When Do the NHL Playoffs Start? Your Guide to the Postseason Schedule

12 min read
Jul 26, 2024, 12:30 PM
Author
Nick Ashbourne
Nick Ashbourne
Senior Writer
Last Updated: Sep 12, 2024, 2:44 PM

NHL Playoff Schedule

The NHL playoffs typically begin in mid-April, shortly after the conclusion of the regular season. The exact start date can vary depending on factors such as the regular season schedule and potential disruptions.

In the case of 2024-25, the regular season will conclude on April 17, 2025, and the postseason should begin soon after. In 2023-24 the playoffs began two days after the season ended.

Key Dates for the 2024-25 NHL Playoffs

While the specific dates for the 2024-25 NHL playoffs have not been officially announced, the following timeline features a general framework based on previous seasons:

  • Mid-April: First round begins
  • Early May: Second round begins
  • Mid-May: Conference Finals begin
  • Late May/Early June: Stanley Cup Finals begin
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Last season the Stanley Cup Final got underway on June 8.

It's important to note that these dates are subject to change and will be confirmed by the NHL closer to the start of the playoffs.

Road to the Stanley Cup

Becoming Stanley Cup champions is a grueling test of skill, endurance, and determination.

Teams must navigate through multiple rounds of intense competition, often facing longtime rivals and overcoming significant challenges along the way.

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Because of the length of the NHL playoffs, and the physicality of hockey, the Stanley Cup is widely considered to be the hardest trophy in sports to win.

NHL Playoff Format

The NHL playoffs feature a total of 16 teams, with eight from each conference (Eastern and Western).

The teams are seeded based on their regular season performance, with the top three teams from each division automatically qualifying, along with two wild card teams from each conference.

NHL Playoff Rounds

The NHL playoffs consist of four rounds, each played in a best-of-seven series format:

  1. First Round
  2. Second Round (Conference Semifinals)
  3. Conference Finals
  4. Stanley Cup Finals

In each round, the team with the higher seed enjoys home-ice advantage, hosting Games 1, 2, 5, and 7 (if necessary). The lower-seeded team hosts Games 3, 4, and 6 (if necessary).

The Stanley Cup Finals

The Stanley Cup Finals are the pinnacle of the NHL season, where the champions of the Eastern and Western Conferences face off to determine the Stanley Cup champion. 

This series, like the previous rounds, is played in a best-of-seven format.

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Fun Fact: A team from Florida has reached the Stanley Cup Finals in five consecutive seasons.

When Are the Stanley Cup Finals?

The Stanley Cup Final typically begins in late May or early June, depending on how quickly the earlier rounds are completed.

The series can last over two weeks if it goes the full seven games.

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The last Stanley Cup Final went seven games and took place over a 16-day span.

Betting on the NHL Playoffs

The playoffs provide numerous opportunities for hockey sportsbook users to engage in NHL betting.

From individual game bets to series outcomes and futures bets on the eventual Stanley Cup champion, there are options for bettors of all experience levels.

Odds to Win the Stanley Cup

Sportsbooks offer odds on which team will win the Stanley Cup throughout the season and during the playoffs. These odds can fluctuate based on team performance, injuries, and other factors.

Below are the teams with the best odds to win the Cup in 2024-25 according to BetMGM prior to the open of the season:

  1. Edmonton Oilers +850
  2. Florida Panthers +900
  3. Colorado Avalanche +1100
  4. Dallas Stars +1100
  5. New Jersey Devils +1100
  6. Carolina Hurricanes +1400
  7. New York Rangers +1400
  8. Toronto Maple Leafs +1500
  9. Nashville Predators +1600
  10. Vegas Golden Knights +1600
NHL Playoffs

Popular NHL Playoff Bets

  • Series Winner: Bet on which team will win a particular playoff series.
  • Game Winner: Wager on the outcome of individual games.
  • Over/Under: Bet on the total number of goals scored in a game.
  • Player Props: Wager on individual player performances.

Betting Strategies

When betting on the NHL playoffs, you should always have a responsible betting strategy in place and consider factors such as:

  • Team momentum entering the playoffs
  • Head-to-head records during the regular season
  • Goaltender performance
  • Special teams effectiveness (power play and penalty kill)
  • Injury reports

History of the Stanley Cup

The Stanley Cup is the oldest professional sports trophy in North America, with a rich history dating back to the late 19th century.

