The 2023-2024 NHL Stanley Cup will get underway on April 15th, running through until the Stanley Cup finals, which get underway on the 3rd of June.
The four-round knockout-style tournament will decide the 2024 Stanley Cup champions over a seven-game series. Today we’re breaking down the playoff schedule for the 2023-2024 NHL season, including dates and times for each matchup and the odds on some of the favorites to claim the prestigious trophy.
When do the NHL Playoffs Start?
- First Round: April 15th to April 29th
- Second Round: April 30th to May 15th
- Conference Finals: May 16th to May 30th
- Stanley Cup Finals: June 3rd to June 17th
Who are the defending Stanley Cup Champions?
The Las Vegas Golden Knights won the second Conference Championship in their short history, and on the second time of asking won the Stanley Cup over the Florida Panthers.
The Golden Knights won the Conference in their very first season in operation back in 2017-2018 but fell short in the Finals.
Fast forward to 2023 and they made it back, and this time overcame the Panthers in the finals to claim their very first Stanley Cup success.
The Golden Knights are still in their infancy, and already one of the biggest competitors in the NHL.
When is the Stanley Cup Finals 2024?
The Stanley Cup Finals will get underway on June 3rd, 2024. Depending on the length of the series, it may run all the way to a potential Game 7 on June 17th.
How to watch the NHL Playoffs in 2024
In the U.S.A. the NHL playoffs will be broadcast across TNT and TBS. In Canada, you’ll find the games across CBC and Sportsnet.
First Round
Matchup
Date Time (EST) Network
East Metro 1 Seed vs 4 Seed
April 15th-29th
TBC
TBC
East Metro 2 Seed vs 3 Seed
April 15th-29th
TBC
TBC
East Atlantic 1 Seed vs 4 Seed
April 15th-29th
TBC
TBC
East Atlantic 2 Seed vs 3 Seed
April 15th-29th
TBC
TBC
West Central 1 Seed vs 4 Seed
April 15th-29th
TBC
TBC
West Central 2 Seed vs 3 Seed
April 15th-29th
TBC
TBC
West Pacific 1 Seed vs 4 Seed
April 15th-29th
TBC
TBC
West Pacific 2 Seed vs 3 Seed
April 15th-29th
TBC
TBC
Second Round
Matchup
Date Time (EST) Network
East Metro Remaining Seeds
Apr. 30th – May 15th
TBC
TBC
East Atlantic Remaining Seeds
Apr. 30th – May 15th
TBC
TBC
West Central Remaining Seeds
Apr. 30th – May 15th
TBC
TBC
West Pacific Remaining Seeds
Apr. 30th – May 15th
TBC
TBC
Conference Finals
Matchup
Date
Time (EST)
Network
East Metro Winner vs Atlantic Winner
May 16th-30th
TBC
TBC
West Central Winner vs Pacific Winner
May 16th-30th
TBC
TBC
Finals
Matchup Date Time (EST) Network Eastern Champions vs Western Champions
June 3rd-16th
TBC
TBC
Best NHL Stanley Cup Champions 2024 odds (subject to change)
Edmonton Oilers +800
Toronto Maple Leafs +800
Colorado Avalanche +900
Carolina Hurricanes +1000
New Jersey Devils +1000
Vegas Golden Knights +1100
New York Rangers +1100
Boston Bruins +1100
Tampa Bay Lightning +1500
Dallas Stars +1700
NHL Stanley Cup favorites
Depending on which sportsbook you use, this year’s Stanley Cup favorites are one of the Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Colorado Avalanche. The Avalanche emerged as an early favorite, having been one of the most active playoff teams in recent years. Jared Bednar has forged a great team, and the Av’s won the Stanley Cup in 2022 following an impressive season.
While they fell short in the 2023 playoffs, Colorado is expected to be right back in the mix in 2024. Bednar is expected to make a couple more moves before the season begins, but the Avalanche are one of the teams to beat.
The Carolina Hurricanes have been climbing the oddsmakers list too, having been one of the most active teams in free agency. They added big money signing Dmitry Orlov, G Frederik Andersen, and winger Jesper Fast.
They’re among the top five for the Stanley Cup in 2024 with a much-improved roster and will be hoping to capitalize on the moves they made during the offseason.
Teams like the New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, and Tampa Bay Lightning are all in the conversation, while the defending champion Las Vegas Golden Knights will have to battle some of the best teams in the NHL if they wish to defend their title.