NHL conference finals start date: When they begin, full schedule, matchups

May 17, 2026, 11:35 a.m. ET The final team in the NHL playoffs' Eastern Conference finals won't be determined until Monday, May 18. But when the Buffalo Sabres forced a Game 7 against the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday, May 16, the dates for the Eastern Conference and Western Conference finals were set. The Western Conference final will open on Wednesday, May 20 with the Colorado Avalanche hosting the Vegas Golden Knights. The Eastern Conference final will open on Thursday, May 21, with the Carolina Hurricanes hosting the winner of Monday's Montreal-Buffalo game. The Hurricanes haven't played since they completed their sweep of the Philadelphia Flyers on May 9. Here is the schedule for the Eastern and Western conference finals, plus how to watch Game 7 of the Montreal-Buffalo series: All times p.m. ET. x-if necessary Sabres vs. Canadiens Game 7: How to watch, stream