The NHL released the start times for the final three games of the North Division schedule set to be played between the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks. Both teams are out of the playoff race and will finish the year with a pair of afternoon tilts.
The game on May 19 is especially noteworthy, as its 1:30 p.m. MT start leaves the possibility for the North to start its playoffs that evening. Starting the playoffs the same day the regular season concludes is something deputy commissioner Bill Daly hinted at Monday as the league tries to get through the 2020-21 season without any further delays.
The other three divisions will already be well into their first-round playoff matchups. Things kick off on Saturday with the Washington Capitals hosting the Boston Bruins. Those two teams will meet Tuesday as well, though the Bruins aren’t going to risk any injuries.
Boston will rest Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron, David Pastrnak, Taylor Hall, David Krejci, Craig Smith, Sean Kuraly, Charlie Coyle, Charlie McAvoy, Ondrej Kase, Matt Grzelcyk, Mike Reilly, Brandon Carlo, Jeremy Lauzon, Kevan Miller and Tuukka Rask Tuesday evening.
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