NHL playoffs are a best-of-seven series played between the top 16 teams in the NHL. The Stanley Cup Playoffs begin in April, with the Stanley Cup Finals taking place in June.
The first two rounds of the playoffs are known as the Conference Quarterfinals, followed by the Conference Semifinals, Conference Finals, and finally, the Stanley Cup Finals. In each round, the higher-seeded team is given home-ice advantage, meaning they will host Games 1, 2, 5, and 7 (if necessary).
In order to make it to the playoffs, teams must first qualify. The top three teams in each division automatically qualify for the playoffs, while the remaining four spots are reserved for wild card teams. Wild card teams are the two teams in each conference with the next best record who did not win their division.
Once the playoffs begin, the format is simple: it’s a best-of-seven series between two teams, with the winner advancing to the next round. In each series, the team with home-ice advantage will host Games 1, 2, 5, and 7 (if necessary).
If a series is tied after seven games, then it will go to overtime. In overtime, each team will get one chance to score; whoever scores first wins the game and the series. If no one scores in overtime, then the series will be decided by a shootout. In a shootout, each team gets five shots on goal, with the goalie trying to stop them. Whoever scores the most goals in the shootout wins the game and the series.
The Stanley Cup Finals is a best-of-seven series between the two conference champions. The team with home-ice advantage will host Games 1, 2, 5, and 7 (if necessary).
Once a team has won four games in a series, they are declared the winner and will advance to the next round. If both teams have won three games each, then the series is considered a tie and will be decided by a seventh and final game.
The Stanley Cup Playoffs are an exciting time for hockey fans, as they get to watch their favorite teams battle it out for a chance to hoist the Stanley Cup. There is nothing quite like it. So make sure you understand the playoff bracket and how it works before the action begins. It’ll make your experience that much more enjoyable. Thanks for reading!
