NHL playoff predictions for second round: Who goes to conference finals?

Updated May 3, 2026, 3:37 p.m. ETThe Hurricanes and the Colorado Avalanche swept their first round opponents and Carolina made it five wins in a row with a victory against the Philadelphia Flyers in the teams' second round opener.The Avalanche might have a tougher time in their second round series because the Minnesota Wild are among the best teams in the league.The Vegas Golden Knights are taking on the upstart Anaheim Ducks and the Buffalo Sabres are still waiting to find out their opponent as the Tampa Bay Lightning and Montreal Canadiens are playing in Game 7 on Sunday, May 3.Here are USA TODAY Sports' predictions for who advances to the conference finals (the Sabres series prediction will be provided once their opponent is known):Carolina Hurricanes vs. Philadelphia FlyersMike Brehm: Hurricanes in 5. The Flyers are better than the Ottawa Senators, but the Hurricanes are much better than the Pittsburgh Penguins. Philadelphia will avoid a sweep, but the Hurricanes play too aggressively and too well defensively for the Flyers to get more than one win.Jace Evans: Hurricanes in 5. The Flyers could find a way to muck things up, and goalie Dan Vladar — coming off a sterling first round