The NHL playoffs are one of the most exciting times of the year for hockey fans. The best teams in the league compete for the Stanley Cup, and the games are always intense. If you’re a fan of hockey, you don’t want to miss the 2024 NHL playoffs.
The 2024 NHL playoffs will begin on April 11, 2024. The playoffs will consist of four rounds: the first round, the second round, the conference finals, and the Stanley Cup Final. The first round will be a best-of-seven series, while the second round, conference finals, and Stanley Cup Final will be best-of-seven series.
Now that you know the basics of the 2024 NHL playoffs, let’s take a closer look at the schedule.
2024 Nhl Playoff Schedule
Mark your calendars for exciting hockey action!
- Start Date: April 11, 2024
- Format: Four rounds
- Rounds: First round (best-of-seven), Second round (best-of-seven), Conference finals (best-of-seven), Stanley Cup Final (best-of-seven)
- Stanley Cup Final: Begins June 1, 2024
- Location: TBD
- Broadcast: ESPN, TNT, NHL Network
Get ready for thrilling matches and unforgettable moments as the top teams battle it out for the Stanley Cup.
Start Date: April 11, 2024
The 2024 NHL playoffs will officially commence on April 11, 2024. This marks the start of the highly anticipated postseason tournament, where the top teams from the regular season compete for the Stanley Cup, the ultimate prize in hockey.
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Regular Season Conclusion:
The regular season for the 2023-2024 NHL season will conclude on April 9, 2024. This gives teams a couple of days to rest and prepare for the playoffs.
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Playoff Qualification:
The top three teams from each division will automatically qualify for the playoffs. The remaining two teams from each conference will be determined by wild card berths, awarded to the teams with the highest point totals outside of the top three in their respective divisions.
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First Round Matchups:
The first round of the playoffs will feature eight best-of-seven series. The matchups will be determined based on the seeding of the teams. The top-seeded team in each conference will face the eighth-seeded team, the second seed will face the seventh seed, and so on.
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Road to the Stanley Cup:
The playoffs will progress through four rounds: the first round, the second round, the conference finals, and the Stanley Cup Final. Each round will be a best-of-seven series, meaning that the first team to win four games will advance to the next round.
With the start date set for April 11, 2024, hockey fans can mark their calendars and prepare for an exciting and unpredictable playoff journey, filled with intense competition and unforgettable moments.
Format: Four rounds
The 2024 NHL playoffs will follow a four-round format, providing a grueling test for teams as they strive to reach the Stanley Cup Final.
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First Round:
The first round of the playoffs will feature eight best-of-seven series. The matchups will be determined based on the seeding of the teams. The top-seeded team in each conference will face the eighth-seeded team, the second seed will face the seventh seed, and so on.
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Second Round:
The second round of the playoffs will consist of four best-of-seven series. The winners of the first-round series will be re-seeded based on their regular season records. The top four remaining teams will be seeded 1-4, while the bottom four teams will be seeded 5-8.
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Conference Finals:
The conference finals will feature two best-of-seven series, with the winners of the second-round series from each conference facing off. The top-seeded team remaining in each conference will host the first two games of the series, followed by two games on the road. If necessary, the series will return to the higher-seeded team’s arena for games 5, 6, and 7.
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Stanley Cup Final:
The Stanley Cup Final will be the culmination of the playoff journey, featuring a best-of-seven series between the winners of the Eastern and Western Conference Finals. The team with the better regular season record will have home-ice advantage, hosting games 1, 2, 5, and 7 (if necessary).
With its four-round format, the NHL playoffs provide a challenging and entertaining spectacle, as teams battle through multiple rounds of intense competition to determine the ultimate champion.
Rounds: First round (best-of-seven), Second round (best-of-seven), Conference finals (best-of-seven), Stanley Cup Final (best-of-seven)
The 2024 NHL playoffs will consist of four rounds, each with its own unique format and challenges.
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First Round (Best-of-Seven):
The first round of the playoffs will feature eight best-of-seven series. In a best-of-seven series, the first team to win four games advances to the next round. The matchups for the first round will be determined based on the seeding of the teams after the regular season. The top three teams from each division will automatically qualify for the playoffs, along with two wild card teams from each conference.
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Second Round (Best-of-Seven):
The second round of the playoffs will also consist of four best-of-seven series. The winners of the first-round series will be re-seeded based on their regular season records. The top four remaining teams will be seeded 1-4, while the bottom four teams will be seeded 5-8. The higher-seeded teams will have home-ice advantage in the second round.
