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2026 Stanley Cup final dates released

Originally posted on Daily Faceoff | By Steven Ellis | Last updated May 28, 2026 5:23 PM ET

The NHL has released two schedule variants depending on the outcome of the Eastern Conference Final between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Montreal Canadiens.

The Vegas Golden Knights became the first team to clinch a spot in the Cup final, having done so for the third time in franchise history. Vegas swept the Colorado Avalanche in four games, marking an early end for the Presidents’ Trophy winners.

Carolina, meanwhile, overcame an early 1-0 series deficit before winning three straight games. The Hurricanes will look to close out the series in Game 5 on Friday.

Here’s a look at what each of the two playoff schedules could look like, depending on the outcome of Friday’s game:

If Eastern Conference is over after Game 5

Date	Time (ET)	Carolina vs. Vegas	Networks
Tuesday, June 2	8 p.m.	Vegas at Carolina	ABC, SN, CBC, TVAS
Thursday, June 4	8 p.m.	Vegas at Carolina	ABC, SN, CBC, TVAS
Saturday, June 6	8 p.m.	Carolina at Vegas	ABC, SN, CBC, TVAS
Tuesday, June 9	8 p.m.	Carolina at Vegas	ABC, SN, CBC, TVAS
*Thursday, June 11	8 p.m.	Vegas at Carolina	ABC, SN, CBC, TVAS
*Sunday, June 14	8 p.m.	Carolina at Vegas	ABC, SN, CBC, TVAS
*Wednesday, June 17	8 p.m.	Vegas at Carolina	ABC, SN, CBC, TVAS

If Eastern Conference is over after Game 6 or 7

Date	Time (ET)	Vegas vs. Carolina/Montreal	Networks
Thursday, June 4	8 p.m.	Vegas at Carolina/Montreal	ABC, SN, CBC, TVAS
Saturday, June 6	8 p.m.	Vegas at Carolina/Montreal	ABC, SN, CBC, TVAS
Tuesday, June 9	8 p.m.	Carolina/Montreal at Vegas	ABC, SN, CBC, TVAS
Thursday, June 11	8 p.m.	Carolina/Montreal at Vegas	ABC, SN, CBC, TVAS
*Sunday, June 14	8 p.m.	Vegas at Carolina/Montreal	ABC, SN, CBC, TVAS
*Wednesday, June 17	8 p.m.	Carolina/Montreal at Vegas	ABC, SN, CBC, TVAS
*Saturday, June 20	8 p.m.	Vegas at Carolina/Montreal	ABC, SN, CBC, TVAS