Stanley Cup Final Game 1 date depends on Canadiens-Hurricanes series

For the third time in their history, which began as the NHL’s 31st club in the 2017-18 season as an expansion franchise, the Vegas Golden Knights are in the Stanley Cup Final. They punched their ticket earlier this week by completing a stunning sweep of the President’s Trophy-winning Colorado Avalanche, and now await the winner of the ongoing Eastern Conference Final between the Carolina Hurricanes and Montreal Canadiens.

Currently, the Hurricanes enjoy a three games to one series lead, and can book their spot in the Stanley Cup Final on Friday evening if they defeat the Canadiens at home at Lenovo Center in Raleigh.

Because of the ongoing series between the Hurricanes and Canadiens, the official start date of the Stanley Cup Final remains up in the air. As noted by The Pat McAfee Show, the Cup Final will begin on Tuesday if Carolina defeats Montreal in Game 5, and if the series is extended to six or even seven games, the Cup Final will begin one week from Thursday.

“BREAKING NHL NEWS: According to source(s) If the Eastern Conference Final ends in 5 games: Game 1 of the Stanley Cup final will be Tuesday June 2nd on ABC,” The Pat McAfee Show wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “If the Eastern Conference Final extends to 6 or 7 games: Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final will be on Thursday June 4 on ABC.”

BREAKING NHL NEWS: According to source(s)

If the Eastern Conference Final ends in 5 games:

Game 1 of the Stanley Cup final will be Tuesday June 2nd on ABC.

If the Eastern Conference Final extends to 6 or 7 games:

Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final will be on Thursday June 4 on… pic.twitter.com/DlEs3WPrw5

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 28, 2026

If the Hurricanes advance to the Cup Final, it will be for the first time in 20 years; they last qualified in 2006, ultimately winning in seven games over the Edmonton Oilers.

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