By NHL Public Relations

May 2, 2023

The second round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs begins with a doubleheader broadcast nationally in the U.S. and Canada (ESPN, SN, TVAS, CBC) as the Maple Leafs clash with the Panthers and the Stars host the Kraken in Dallas.

* For the first time in four years, the Presidents’ Trophy-winning team and most recent Stanley Cup Finalists will all be absent from the Second Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs – the last time that occurred was in 2019, when Washington, Vegas and Tampa Bay all fell in the First Round.

* There have been 292 unique series matchups in NHL history, including three in the 2023 Second Round: Florida-Toronto, Edmonton-Vegas and Seattle-Dallas.

* For the fifth time under the Wild Card format, two Wild Card clubs advanced past the opening round. The Panthers (WC2) and Kraken (WC1) will look to follow in the footsteps of the 2018-19 Hurricanes and 2016-17 Predators – the only two Wild Card teams to advance past the Second Round since the format was introduced in 2014. Nashville is the only Wild Card team to advance to the Stanley Cup Final.

* Among the teams competing in the 2023 Second Round, there have been a combined five Stanley Cup wins in the past 30 years, with Carolina’s 2006 championship being the most recent (the others: NJD in 2003, 2000 & 1995; DAL in 1999).

* The Golden Knights have the most players on their roster with Stanley Cup Final experience among the eight remaining clubs (12), followed by the Stars (10), Kraken (6), Maple Leafs (6), Hurricanes (5), Devils (3), Oilers (3) and Panthers (3).

Source: NHL Morning Skate: Stanley Cup Playoffs Edition – May 2, 2023