2026 Stanley Cup final dates released
May 28, 2026, 14:46 EDTUpdated: May 28, 2026, 14:47 EDT
Credit: Steven Ellis
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 |
* if necessary