The NHL announced the schedule for each first-round series in the 2022-23 playoffs. It all starts on Monday, April 17.
The playoffs are finally upon us.
The NHL's schedule makers were hard at work on Thursday and Friday night as the league announced the dates for each upcoming first-round series.
Starting in the Eastern Conference, the Presidents' Trophy-winning Boston Bruins will take on the Florida Panthers in their opening-round matchup, with Games 1 and 2 being held at TD Garden on April 17 at 7:30 p.m. ET and April 19 at 7:30 p.m., respectively. The teams head over to FLA Live Arena for Games 3 and 4 on April 21 at 7:30 p.m. ET and April 23 at 3:30 p.m. ET, respectively. Games 5, 6 and 7 are scheduled for April 26, 28 and 30, with times to be determined.
The Toronto Maple Leafs will try again to conquer their first-round demons this time around when they take on the Tampa Bay Lightning for the second year in a row, with the first two games taking place at Scotiabank Arena on April 18 at 7:30 p.m. ET and April 20 at 7 p.m. ET. Amalie Arena awaits the contestants for Game 3 on April 22 at 7 p.m. ET and Game 4 on April 24 at 7:30 p.m. ET. If necessary, Game 5 is on April 27, Game 6 is on April 29, and Game 7 is on May 1.
Next up is the Carolina Hurricanes, who hope to defend their Metropolitan Division crown when they meet the New York Islanders in the first round beginning on April 17 at 7 p.m. ET and April 19 at 7 p.m. ET at PNC Arena. The Canes and Isles then head to UBS Arena for the next two games on April 21 at 7 p.m. ET and April 23 at 7:30 p.m. ET. The potential Game 5 is on April 25 while Game 6 is on April 28, and Game 7 goes down on April 30.
Rounding out the Eastern matchups is a renewed regional rivalry. The New Jersey Devils will grapple with the New York Rangers starting on April 18 at 7 p.m. ET and April 20 at 7:30 p.m. ET at the Prudential Center. The teams then throw down in Madison Square Garden for Games 3 and 4 on April 22 at 8 p.m. ET and April 24 at 7 p.m. ET, respectively. Games 5, 6 and 7 are slotted in for April 27, April 29 and May 1.
Shifting over the Western Conference, the Dallas Stars will do battle with the Minnesota Wild n in the first round, with their opponent being determined by the result of tonight's Avalanche game. The series will kick American Airlines Center on April 17 at 9:30 p.m. and April 19 at 9:30 p.m. before shifting over to the Excel Energy Center for Games 3 and 4 on April 21 at 9:30 p.m. and April 23 at 6:30 p.m. If necessary, Games 5,6, and 7 are scheduled for April 25, 28, and 30, respectively.
For the Avalanche, the defending Stanley Cup champions will take on either the Kraken beginning on April 18 at 10 p.m. and April 20 at 9:30 p.m at Ball Arena. The series will then shift to Climate Pledge arena for Games 3 and 4, kicking off on April. 22 and April 24 at 10 p.m. Games 5, 6, and 7 are set to be held on April 26, 28, and 40 if necessary.
After booking their ticket back to playoffs, the Vegas Golden Knights will host the Winnipeg Jets for their first-round matchup at T-Mobile Arena on April 18 at 9:30 p.m. and April 20 at 10 p.m. Moving back to Winnipeg for Games 3 and 4, the Jets will then host the Golden Knights on April 22 at 4 p.m. and April 24 at 9:30 pm. If necessary, the remaining three games of the series will take place on April 27, 29, and May 1.
And, finally, the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings will kick off their first-round rematch at Rogers Place on April 17 and April 19 at 10 p.m., respectively. Once the first two matchups are in the books, Staples Center will get ready to welcome the teams for Games 3 and 4 taking place on April 21 at 10 p.m. and April 23 at 9:30 p.m, with Games 5, 6, and 7 set for April 25, 29, and May 1.
Stay tuned here for an update once the schedule for the first four games is announced.