Edmonton Oilers may be slated for day game for Game 6

The Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks are currently set for a game 6 showdown, which, as per the existing plans, might unusually occur during the day. This potential change hinges on tonight's outcome between the Carolina Hurricanes and the New York Rangers.

If the Hurricanes clinch a victory tonight, forcing a decisive game 7, they will take the prime time slot on Saturday at 6:00 MT. This schedule was highlighted by Irfaan Gaffar, a seasoned sports reporter for the Fourth Period. His recent tweet sheds light on the complexities of playoff broadcast scheduling:

Given that the league generally prefers a three-hour buffer between games to avoid overlaps, the Oilers are left with a likely start time of either 3:00 MT or a much less probable 9:00 MT. Considering the time zone differences with the East, the earlier slot appears more feasible, steering the Oilers towards a day game.

This scheduling scenario is somewhat disheartening for Oilers fans, who have been deprived of a Saturday night home game throughout this year's playoffs. Notably, this schedule has also prevented Connor McDavid, arguably the league's top player, from showcasing his talents during the most coveted TV viewing hours.

Despite the frustration for local supporters, there's a silver lining. A daytime game could potentially draw a larger audience, allowing more fans to witness the high stakes of the Oilers in the playoff atmosphere. As the NHL finalizes its broadcast details, the anticipation builds not just for the outcome on the ice, but also for how these games will reach their audiences.