The NHL Conference Semi-Finals mark the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, running from 6 to 22 May 2026. Eight teams, having survived the gruelling first round, compete in four best-of-seven series to determine which four franchises will advance to the Conference Finals. This is where the playoff field narrows sharply and the intensity rises another level.
What Are the NHL Conference Semi-Finals?
The Conference Semi-Finals are the second round of the NHL’s four-round Stanley Cup Playoffs. Following the conclusion of the first round, the eight remaining teams are paired within their respective conferences using the NHL’s fixed bracket system. This bracket, introduced in 2014, is division-based: the winners from each divisional first-round matchup meet in the second round, while wild card winners face the top seeds from their conference. Unlike earlier eras where teams were reseeded between rounds, the bracket is now locked from the start of the playoffs.
Each series follows a best-of-seven format. The higher-seeded team holds home-ice advantage and hosts Games 1, 2, 5, and 7. Games are played every other day, though scheduling can shift depending on arena availability and broadcast windows. The four series winners advance to the Conference Finals, which serve as the penultimate stage before the Stanley Cup Final.
When Are the NHL Conference Semi-Finals?
The 2026 Conference Semi-Finals are scheduled from Wednesday 6 May to Friday 22 May. The exact game dates and start times are determined after the first round concludes and are announced by the NHL in coordination with its broadcast partners. Games typically take place in the evening, with puck drops at 19:00 or 19:30 local time, though afternoon starts are common on weekends. The full schedule, including any necessary Games 6 and 7, can stretch across the full window depending on how quickly series are decided.
Where Are the NHL Conference Semi-Finals?
As a multi-series round, the Conference Semi-Finals are held across multiple NHL arenas throughout the United States and Canada. Each series alternates between the home venues of the two competing teams, with the higher seed hosting the opening games. NHL arenas typically hold between 17,000 and 21,000 spectators, with iconic venues such as Madison Square Garden in New York, the Bell Centre in Montreal, and T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas among the most storied playoff destinations. The specific venues depend entirely on which teams qualify from the first round.
Key Contenders
With the 2025-26 regular season still in its final stages, the exact second-round matchups remain to be decided. However, several franchises have positioned themselves as strong contenders. The Florida Panthers, who claimed the Stanley Cup in both 2024 and 2025, remain a formidable force in the Eastern Conference. The Carolina Hurricanes, who swept the Panthers in the 2025 Conference Finals before falling in the Cup Final, will look to build on that momentum. In the Western Conference, the Dallas Stars reached the 2025 Cup Final and will be eager to go one step further. The Edmonton Oilers, powered by Connor McDavid, and the Winnipeg Jets are also among the teams expected to make deep playoff runs.
How to Watch
In the United States, second-round games are split between ESPN (available on ESPN, ABC, and ESPN2) and TNT Sports (on TNT, TBS, and selected simulcasts on TruTV). ESPN-produced games are also available to stream via the ESPN app, while TNT Sports games can be streamed on Max (formerly HBO Max). In Canada, all playoff games are broadcast across the Sportsnet family of channels and on CBC under the Hockey Night in Canada brand, with streaming available via Sportsnet+. In the United Kingdom, TNT Sports holds the NHL broadcast rights and shows live playoff games, available through the TNT Sports app and discovery+. Select games may also be available internationally through NHL.tv in territories without a dedicated broadcast deal.
History and Records
The NHL has used a four-round playoff format since 1975, with the second round serving as the Conference Semi-Finals throughout that period. The current fixed bracket structure was adopted in 2014 when the league returned to a division-based playoff format. Over the decades, the second round has produced some of the most memorable series in playoff history. The 2019 second round saw the St. Louis Blues defeat the Dallas Stars in a dramatic double-overtime Game 7, with Pat Maroon scoring the winner on the way to the franchise’s first Stanley Cup. The round is also known for producing upsets, as higher seeds no longer benefit from reseeding and can face tough divisional rivals early. The record for most overtime games in a single playoff series is five, a feat achieved multiple times, underscoring the tight margins that define second-round hockey.
Tickets and Attendance
Tickets for the Conference Semi-Finals are sold through each team’s official channels and via Ticketmaster, the NHL’s official ticketing partner. Prices vary significantly depending on the market, with upper-level seats starting from around $60 to $150 and premium lower-bowl or centre-ice seats ranging from $200 to over $800. High-demand markets such as New York, Toronto, and Las Vegas command the steepest prices. Hospitality and suite packages are available at most arenas for corporate or group bookings. Tickets typically go on sale shortly after the first round concludes, and popular matchups can sell out within hours. Secondary market platforms such as SeatGeek, StubHub, and Vivid Seats often carry additional inventory at market-driven prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the NHL Conference Semi-Finals start?
The 2026 Conference Semi-Finals are scheduled to begin on Wednesday 6 May 2026, with exact game times confirmed after the first round concludes.
Where are the NHL Conference Semi-Finals held?
Games are played at the home arenas of the qualifying teams across the United States and Canada, alternating between venues in each series.
How can I watch the NHL Conference Semi-Finals?
In the US, games air on ESPN, ABC, TNT, and TBS. In Canada, coverage is on Sportsnet and CBC. In the UK, TNT Sports broadcasts live playoff action.
Who won the NHL Conference Semi-Finals last year?
In 2025, the four teams to advance from the second round were the Florida Panthers, the Carolina Hurricanes, the Dallas Stars, and the Edmonton Oilers.