NHL Playoff Schedule 2027
Key dates for the 2027 NHL playoffs through the 2027 Stanley Cup Final, with today's projected first-round matchups.
Updated
| Stage | Dates | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Regular season ends | April 10, 2027 | The first 84-game NHL season since 1993-94. |
| First round | Begins mid-April 2027 | Best of seven: division winners vs wild cards, 2 vs 3 in each division. |
| Second round | Late April–May 2027 | Best of seven, within the division bracket. |
| Conference finals | May 2027 | Best of seven. |
| Stanley Cup Final | June 2027 | Best of seven; exact dates to be announced. |
Dates from the league's published season calendar; round dates after the first round depend on series lengths.
First-round matchups if the season ended today
East
Carolina Hurricanes vs Florida Panthers
New Jersey Devils vs New York Rangers
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Boston Bruins
Montreal Canadiens vs Ottawa Senators
West
Minnesota Wild vs Utah Mammoth
Nashville Predators vs Colorado Avalanche
Edmonton Oilers vs Dallas Stars
Vegas Golden Knights vs Anaheim Ducks
Frequently asked questions
When do the 2027 NHL playoffs start?
The regular season ends April 10, 2027; the Stanley Cup Playoffs begin in mid-April 2027. The NHL announces the exact first-round schedule in the final week of the season.