Get ready for playoff hockey as the 2023-24 NHL regular season is winding down.
The NHL playoffs are about to begin with 16 teams competing for the Stanley Cup.
Expect thrilling overtime moments, amazing goals, and spectacular saves during the postseason.
Will the Golden Knights repeat? Can the Lightning continue their dominance? Maybe the Oilers will finally win with Connor McDavid?
NHL PLAYOFF PICTURE: Updated standings, bracket, matchups & key dates for 2024 postseason
Find out more details about the 2024 NHL playoffs here.
When do the 2024 NHL playoffs start?
- Start: Saturday, April 20
The first round of playoffs begins on Saturday, April 20.
Originally scheduled for April 22, the start date was moved up by two days.
When is the 2024 Stanley Cup Final?
The 2024 Stanley Cup Final begins on Wednesday, June 3, with a tentative end date of Monday, June 17.
What channel is the 2024 NHL playoffs on?
- TV channel (U.S.): ESPN, ABC, TNT, TBS
- TV channel (Canada): Sportsnet, CBC
Watch the NHL playoffs on ESPN, ABC, TNT, TBS in the U.S. and Sportsnet, CBC in Canada.
How to stream the 2024 NHL playoffs
Stream the NHL playoffs in the U.S. on ESPN+, SlingTV, Fubo, and in Canada on SN NOW, CBC Gem.
How many teams make the NHL playoffs?
16 teams qualify for the NHL playoffs — 8 from the Eastern Conference and 8 from the Western Conference.
The top 3 teams from each division plus 2 wild-card teams advance to the postseason.
How many rounds are in the NHL playoffs?
The Stanley Cup playoffs consist of 4 rounds: first, second, conference finals, and finals.
Each round is a best-of-seven series with a 2–2–1–1–1 format.
How many games are in a series?
Every series in the NHL playoffs is best-of-seven, with the first team to win 4 games advancing.
Games are played in a 2–2–1–1–1 format, with the higher-seeded team hosting games 1, 2, 5, and 7.