According to NHL insider Irfaan Gaffar, the league will advance the start date of the playoffs. Originally slated to begin on Monday, April 22 after the regular season ends on Thursday, April 18, the playoffs will now kick off on Saturday night, April 20.
This change is met with enthusiasm as the NHL gears up for the postseason. Shifting game one of round one to a Saturday night instead of a Monday is a logical decision, appreciated by both fans and league officials, including Gary Bettman.
With just over three weeks left until the playoffs begin, teams are entering the stretch run, with most having 10-11 games remaining.