NHL releases potential schedules for Eastern Conference Final as Canes await next opponent

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — The Carolina Hurricanes are once again playing the waiting game after sweeping their second round playoffs series against the Philadelphia Flyers.

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As the Canes await the winner of the series between the Buffalo Sabres and the Montreal Canadiens — which the Canadiens now lead 3-2 after winning Game 5 Wednesday night — the NHL released potential scheduling scenarios for the Eastern Conference Final.

If the Sabres-Canadiens series goes six games, the conference final would start on Tuesday, May 19 with Game 2 on Thursday, May 21. Both games would be in Raleigh as the Canes are the top seed in the East. The series would then shift to either Buffalo or Montreal for Game 3 on Sat., May 23 and Game 4 on Mon., May 25. If needed, Game 5 would be in Raleigh on Wed., May 27 and Game 6 would be an away game for the Canes on Fri., May 29. If the Eastern Conference Final goes seven games, the deciding contest would be at Lenovo Center on Sun., May 31.

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If Buffalo and Montreal go the full seven games in their current series, the start of the next round will be pushed back to Thur., May 21 with Game 2 on Sat., May 23, both in Raleigh. Games 3 and 4 would then be on Mon., May 25 and Wed., May 27, respectively, on the opponent’s home ice. Game 5 would be on Fri., May 29 in Raleigh if needed and the Canes would be on the road for a potential Game 6 on Sun., May 31. If necessary, Game 7 would be played June 2 in Raleigh.

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ECF schedule if Buffalo/Montreal goes six games

ECF schedule if Buffalo/Montreal goes seven games