Stanley Cup Final schedule revealed by NHL, with Oilers receiving an exception

Fans eager to follow the intense action should mark their calendars as the series could extend until Monday, June 24th if a decisive game 7 is necessary. Notably, each game will commence at 8:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, a scheduling decision that caters to both East and West Coast audiences.

This year's finals scheduling introduces a uniform 8:00 PM puck drop for all games, a move that has sparked discussion among the hockey community. The league has also planned two full rest days between matches, a strategy presumably to facilitate better recovery and travel arrangements for the competing teams. This thoughtful planning is especially pertinent given the potential distances teams may need to cover, particularly with the possibility of Edmonton making the finals—a scenario that would involve significant travel from most NHL cities.

NHL insider Chris Johnston provided insights into these decisions, suggesting that the later start time and additional travel days could be an effort by the league to make travel to Edmonton more manageable for teams and fans alike. The extended travel could be taxing, with trips potentially lasting over six hours if teams from regions like Florida are involved.

The scheduling flexibility also ensures that fans in Edmonton won't have to tune in at an unusually early hour. A 6:00 PM Mountain Time start is perfectly aligned with the rest of the schedule, allowing local supporters to watch the games without major disruptions to their routines.

As the series heads back to Dallas with the teams locked at two games apiece, the Edmonton Oilers are embroiled in a tight best-of-three contest. With a potential first appearance in the Stanley Cup Final since the start of the Connor McDavid era hanging in the balance, excitement is mounting. Oilers fans, perhaps now more than ever, have a reason to believe this year could be different. If you're an Oilers supporter, it might be wise to clear your schedule from June 8th through the 24th to catch every moment of what promises to be a thrilling climax to the season.

As the countdown to the Finals begins, the anticipation builds—not just for the players and teams, but for fans across the globe, all set to witness another chapter of NHL history in the making.