NHL sets Game 1 schedule for Eastern Conference Playoffs

Credit: Mar 4, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (88) and Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy (73) battle for position during the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

The NHL released the schedule for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs for Eastern Conference matchups.

The quest for Lord Stanley’s silver chalice begins on Saturday with the New York Islanders vs. Carolina Hurricanes and Boston Bruins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs.

#NHL announces Eastern Conference Round 1, Game 1 schedules:#isles at #causechaos – Sat. April 20 at 5 pm ET#leafsforever at #nhlbruins – Sat. April 20 at 8pm ET#gobolts at #timetohunt – Sun. April 21 at 12:30pm ET#allcaps at #nyr – Sun. April 21 at 3pm ET

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) April 17, 2024

With the bracket set, it’s time to expect the unexpected.

Here is the schedule for Game 1 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Eastern Conference

#A1 Florida Panthers vs. #WC1 Tampa Bay Lightning

Date	Game	Time
Sunday, April 21	1. Tampa at Florida	12:30 p.m. ET
Tuesday, April 23	2. Tampa at Florida	TBD

#A2 Boston Bruins vs. #A3 Toronto Maple Leafs

Date	Game	Time
Saturday, April 20	1. Toronto at Boston	8 p.m. ET
Monday, April 22	2. Toronto at Boston	TBD

#M1 New York Rangers vs. #WC2 Washington Capitals

Date	Game	Time
Sunday, April 21	1. Washington at New York	3 p.m. ET
Tuesday, April 23	2. Washington at New York	TBD

#M2 Carolina Hurricanes vs. #M3 New York Islanders

Date	Game	Time
Saturday, April 20	1. New York at Carolina	5 p.m. ET
Monday, April 22	2. New York at Carolina	TBD