Misryoum reviews the Stanley Cup Playoffs Round 2 matchups, including schedule details and the latest Round 1 scorelines.
A new chapter of the Stanley Cup Playoffs begins now, with Round 2 schedules set and momentum already shifting between conference rivals.
With the first-round matchups completed, the NHL’s Round 2 slate brings the conference semifinals into focus. Misryoum takes a look at where each series stands right now and when the next games are scheduled to start, with all times listed in ET.
Carolina Hurricanes vs.. Philadelphia Flyers
Carolina holds a 1-0 lead after posting a 3-0 shutout in Game 1.. Game 2 is set for Philadelphia at Carolina on Monday. May 4 at 7 p.m.. followed by Game 3 in Philadelphia on Thursday. May 7 at 8 p.m.. The series then shifts back to Carolina/Philadelphia again with Game 4 on Saturday, May 9 at 6 p.m.. Additional dates are listed for the remainder of the series should it extend further.
Insight: After a Game 1 shutout, Carolina’s early edge matters most in a Round 2 format where teams can’t afford to cede control of the pace.
Buffalo Sabres vs.. Montreal Canadiens / Tampa Bay Lightning
This series is set at 0-0. with the matchups determined by the outcome of the earlier round.. Game 1 begins on Wednesday, May 6 at 7 p.m.. in Buffalo, and Game 2 is scheduled for Friday, May 8 at 7 p.m.. Game 3 moves to Montreal or Tampa Bay on Sunday. May 10 at 7 p.m.. with Game 4 following on Tuesday. May 12 at a time marked TBD.
The remaining games, if needed, are listed across the next week and include additional fixtures starting in Buffalo and then returning to the Montreal/Tampa Bay side depending on series progression.
Insight: When a series starts level, the early home-ice sequence can quickly shape confidence, especially in high-pressure elimination scenarios.
Colorado Avalanche vs.. Minnesota Wild
Also tied at 0-0. Colorado’s Round 2 run begins with Game 1 in Colorado on Sunday. May 3 at 9 p.m.. Game 2 follows on Tuesday, May 5 at 8 p.m., again in Colorado.. Game 3 switches to Minnesota on Saturday. May 9 at 9 p.m.. before Game 4 returns to Minnesota on Monday. May 11 with a time to be confirmed.
Further dates for Games 5 through 7 remain dependent on results, with the listed schedule showing a mix of Colorado and Minnesota venues that could extend the series into mid-May.
Insight: For Minnesota, the ability to steal momentum in the first stretch away from home could define the series before it reaches any decisive later games.
Vegas Golden Knights vs.. Anaheim Ducks
The Golden Knights and Ducks are level at 0-0 as Round 2 begins.. Game 1 is scheduled in Vegas on Monday, May 4 at 9:30 p.m., followed by Game 2 on Wednesday, May 6 at 9:30 p.m.. Another flip to Anaheim lands Game 3 on Friday. May 8 at 9:30 p.m.. with Game 4 back in Anaheim on Sunday. May 10 at 9:30 p.m.
As the series continues, Misryoum notes that Games 5 through 7 are listed with later dates and times marked TBD, leaving plenty of room for the series to build toward a definitive finish.
Insight: Round 2 is where the margin shrinks, and the first couple of games often determine which team sets the defensive tone for the rest of the postseason.