First Stanley Cup

The first Stanley Cup was awarded in 1893 to the Montreal Hockey Club. Initially, the Cup was a challenge trophy, awarded to the top amateur ice hockey club in Canada.

Evolution of the Stanley Cup

Over time, the Stanley Cup transitioned from an amateur trophy to the ultimate prize in professional hockey.

In 1926, the NHL took exclusive control of the Stanley Cup, and it has been awarded to the NHL playoff champion ever since.

Recent Stanley Cup Winners

Here's a list of the most recent Stanley Cup champions:

2024: Florida Panthers

2023: Vegas Golden Knights

2022: Colorado Avalanche

2021: Tampa Bay Lightning

2020: Tampa Bay Lightning

2019: St. Louis Blues

2018: Washington Capitals

2017: Pittsburgh Penguins

2016: Pittsburgh Penguins

2015: Chicago Blackhawks

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The most recent champions, the Florida Panthers, beat the Edmonton Oilers in a thrilling seven-game series to earn their first title in franchise history.

Notable Stanley Cup Records

  • Most Stanley Cup wins (team): Montreal Canadiens (24)
  • Most Stanley Cup wins (player): Henri Richard, Montreal Canadiens, (11)
  • Most consecutive Stanley Cup wins: Montreal Canadiens (5, 1956-1960)
  • Most points in a Stanley Cup Final: Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers, (13)
  • Most goals in a Stanley Cup Final: Babe Dye, Toronto St. Pats, (9)
  • Longest Stanley Cup drought: Toronto Maple Leafs (56 seasons)
NHL Playoffs

Playoff Traditions and Superstitions

The NHL playoffs are steeped in tradition and superstition. Some notable examples include:

  • Playoff beards: Many players stop shaving once the playoffs begin, only shaving once they're eliminated or win the Cup.
  • Not touching the conference championship trophies: Many teams choose not to touch the trophies awarded for winning their conference, believing it brings bad luck.
  • Handshake line: After each series, players from both teams line up to shake hands, a sign of sportsmanship and respect.

##callouts#1 

Conclusion

The NHL playoffs represent the pinnacle of professional hockey, combining skill, strategy, and sheer determination in the quest for the Stanley Cup. Whether you're a die-hard fan, a casual observer, or an interested bettor looking to make a wager, the NHL playoffs offer excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments that captivate audiences year after year.

As teams like the Edmonton Oilers, Boston Bruins, and Carolina Hurricanes vie for a chance at glory, fans and bettors alike will be watching closely, analyzing every game, and hoping their team emerges victorious.

With the rich history of the Stanley Cup and the ever-evolving landscape of the NHL, each playoff season brings new stories, new heroes, and new chapters in the annals of hockey history.

NHL Playoffs FAQ

NHL Playoff Schedule

When do the NHL playoffs typically start?

The NHL playoffs typically begin in mid-April, shortly after the regular season concludes. 

For the 2024-25 season, they are expected to start soon after April 17, 2025.

Road to the Stanley Cup

What is significant about the journey to become Stanley Cup champions?

The journey to become Stanley Cup champions is a rigorous test of skill, endurance, and determination. 

Teams must navigate multiple rounds of intense competition, often facing longtime rivals and overcoming significant challenges.

NHL Playoff Format

How are teams selected for the NHL playoffs?

Sixteen teams qualify for the NHL playoffs, with eight from each conference. 

The top three teams from each division automatically qualify, along with two wild card teams from each conference.

Betting on the NHL Playoffs

What factors should be considered when betting on the NHL playoffs?

Key factors include team momentum, head-to-head records, goaltender performance, special teams effectiveness, and injury reports. 

These elements can significantly influence the outcomes of games and series.

History of the Stanley Cup

When was the first Stanley Cup awarded, and to whom?

The first Stanley Cup was awarded in 1893 to the Montreal Hockey Club.

Initially, it was a challenge trophy for the top amateur ice hockey club in Canada.

