NHL Releases 2026 Stanley Cup Final Schedule Scenarios

The 2026 Stanley Cup final will begin on either June 2 or June 4.

The NHL announced the schedule scenarios for the final round two days after the Vegas Golden Knights swept the Colorado Avalanche to book a matchup against either the Carolina Hurricanes or Montreal Canadiens.

Because the Golden Knights had fewer points in the regular season than the Hurricanes or Canadiens, they will start the final on the road and host Games 3 and 4, as well as Game 6 if necessary.

Golden Knights Don't Touch Clarence S. Campbell Bowl After Sweep

The Vegas Golden Knights did not touch the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl when they were Western Conference champions in 2023 and later went on to win the Stanley Cup. They didn't touch the trophy again in 2026.

Stanley Cup Final If Eastern Conference Final Is Decided In Six Or Seven Games

Game 1: Vegas at Carolina/Montreal, Thursday, June 4, 8 p.m. (ABC, SN, CBC, TVAS)

Game 2: Vegas at Carolina/Montreal, Saturday, June 6, 8 p.m. (ABC, SN, CBC, TVAS)

Game 3: Carolina/Montreal at Vegas, Tuesday, June 9, 8 p.m. (ABC, SN, CBC, TVAS)

Game 4: Carolina/Montreal at Vegas, Thursday, June 11, 8 p.m. (ABC, SN, CBC, TVAS)

If necessary

Game 5: Vegas at Carolina/Montreal, Sunday, June 14, 8 p.m. (ABC, SN, CBC, TVAS)

Game 6: Carolina/Montreal at Vegas, Wednesday, June 17, 8 p.m. (ABC, SN, CBC, TVAS)

Game 7: Vegas at Carolina/Montreal, Saturday, June 20, 8 p.m. (ABC, SN, CBC, TVAS)

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This story was originally published May 28, 2026 at 12:32 PM.