HabsWorld Predicts: 2025 Playoffs – Round 2, Part 2

The second round of the NHL playoff series began on Monday with two more series starting tonight. The two Western Conference series predictions are the focus of this article, contributed by the HabsWorld writers.

Western Conference

Winnipeg Jets vs Dallas Stars

David Woodward predicts: Stars in 7 games
James Turner predicts: Stars in 7 games
Brian La Rose predicts: Stars in 6 games
Norm Szcyrek predicts: Stars in 7 games
Allan Katz predicts: Jets in 6 games

(David) I am taken aback by Connor Hellebuyck’s struggles last series. This could be an aberration or Winnipeg may simply have overused him but it is alarming. The President’s Trophy-winning Jets were a powerhouse all year but they are unlikely to beat Dallas while Hellebuyck is fighting the puck. Dallas overcame a 2-0 third-period deficit against a very good Colorado team and Miro Heiskanen should return during the series. Tyler Seguin returned for the Colorado series. With Dallas getting healthy at the right time, the Stars should win what will likely be a tight series.

(James) One thing I can say for sure about this series: it will be near-impossible to top the drama of either team’s Game 7 win in the first round. Both teams seemed on their way to postseason exits before some late-game heroics. Of the four second-round series, this one is the hardest to predict. It may depend upon which players are available for each side. Josh Morrissey and Mark Scheifele missed most of Winnipeg’s game seven victory, while the Stars were without Heiskanen and Jason Robertson. The outcome could change if any of these key players are available for this series. The series could ultimately be determined in the crease as the two top American-born goalies in the world face off in Hellebuyck and Jake Oettinger. Ultimately, if the series goes seven, I’ll go with Pete DeBoer and his 9-0 record in game sevens.

(Brian) I’ve long felt that whoever won the Dallas-Colorado series would become the favourite to come out of the West and I still feel that way now. Hellebuyck was shaky at best in that first round but is still capable of stealing a game at some point. However, Morrissey’s availability is in question, as is Scheifele’s. Yes, Dallas is still without Heiskanen and  Robertson but they got by Colorado without them and both are expected back in this series. Hellebuyck’s struggles on the road against St. Louis are a big cause for concern though so I expect the Stars to take this series at home, making it a win in six.

(Norm) Winnipeg barely advanced into the second round by winning their Game Seven match against St. Louis in the second overtime period. Kyle Connor is Winnipeg’s team scoring leader with an impressive twelve points to tie Mikko Rantanen for the NHL scoring lead. The next closest Jet to Connor are Scheifele and Mason Appleton, both with six points. Dallas also won their series in seven games, much to the thanks of Rantanen, who scored an incredible eight points in Dallas’ last two games, contributing towards every one of the Stars’ eight goals in those games. That includes an impressive hat trick in Game Seven. If I am correct in my seven-game series prediction, I cannot go against DeBoer and his perfect 9-0 record in NHL Game Sevens.

(Allan) The Hockey Gods have anointed the Jets to an improbable playoff journey. How many times has the regular season champion been almost universally regarded as a long shot to, never mind win the Cup, but to even make it to the Final? One can assume not often. Though I picked the Jets to beat the Blues as Game 7 moved forward, I realized the Blues were not going to be stopped. Then the Hockey Gods spoke and the Jets pulled a win out of their … donkey. Everyone is going to pick the Stars, especially because Helly was not heavenly in their last series. Also, the Stars have the Rant-man who had 12 points in seven games. Well, guess what? Connor also has 12 points in seven games and Helly is due. Should be a great series!

Edmonton Oilers vs Vegas Golden Knights

David Woodward predicts: Oilers in 6 games
James Turner predicts: Golden Knights in 7 games
Brian La Rose predicts: Golden Knights in 6 games
Norm Szcyrek predicts: Oilers in 6 games
Allan Katz predicts: Oilers in 6 games

(David) As a Canadian fan, my judgment may be compromised but I was impressed by Edmonton’s win over Los Angeles after dropping the first two games. Vegas is a solid team throughout the lineup so this will be anything but easy for the Oilers. However, Connor McDavid has yet to find another gear (he will) and the Oilers’ secondary scoring was a big part of their win over the Kings. Goaltending will be critical and, if Calvin Pickard and/or Stuart Skinner, can play well, the Oilers should prevail.

(James) Vegas got off to a slow start in their first-round matchup with Minnesota. I was convinced the Golden Knights were poised to sweep the Wild, but it took them six games to close out the series. Despite the rough start, Vegas looked more impressive as the series continued. The same could be said about the Oilers. Edmonton ran off four straight after going down 0-2 to the Kings. I just feel Vegas is the much more complete team from top to bottom. I also feel better about Adin Hill in the net for Vegas than either of Edmonton’s goalies. The series will be highly competitive, but I’ll take the Golden Knights in seven.

(Brian) On the one hand, it’s hard to pick against an Edmonton team that reached the Stanley Cup Final last year. On the other hand, it’s even harder to pick an Edmonton team to win a series with their current goaltending situation. Pickard is a so-so backup and it wouldn’t shock me if Skinner is back between the pipes at some point in the round. Not having Mattias Ekholm for the series will hurt defensively as well. I wasn’t overly impressed with the Golden Knights against the Wild as they had some particularly rough stretches. But they’re a team that is better in most categories, aside from not having the two best players. That should be enough to get Vegas through this round.

(Norm) Vegas disposed of the Wild in six games with relative ease. Their scoring leaders are forwards Tomas Hertl and Jack Eichel each with five points. I like Vegas’ overall defensive game and size on the blueline against Edmonton, who also sport a strong defensive style and have good size up front. Vegas will try to exploit the Oilers’ goaltender, who played very poorly against Los Angeles in the first round. However, Edmonton’s two scoring superstars (McDavid and Leon Draisaitl) were very productive, scoring eleven and ten points respectively, in the first round against the Kings. What impressed me more was how the Oilers’ secondary scoring stepped up to help win some games. That type of play will go a long way in the playoffs and will also help Edmonton get past Vegas.

(Allan) Believe it or not, the Oilers have a better goalie save percentage than Vegas. Are the Oilers ready for their moment in the sun? Will Gary Bettman allow two Canadian teams to play in the Western Conference Final? If the Oilers’ stars step up even a little, they should outscore the Knights.