The Stanley Cup Final will start either next Tuesday or Thursday, depending on when the Eastern Conference Final is settled.
According to ESPN’s Pat McAfee, the final will begin on Tuesday if the Carolina Hurricanes eliminate the Montreal Canadiens in Game 5 on Friday. Should the Canadiens extend the series to Game 6, the first game of the Cup Final will be locked in for next Thursday.
The Vegas Golden Knights secured their spot in the final by completing a four-game sweep of the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday and are now idle as the Eastern Final continues. The Hurricanes endured an NHL-record 11-day break before opening their series against Montreal after sweeping both the Philadelphia Flyers and Ottawa Senators in the first two rounds.
The NHL had previously announced the Stanley Cup Final will end no later than June 21, with the first round of the draft looming on June 26.
Should the Canadiens defeat the Hurricanes in Carolina on Friday, Game 6 will take place Sunday in Montreal and Game 7, if necessary, would be next Tuesday.
