Overview

• The NHL released its finalized first-round playoff schedule, ensuring no Canadian teams play on federal election day, April 28.
• Canadian teams, including the Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, Edmonton Oilers, and Montreal Canadiens, begin their playoff series between April 19 and April 21.
• The Presidents’ Trophy-winning Winnipeg Jets will host the St. Louis Blues in their series opener on April 19, with potential Game 7 scheduled for May 4 in Winnipeg.
• Two U.S.-based games are scheduled for April 28: Florida Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (Game 4) and Dallas Stars vs. Colorado Avalanche (Game 5, if necessary).
• The schedule reflects the NHL's precedent of accommodating national events, previously seen during the 2015 Toronto Blue Jays playoff run coinciding with Canada's federal election.