Stanley Cup Final to open next Wednesday

The NHL has announced that the Stanley Cup Finals will begin Wednesday. The Kings currently lead the best-of-seven Western Conference final series, 3-1, and play Game 5 on Wednesday night in Chicago.

If Chicago wins to extend the series, Game 6 will be held in Los Angeles on Friday. If there is a Game 7, that would be held Sunday in Chicago.

Whether the Kings would open a potential Stanley Cup Final series at home or away depends upon which team emerges as the Eastern Conference champion. The New York Rangers currently lead that series over Montreal, 3-2. Game 6 will be held Thursday in New York. If there is a Game 7, that will be held Saturday in Montreal.

If the Rangers and Kings win their series, the Kings would play Games 1, 2, 5 and 7 at home. If the Canadiens and the Kings win their series, the Kings would play Games 3, 4 and 6 at home.

The Stanley Cup final dates:
Game 1 Wednesday, June 4
Game 2 Saturday, June 7
Game 3 Monday, June 9
Game 4 Wednesday, June 11
Game 5* Friday, June 13
Game 6* Monday, June 16
Game 7* Wednesday, June 18
* best-of-seven series; if necessary