The first day of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final is set. Sort of.
The NHL announced Thursday that the championship series could open either June 2 or June 4, depending on which team advances from the Eastern Conference.
The final will pit the Vegas Golden Knights against the winner of the Eastern Conference Final between the Carolina Hurricanes and Montreal Canadiens.
Based on their higher regular-season point totals, either the Hurricanes or Canadiens will host Games 1 and 2 of the best-of-seven Stanley Cup Final, as well as Games 5 and 7, if necessary. The Golden Knights will host Games 3 and 4, as well as Game 6, if necessary.
If the Eastern Conference Final ends in five games, Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final will be Tuesday. If it's decided in six or seven games, Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final will be on Thursday, June 4.
Below are the two possible Stanley Cup Final schedules, with all games streaming on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.
If the Hurricanes win Game 5
Game 1: Vegas at Carolina, Tue. June 2 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
Game 2: Vegas at Carolina, Thu. June 4 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
Game 3: Carolina at Vegas, Sat. June 6 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
Game 4: Carolina at Vegas, Tue. June 9 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
*Game 5: Vegas at Carolina, Thu. June 11 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
*Game 6: Carolina at Vegas, Sun. June 14 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
*Game 7: Vegas at Carolina, Wed. June 17 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
If Canadiens force Game 6
Game 1: Vegas at Montreal/Carolina, Thu. June 4 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
Game 2: Vegas at Montreal/Carolina, Sat. June 6 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
Game 3: Montreal/Carolina at Vegas, Tue. June 9 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
Game 4: Montreal/Carolina at Vegas, Thu. June 11 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
*Game 5: Vegas at Montreal/Carolina, Sun. June 14 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
*Game 6: Montreal/Carolina at Vegas, Wed. June 17 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
*Game 7: Vegas at Montreal/Carolina, Sat. June 20 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
*- If necessary
