April has arrived, and for hockey fans, that means one thing: playoff season! With 16 teams in the mix, eight each from the Eastern and Western Conferences, the battle for the coveted Stanley Cup is on! In this post, we're covering the excitement of the 2024 NHL playoffs, exploring matchups between the top teams in the league. Get ready for an adrenaline-filled end to the 2024 season as we break down all the action on the ice!
NHL Playoffs Overview
The NHL playoffs mark the climax of the hockey season, pitting the top 16 teams against each other in a quest for the Stanley Cup. The league is divided into two conferences, each with its own subdivisions. At the end of the regular season, teams are ranked based on points earned from wins and overtime losses. The top three teams from each division secure playoff berths, along with two wild card teams from each conference, determined by their overall points regardless of division.
From there, a bracket-style tournament unfolds, with matchups determined by seeding. Each round consists of a best-of-seven series, where teams compete until one emerges victorious. The journey culminates in the Stanley Cup Finals, where the last two teams standing battle it out for hockey's most prestigious prize.
NHL Playoff Series Explained
The NHL playoffs consist of four rounds, each round being a best-of-seven series. This means the first team to win four games in a series advances to the next round. The four rounds are:
- First Round: Also known as the Conference Quarterfinals, this round features the top-seeded teams facing off against the wild card teams or lower-seeded divisional teams.
- Second Round: Referred to as the Conference Semifinals, the winners from the first round advance to face each other within their respective conferences.
- Conference Finals: The winners of the second round within each conference compete in the Conference Finals to determine the Eastern and Western Conference Champions.
- NHL Finals: The champions from the Eastern and Western Conferences meet in the Stanley Cup Finals to vie for the Stanley Cup.
Home-Ice Advantage: In each series, the team with the higher seed (i.e., better regular season record) has home-ice advantage for the majority of the games. This means they get to play more games at their home arena, giving them familiarity with their surroundings, enthusiastic fan support and the logistical benefits of not having to travel as much.
2024 NHL Finals Teams and Tickets
The NHL finals are scheduled to begin on Saturday, June 8 in Sunrise, Florida at Amerant Bank Arena as the Florida Panthers will host the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 of a best out of seven series. The Panthers are back in the Stanley Cup Finals after a disappointing four games to one loss to the Vegas Golden Knights in the finals last year. After finishing first in the Atlantic Division, the Panthers are in the hunt to win their first ever Stanley Cup. Although the Oilers have won the cup five times before, they have not won since 1990. It should be a great series as both teams have been playing great hockey to finish the year.
The NHL playoffs are all about intense competition and thrilling hockey action. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to the game, there's nothing quite like experiencing the excitement live. If you're looking to catch a game in person, check out Undercover Tourist for great deals on postseason tickets. With over 20 years in the business, Undercover Tourist is a trusted ticket provider that offers a 100 percent buyer guarantee. So sit back and relax knowing your ticket purchase is safe and secure with Undercover Tourist.
We're fired up for the NHL finals and eager to see which team will emerge triumphant with the Stanley Cup in hand. Who do you have winning the Stanley Cup this year? Will the Florida Panthers finally hold the Stanley Cup, or will the Oilers win it all once again?
Related: 2023-24 NHL Schedule — Everything to Know for This Season
