NHL Playoffs 2026 Conference Final Schedule: Dates, Times, Where To Watch

The NHL released the schedule scenarios for the Stanley Cup playoff conference finals on Thursday.

The Eastern Conference final will begin either on Tuesday, May 19, or Thursday, May 21, depending on how long the second-round series goes between the Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens.

That means the Carolina Hurricanes will have either 10 or 12 days between their Game 4 win against the Philadelphia Flyers and Game 1 of the third round.

The Western Conference final will begin on Wednesday, May 20, between the Colorado Avalanche and the winner of the Vegas Golden Knights and Anaheim Ducks series.

NHL Playoffs 2026 Second-Round Schedule: Dates, Times, Where To Watch

The NHL announced the dates for every second-round series of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Here's when and how to watch them.

Western Conference Final

Game 1: Vegas/Anaheim at Colorado, Wednesday, May 20, 8 p.m. (ESPN, SN, CBC, TVAS)

Game 2: Vegas/Anaheim at Colorado, Friday, May 22, 8 p.m. (ESPN, SN, CBC, TVAS)

Game 3: Colorado at Vegas/Anaheim, Sunday, May 24, 8 p.m. (ESPN, SN, CBC, TVAS)

Game 4: Colorado at Vegas/Anaheim, Tuesday, May 26, time TBD (ESPN, SN, CBC, TVAS)

If necessary

Game 5: Vegas/Anaheim at Colorado, Thursday, May 28, 8 p.m. (ESPN, SN, CBC, TVAS)

Game 6: Colorado at Vegas/Anaheim, Saturday, May 30, 8 p.m. (ABC, SN, CBC, TVAS)

Game 7: Vegas/Anaheim at Colorado, Monday, June 1, 8 p.m. (ESPN, SN, CBC, TVAS)

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This story was originally published May 14, 2026 at 4:56 PM.