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Conference Finals (Best-of-Seven):
The conference finals will feature two best-of-seven series, with the winners of the second-round series from each conference facing off. The top-seeded team remaining in each conference will host the first two games of the series, followed by two games on the road. If necessary, the series will return to the higher-seeded team’s arena for games 5, 6, and 7.
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Stanley Cup Final (Best-of-Seven):
The Stanley Cup Final will be the culmination of the playoff journey, featuring a best-of-seven series between the winners of the Eastern and Western Conference Finals. The team with the better regular season record will have home-ice advantage, hosting games 1, 2, 5, and 7 (if necessary).
With each round being a best-of-seven series, the playoffs provide a grueling test of skill, resilience, and determination for the teams involved. Only the strongest and most resilient teams will survive and advance through the rounds to compete for the Stanley Cup.
Stanley Cup Final: Begins June 1, 2024
The 2024 Stanley Cup Final, the championship series of the National Hockey League (NHL), is scheduled to begin on June 1, 2024. This highly anticipated series will determine the winner of the Stanley Cup, the most prestigious trophy in hockey.
The Stanley Cup Final is a best-of-seven series, meaning that the first team to win four games will be crowned the Stanley Cup champion. The series will be played between the winners of the Eastern and Western Conference Finals.
The team with the better regular season record will have home-ice advantage in the Stanley Cup Final, meaning they will host games 1, 2, 5, and 7 (if necessary) in their home arena. This advantage can be crucial, as teams tend to perform better in front of their home crowd.
The Stanley Cup Final is a grueling test of skill, endurance, and determination. The two teams that reach this stage have already proven themselves to be among the best in the NHL, and the series is often decided by small details and moments of brilliance. With the eyes of the hockey world upon them, the players will give it their all to hoist the Stanley Cup and etch their names into hockey history.
The 2024 Stanley Cup Final promises to be an unforgettable spectacle, filled with drama, excitement, and world-class hockey. Fans around the globe will tune in to witness the crowning of a new champion and the culmination of another thrilling NHL season.
Location: TBD
The location of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final is yet to be determined. The NHL typically selects the arena of the team with the better regular season record to host the Final, but this is not always the case. In recent years, the league has shown a willingness to award the Final to teams in non-traditional hockey markets, such as Las Vegas and Tampa Bay.
There are several factors that the NHL considers when selecting a host city for the Stanley Cup Final. These include the arena’s capacity and amenities, the city’s infrastructure and ability to accommodate a large influx of visitors, and the local fan base’s enthusiasm for hockey.
Some of the cities that are potential contenders to host the 2024 Stanley Cup Final include:
- Toronto, Ontario: Home to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Scotiabank Arena is one of the largest and most modern arenas in the NHL, and the city has a passionate hockey fan base.
- New York City, New York: Home to the New York Rangers and New York Islanders, Madison Square Garden is an iconic arena with a rich hockey history, and the city has a large and diverse hockey fan base.
- Boston, Massachusetts: Home to the Boston Bruins, TD Garden is a state-of-the-art arena with a raucous atmosphere, and the city has a long and storied hockey tradition.
- Denver, Colorado: Home to the Colorado Avalanche, Ball Arena is a relatively new arena with a beautiful mountain backdrop, and the city has a growing hockey fan base.
- Las Vegas, Nevada: Home to the Vegas Golden Knights, T-Mobile Arena is a world-class entertainment venue, and the city has embraced hockey in a big way since the Golden Knights’ inception in 2017.
Ultimately, the decision of where to host the 2024 Stanley Cup Final will be made by the NHL in consultation with the two teams that reach the Final. The league will strive to select a location that provides the best possible experience for the players, fans, and media.
Regardless of where it is held, the 2024 Stanley Cup Final is sure to be a memorable event, as the best hockey players in the world compete for the most prestigious trophy in the sport.
Broadcast: ESPN, TNT, NHL Network
The 2024 NHL playoffs will be broadcast live on ESPN, TNT, and NHL Network in the United States. These networks have a long history of providing high-quality coverage of NHL games, and they will bring their expertise and resources to the playoffs to ensure that fans have the best possible viewing experience.
- ESPN: ESPN is one of the largest and most respected sports networks in the world, and it has been broadcasting NHL games for many years. ESPN will televise a significant number of playoff games, including some of the most high-profile matchups.
- TNT: TNT is another major sports network that has a long-standing relationship with the NHL. TNT will broadcast a package of playoff games, including some exclusive coverage. TNT’s coverage is known for its insightful commentary and analysis.
