Source: Stanley Cup Finals To Start Either June 15 or 18

EDMONTON, ALBERTA – Depending how long the Western and Eastern Conference finals go, Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals will start either June 15 or June 18, an industry source told Colorado Hockey Now.

If the Colorado Avalanche were to win Game 4 tonight here in Edmonton, they could have as many as 11 days off before playing their next game. The latest the Avs’ series with the Oilers can go is June 12. The latest the Rangers-Lightning series can go is June 14. There is a three-day gap (June 11-14 between Games 6 and 7 in the Lightning-Rangers series, so if it goes that far, obviously the Cup Finals would start on the 18th.

It remains unclear whether the series would start the 15th if either the Lightning or Rangers advance should the series end in six games, on the 11th. If both series end in five games or less, the Finals would definitely start on the 15th.

If the Avs advance, they would have home-ice advantage regardless of the opponent. So, if the Avs win tonight, they will have a minimum of nine days off before Game 1.