<p>Nick has been fascinated with sports since he was first taken to a Toronto Maple Leafs game back in 1998, and he's written about them professionally since 2014.</p><p>Nick has covered baseball and hockey for outlets like The Athletic, Sportsnet, and Yahoo Sports, and his sports betting expertise has grown since its legalization in Ontario in 2022.&nbsp;</p><p>Between 2022 and 2023 he worked for a betting startup called NorthStar Bets, and in 2024 he contributed to Oddspedia before joining the Responsible Gambler team.</p>
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Paruyr Shahbazyan began his business career in 2000 as a private entrepreneur. Over thirteen years, he developed a deep understanding for business and leadership, laying a solid foundation for his professional journey.

In 2013, Paruyr stepped into the sports and betting industry as the founder and president of Bookmaker Rating. This online mass media platform, which he led until 2020, focused on providing in-depth analysis and insights in sports betting, earning a reputation for its quality content. 

Continuing his innovative approach in 2022, Paruyr co-founded Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol. This venture showcases his dedication to integrating advanced technology in the evolving landscape of sports betting. Through these diverse experiences, Paruyr has continuously influenced and shaped the betting industry, driving new trends and setting high standards.

 ExperienceYear
Engaged in private entrepreneurship2000-2013
Founder and President at Bookmaker Rating, an online platform focused on sports and betting2013-2020
Co-founder at Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol2022

"Innovation in sportsbetting comes from a deep understanding of both technology and the human element of sports." 

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Paruyr Shahbazyan's core beliefs lie in the power of informed decision-making and integrity in the betting industry. He understands that the foundation of successful betting is not just about odds and predictions, but also about the trust and reliability of the information provided. Paruyr advocates for a betting environment where transparency and knowledge are paramount, ensuring that bettors are well-equipped with accurate data and insights.

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Paruyr's vision is to revolutionize the sports betting industry through the integration of technology. He sees the future of betting as a blend of traditional sports knowledge with innovative tech solutions, like decentralized protocols, to enhance user experience and fairness. His aim is to create platforms that are not only user-friendly but also uphold the highest standards of ethical betting, contributing to a more responsible and enjoyable betting culture.

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Looking towards the future, Paruyr envisions a betting landscape that is more inclusive, technologically advanced, and globally connected. He anticipates a significant shift towards more decentralized and transparent betting systems, driven by blockchain technology. Paruyr is committed to being at the forefront of this change, continuously exploring new possibilities and innovations that can redefine what it means to engage in sports betting in a digital world. His focus is on building systems that prioritize user empowerment, fairness, and the global growth of the sports betting community.

 

Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
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Sol has over 20 years of experience in writing for diverse industries including sports, gambling, regulation, technology, and startups. As the Editor-in-Chief at RG, Sol brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role, focusing on delivering transparent, evidence-based content grounded in thorough research. Sol's mission is to empower readers to enjoy gambling responsibly and make informed decisions, enhancing their overall experience through insightful and engaging content. Under Sol's leadership, RG prioritizes the highest standards of integrity and reliability, ensuring that all information provided is accurate and trustworthy. Sol's dedication to transparency and research-based writing helps create a responsible gambling environment where readers can truly benefit from the content. This commitment to excellence has positioned RG as a leading source of information in the gambling industry.

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 “Exploring the association between emotional regulation, alexithymia, stressful life events and gambling in adolescent and young adult women”.

Nick Ashbourne
Nick Ashbourne
Senior Writer

Nick has been fascinated with sports since he was first taken to a Toronto Maple Leafs game back in 1998, and he's written about them professionally since 2014.

Nick has covered baseball and hockey for outlets like The Athletic, Sportsnet, and Yahoo Sports, and his sports betting expertise has grown since its legalization in Ontario in 2022. 

Between 2022 and 2023 he worked for a betting startup called NorthStar Bets, and in 2024 he contributed to Oddspedia before joining the Responsible Gambler team.

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Sergey Demidov
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Sergey has been in sports journalism since 2007 as a reporter, editor, and manager. He has covered the Olympic Games, soccer World Cups, the World Cup of Hockey in 2016, the European championships, the Stanley Cup Finals, IOC events, and many others. Sergey interviewed the sport's greatest athletes, coaches, and executives. Since 2016, he has been an Independent Senior Editor of NHL.com/ru.

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Anna Kravtcova
Problem Gambling Expert

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