For all the criticism of the NHL's divisional playoff format, this year's second-round series are loaded with compelling matchups. In the Western Conference, we have the Vegas Golden Knights vs. the San Jose Sharks, two teams that swept their first-round opponents, and the Winnipeg Jets vs. the Nashville Predators, the teams with the two best records in the Western Conference.
| Team | Points |
|---|---|
| Predators | 117 |
| Jets | 114 |
| Lightning | 113 |
| Bruins | 112 |
| Golden Knights | 109 |
| Capitals | 105 |
| Sharks | 100 |
| Penguins | 100 |
In the East, we have the two-time defending champion Pittsburgh Penguins vs.