regular season with the most points in the standings, and the Washington Capitals earned the No. 1 seed in the East. This page will be your home throughout the postseason, including schedules, scores, highlights and other preview content.