2025 QMJHL playoffs second round predictions

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The second round of the QMJHL playoffs have arrived which means it's time for another round of predictions.

It was a tough first round for me. I had Moncton, Rimouski and Chicoutimi correctly advancing in the Eastern Conference. My one error was picking the Cape Breton Eagles over the Baie-Comeau Drakkar in six games. That series made it to six games, at least.

In the Western Conference I correctly picked Rouyn-Noranda and Shawinigan to move on. Like everyone, I had Drummondville beating Halifax easily, which of course did not happen. I also had Blainville-Boisbriand beating Sherbrooke, which ended up being wrong.

In short, I am 5/8 so far, which isn't great. Let's see if I can improve this round.

Eastern Conference

1. Moncton vs 4. Baie-Comeau - Moncton in 5

I'm not really sure what to make of Moncton's first round series with Quebec. I'm not sure if underwhelming is the right word, but it didn't feel like the dominant Wildcats we saw in the final few weeks of the regular season. On the Baie-Comeau side, they looked a bit better than expected even with some injury issues. I like Moncton in this series but I expect Baie-Comeau to push them at times – especially in Quebec.

2. Rimouski vs 3. Chicoutimi - Rimouski in 5

Rimouski really put the pedal to the floor after Game 1 of their first round series with Charlottetown. I expect Chicoutimi to be more of a challenge, but I think they'll be fine. The wild card in this is, of course, the fact that you just never know with Memorial Cup host teams in these early rounds.

Western Conference

2. Rouyn-Noranda vs 8. Halifax - Rouyn-Noranda in 5

I hope this is a good series and Halifax has some energy left in the tank from their first round upset. Rouyn-Noranda will no doubt be ready for a challenge. It's all going to come down to the play of Jacob Steinman again. Sadly, I think the Mooseheads' magical run will come to an end this round with Steinman stealing a game.

3. Shawinigan vs 5. Sherbrooke - Shawinigan in 6

This could be the most fun series of the second round. The Cataractes are the favourites but the Phoenix won the season series (4-2-0-1). They've oddly only met once since Jan. 25. I like the Cataractes in this series but I expect the Phoenix to be a challenge.

If these predictions prove accurate, it would set up a third round as follows (remember, teams are reseeded in the third round based on the overall standings).

Moncton vs Rouyn-Noranda

Rimouski vs Shawinigan

Enjoy the playoffs.