The National Hockey League has unveiled the dates, starting times, and national television coverage for the Eastern Conference first-round series, slated to commence on Saturday, April 20.
The comprehensive First Round schedule will be disclosed once finalized. All times are Eastern Time (ET) and subject to potential adjustments.
Home-ice advantage in the first round will go to the Carolina Hurricanes, Boston Bruins, Florida Panthers, and the New York Rangers.
The New York Islanders will play the Carolina Hurricanes, with Game 1 in Raleigh, North Carolina on Saturday afternoon at 4 o’clock, with U.S. television coverage on TBS and truTV.
The Boston Bruins will have Games 1 and 2 at TD Garden in downtown Boston, with Game 1 on Saturday night at 7 o’clock on TBS and truTV.
The Panthers will host the in-state rival Tampa Bay Lightning for the first two games of their series, with Game 1 in suburban Miami on Sunday morning at 11:30 on ESPN.
The New York Rangers and Washington Capitals will play Game 1 of their series at Madison Square Garden in midtown Manhattan on Sunday afternoon at 2 o’clock on ESPN.