Eastern champ to host Game 1 of Cup final on May 30

Associated Press

5/22/2012 5:33:31 PM

NEW YORK - The Stanley Cup final will begin May 30 at the home of the Eastern Conference champion, the NHL announced Tuesday.

Based on their superior point totals from the regular season, either the New York Rangers or New Jersey Devils will host the first two games of the best-of-seven series.

Game 2 is set for June 2 before the series moves to Los Angeles for Game 3 on June 4. The Western Conference champion Kings will also host Game 4 on June 6.

If necessary, the East champion would host Game 5 on June 9. Los Angeles would be home for Game 6 on June 11 and the East champion would host Game 7 on June 13.

All games are scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Eastern Time.

The Devils and Rangers have split the first four games of the Eastern Conference final. Game 5 is set for Wednesday night in New York.