The first round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs is history, and the second round is set and ready to go. The writers at The Hockey Writers took a poll on the second-round matchups and cast their votes on who they think will win each series, how many games, and the series MVP (most valuable player).
New York Rangers vs. Carolina Hurricanes Predictions
New York Rangers: 61.3% of votes
Carolina Hurricanes: 38.7% of votes
*At the time of the vote, the Rangers and Hurricanes had already played Game 1*
Related: 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs Round 2 Hub
There is no doubt that this should be an entertaining series. With the two top teams in the Metro Division facing off, an extremely good team is set to be eliminated. The Rangers have true superstar power leading the way, both with their forwards Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad and their defense with Adam Fox. On the other side, there is no reason not to have players like Sebastian Aho, Jake Guentzel, and Andrei Svechnikov in the same conversation as the Rangers’ stars.
While there may be some more confidence in Igor Shesterkin than Freddy Andersen, both goalies have shown to be capable of stealing a game or series. This will be a matchup worth paying close attention to.
With Game 1 already in the books and the Rangers having a 1-0 series lead, some of the numbers may be swayed by that, but it certainly doesn’t look to be a blowout series for either team.
NYR in 6 Games: 35.5%
NYR in 7 Games: 25.8%
CAR in 7 Games: 29%
CAR in 6 Games: 9.7%
As expected, voters are predicting a long series between the Hurricanes and Rangers. Over half the votes going toward a Game 7 should make for a thrilling fight between these two juggernauts.
Related: Revisiting THW’s Stanley Cup Playoffs Round 1 Predictions
Series MVP: (Top 3)
Mika Zibanejad: 41.9%
Jake Guentzel: 19.4%
Adam Fox: 6.5%
The Rangers’ MVP from Round 1 is a safe bet for the second series as well. Especially with Game 1 being played prior to the first round’s conclusion, Mika Zibanejad’s three-point night certainly gave him an edge in this vote.
Florida Panthers vs. Boston Bruins Predictions
Florida Panthers: 93.6% of votes
Boston Bruins: 6.4% of votes
A rematch between the Florida Panthers and Boston Bruins from the first round last year is set to be an exciting series. The Bruins notoriously choked that…
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