The NHL's second-round series have largely concluded, positioning the Carolina Hurricanes as the clear Eastern favorite after sweeping the Philadelphia Flyers and earning extended rest ahead of facing either the Buffalo Sabres or Montreal Canadiens in a best-of-seven that begins as early as May 19. In the West, the Presidents' Trophy-winning Colorado Avalanche dispatched the Minnesota Wild in five games while the Vegas Golden Knights eliminated the Anaheim Ducks in six, setting up a conference final matchup on May 20 with home-ice advantage for the Avs. Key variables include the Atlantic Division series outcome between Buffalo and Montreal, both of which carry momentum from overcoming first-round deficits, along with potential injury updates to top-line players and goaltenders that could shift ice time and special-teams performance. Trader consensus reflects these recent results and rest advantages as primary drivers.