NHL releases Stanley Cup Final schedule

The Colorado Avalanche took care of their business by sweeping the Edmonton Oilers in the Western Conference Final and are waiting to learn who they will battle for the right to hoist Lord Stanley's fabled Cup.

Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Lightning won their third consecutive game of the Eastern Conference Final when they beat the New York Rangers 3-1 on Thursday night and will either close that series out at home on Saturday evening or take part in a Game 7 held at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday. 

The result of Saturday's contest will impact when the Stanley Cup Final begins.

On Friday, the NHL released two different schedules for the Stanley Cup Final depending on what occurs this weekend. Regardless of who wins out of the East, the Avalanche will host Games 1 and 2 and, if necessary, Games 5 and 7 of the upcoming Final. 

If the Lightning end the Eastern Conference Final on Saturday: 

Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final: Lightning at Avalanche: Wednesday, June 15 at 8 p.m. ET

Game 2: Lightning at Avalanche: Saturday, June 18 at 8 p.m. ET

Game 3: Avalanche at Lightning: Monday, June 20 at 8 p.m. ET

Game 4: Avalanche at Lightning: Wednesday, June 22 at 8 p.m. ET

Game 5 (if necessary): Lightning at Avalanche: Friday, June 24 at 8 p.m. ET

Game 6 (if necessary): Avalanche at Lightning: Sunday, June 26 at 8 p.m. ET

Game 7 (if necessary): Lightning at Avalanche: Tuesday, June 28 at 8 p.m. ET

If, however, the Eastern Conference Final isn't decided until Tuesday: 

Game 1: Lightning/Rangers at Avalanche: Saturday, June 18 at 8 p.m. ET

Game 2: Lightning/Rangers at Avalanche: Monday, June 20 at 8 p.m. ET

Game 3: Avalanche at Lightning/Rangers: Wednesday, June 22 at 8 p.m. ET

Game 4: Avalanche at Lightning/Rangers: Friday, June 24 at 8 p.m. ET

Game 5 (if necessary): Lightning/Rangers at Avalanche: Sunday, June 26 at 8 p.m. ET

Game 6 (if necessary): Avalanche at Lightning/Rangers: Tuesday, June 28 at 8 p.m. ET

Game 7 (if necessary): Lightning/Rangers at Avalanche: Thursday, June 30 at 8 p.m. ET