- NHL Network: NHL Network is the league’s own television network, and it provides comprehensive coverage of all things NHL. NHL Network will televise every playoff game, making it the ultimate destination for hockey fans who want to catch all the action.
In addition to these three networks, some regional sports networks (RSNs) may also broadcast playoff games involving their local teams. Fans should check their local listings for more information.
FAQ
Have questions about the 2024 NHL playoffs? Check out our FAQ section for answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.
Question 1: When do the 2024 NHL playoffs start?
Answer: The 2024 NHL playoffs are scheduled to begin on April 11, 2024.
Question 2: What is the format of the 2024 NHL playoffs?
Answer: The 2024 NHL playoffs will consist of four rounds: the first round (best-of-seven), the second round (best-of-seven), the conference finals (best-of-seven), and the Stanley Cup Final (best-of-seven).
Question 3: Where will the 2024 Stanley Cup Final be held?
Answer: The location of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final has yet to be determined. The NHL typically selects the arena of the team with the better regular season record to host the Final, but this is not always the case.
Question 4: What networks will broadcast the 2024 NHL playoffs?
Answer: The 2024 NHL playoffs will be broadcast live on ESPN, TNT, and NHL Network in the United States. Some regional sports networks (RSNs) may also broadcast playoff games involving their local teams.
Question 5: How many teams make the 2024 NHL playoffs?
Answer: A total of 16 teams will make the 2024 NHL playoffs: the top three teams from each division and two wild card teams from each conference.
Question 6: Who are the favorites to win the 2024 Stanley Cup?
Answer: It is too early to say who the favorites are to win the 2024 Stanley Cup, as the regular season has not yet begun. However, some of the teams that are expected to be contenders include the Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Tampa Bay Lightning.
Question 7: Can I attend the 2024 NHL playoffs in person?
Answer: Yes, tickets for the 2024 NHL playoffs will go on sale closer to the start of the playoffs. Fans can purchase tickets through the individual team websites or through secondary ticket markets.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ: We hope this FAQ section has answered some of your questions about the 2024 NHL playoffs. For more information, please visit the NHL website.
Now that you know more about the 2024 NHL playoffs, here are a few tips to help you enjoy the postseason to the fullest:
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you enjoy the 2024 NHL playoffs to the fullest:
Tip 1: Plan ahead:
If you’re planning to attend any playoff games in person, make sure to purchase your tickets well in advance. Playoff tickets can sell out quickly, especially for popular teams and high-profile matchups.
Tip 2: Get into the playoff spirit:
One of the best ways to enjoy the playoffs is to get into the playoff spirit. Decorate your home or office with team colors, watch classic playoff games, and listen to hockey podcasts and radio shows.
Tip 3: Make it a social event:
Playoff hockey is even more fun when you share it with friends and family. Host a viewing party at your home, or head to a local sports bar to watch the games with other fans.
Tip 4: Follow the playoffs online and on social media:
If you can’t watch the games on TV or in person, you can still follow the playoffs online and on social media. The NHL website and app provide live scores, highlights, and analysis, and you can also follow your favorite teams and players on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content.
Tip 5: Don’t forget to have fun!
The NHL playoffs are a time to celebrate the best that hockey has to offer. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the excitement of the postseason.
Closing Paragraph for Tips: We hope these tips help you make the most of the 2024 NHL playoffs. Whether you’re a lifelong hockey fan or a casual observer, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during the playoffs.
As the playoffs approach, be sure to stay up-to-date on the latest news and storylines by visiting the NHL website and following your favorite teams and players on social media. And don’t forget to tune in to the games on ESPN, TNT, and NHL Network to catch all the action.
Conclusion
The 2024 NHL playoffs promise to be an unforgettable spectacle, filled with drama, excitement, and world-class hockey. The best teams in the league will compete for the Stanley Cup, the most prestigious trophy in hockey.
The playoffs will begin on April 11, 2024, and will consist of four rounds: the first round (best-of-seven), the second round (best-of-seven), the conference finals (best-of-seven), and the Stanley Cup Final (best-of-seven). The location of the Stanley Cup Final will be determined based on the regular season records of the two teams that reach the Final.
The playoffs will be broadcast live on ESPN, TNT, and NHL Network in the United States. Some regional sports networks (RSNs) may also broadcast playoff games involving their local teams.
Whether you’re a lifelong hockey fan or a casual observer, the NHL playoffs are a great opportunity to enjoy the excitement of the sport at its highest level. So mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and get ready for the 2024 NHL playoffs!