The Stanley Cup Playoffs are heating up, and we're inching closer to the Finals. With the first round nearly wrapped up—just one game remains as we speak—it's time to update our playoff preview and dive into the second-round matchups. Buckle up, hockey fans, because the intensity is about to go through the roof.

Carolina Hurricanes (M1/1) vs. Philadelphia Flyers (M3/8)

This series feels like a mismatch from the start, and it's one that probably should've been a first-round battle. The Hurricanes came out flying in Game One, even after a long layoff, while the Flyers looked completely out of sync. Philadelphia managed just 10 shots at five-on-five with only 0.81 expected goals, according to Natural Stat Trick. If that's a sign of things to come, the Flyers might be looking at a quick exit in four or five games. There were early concerns about Carolina's Nikolaj Ehlers and Alexander Nikishin missing time, but both were ready to go in the Hurricanes' dominant 3-0 shutout win.

Philadelphia's only real hope rests on the shoulders of goalie Dan Vladar. He posted a career-best .906 save percentage in 52 games this season, and despite allowing three goals in Game One, he still boasts a .928 save percentage in seven playoff games. But even with Vladar standing on his head, it's hard to see the Flyers outplaying Rod Brind'Amour's well-oiled machine. They can thank Stuart Skinner for getting them this far, but now they're facing a team that plays like a finely tuned engine—and that engine is humming.

Buffalo Sabres (A1/2) vs. TBD (Lightning or Canadiens)

The Sabres have finally broken through, and their long-awaited resurgence is the talk of the playoffs. After bouncing the Boston Bruins in the First Round, Buffalo looks like a team on a mission. Head coach Lindy Ruff is getting the best out of his offensive stars, with Alex Tuch and Tage Thompson both averaging a point per game or better through six games. Bowen Byram and Peyton Krebs have also stepped up, providing crucial secondary scoring. In net, Alex Lyon has been nothing short of spectacular, posting a .955 save percentage and a minuscule 1.14 goals-against average in four starts. The Sabres handled the Bruins with relative ease, and now they're waiting to see who they'll face next—the Lightning or the Canadiens. Either way, Buffalo is playing with confidence and a chip on their shoulder.