Everything You Need to Know: 2024 NHL Playoffs

The NHL playoffs are the pinnacle of the hockey season, a time when 16 teams compete fiercely for the coveted Stanley Cup. This annual showdown captures the hearts of hockey enthusiasts across North America each spring, sparking the question: When exactly do the hockey playoffs begin?

In 2024, the NHL Playoffs are slated to start on Monday, April 22, marking the commencement of the postseason following the regular season's conclusion on April 18. Sixteen teams will vie in a series of best-of-seven matches through four rounds: the First Round, the Second Round, the Conference Finals, and the Stanley Cup Finals, aiming to crown the champion in June.

This guide is your go-to source for all details regarding the start of the hockey playoffs, ensuring fans are well-prepared for the action-packed postseason.

Important Dates Leading Up to the NHL Hockey Playoffs

Trade Deadline: March 8, 2024

The trade deadline is a crucial date, marking the last opportunity for teams to trade players and have them eligible for the playoffs. This period often influences the playoff landscape, with teams looking to bolster their rosters for a Stanley Cup run or offload veterans in exchange for future assets.

End of NHL Regular Season: April 18, 2024

The culmination of the regular season determines the playoff seeding and spots. The top three teams from each of the NHL's four divisions, along with two wild card teams per conference, secure their playoff berths. The team finishing first overall is awarded the President's Trophy.

Draft Lottery: TBD – Expected around May 12, 2024

Following the regular season, the draft lottery decides the top pick in the upcoming NHL Draft. Non-playoff teams participate, with their odds based on their season performance. Winning the lottery can significantly accelerate a team's rebuilding process.

When Are the 2024 NHL Playoffs Starting?

The First Round of the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs kicks off on Thursday, April 18, just days after the regular season ends. This mid-April start is consistent with the NHL's tradition, setting the stage for a thrilling postseason culminating in early June.

What Determines the NHL Playoffs' Annual Start Date?

The start date for the NHL playoffs slightly varies each year but typically falls in mid-April, immediately following the regular season's end. This scheduling allows for a complete 82-game season and a two-month playoff tournament, aligning with the league and broadcasters' preferences.

First Round Schedule for the 2024 NHL Playoffs

The First Round extends over two weeks, from Friday, April 19, through Sunday, April 30. Teams will compete in a best-of-seven format, with matchups determined by the remaining highest seeds in each conference.

Overview of the First Round Timeline:

April 19-21: Series kick-off with Game 1, followed by potential Game 2.
April 22-25: Games 3 and 4 take place.
April 26-29: Middle series showdowns in Games 5 and 6.
April 30: Decisive Game 7s, if necessary.

The winners advance to the Second Round, with detailed scheduling and broadcast information to be announced post-regular season.

How to Watch the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs

In the United States:

Games will be nationally televised on ABC, ESPN, TNT, and TBS, with additional streaming options on ESPN+ and other cable streaming services like Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV.

In Canada:

Sportsnet and CBC hold exclusive broadcasting rights, offering television coverage and online streaming via Sportsnet NOW and CBC's free streaming service.

International Viewers:

In Europe, DAZN provides access to live NHL games, ensuring fans worldwide can enjoy the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Changes to the NHL Playoff Format Over the Years

The NHL's playoff format has evolved significantly since the league's inception, from regional competitions to the current division-based setup introduced in 2014. This structure features eight teams per conference, with the top three teams from each division and two wild cards advancing to the playoffs.

Conclusion

The 2024 NHL playoffs promise another season of thrilling hockey action, starting on April 18. As teams battle for the Stanley Cup, fans can look forward to intense matchups and unforgettable moments. Stay tuned for more analysis and updates as the postseason drama unfolds on the ice.