Moments ago, the NHL announced the schedule for the upcoming Stanley Cup Finals.
The Final will begin on Saturday, June 8th, and the potential game 7 is scheduled for Monday, June 24th. Every game will be scheduled to begin at 8:00 eastern standard time, which allows a good compromise for east coast and west coast fans. For each time a team needs to travel, there will be two full days in between games.
Fans have pointed out the curiosity for the consistent 8:00 puck drop times and the longer breaks for travel. NHL insider Chris Johnston weighed in on some fan complaints, explaining that the later start time and extra travel day could be a decision from the league to accommodate travel to Edmonton.
In the event Edmonton is in the Stanley Cup Final, travel days could become more wearing on the players for the sheer distance and time on a plane. If the final was in Florida, teams would regularly be travelling more than 6 hours for games. If the Oilers are in the cup final too, they won't be subjected to watch from a much earlier start time, 6:00MT works just fine.
With the series tied at two heading back to Dallas, the Oilers are now fighting in a best of three series to punch their ticket to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in the Connor McDavid era. If you believe this Oilers team is different from any year in the past, it may be time to start making your plans to watch between June 8th and the 24th.
