NHL Releases Western Conference Playoff Schedule

With Philadelphia attempting to make history tonight by becoming only the third team in NHL history to come back from a 3-0 series deficit, the eyes of the entire NHL will be glued to their television set at 4 PM Pacific. Sharks fans should also pay special attention to the game, as the winner will determine the schedule of the upcoming Western Conference Finals series against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Here are the two possibilities going into tonight:


Series Schedule if Boston wins


Date Location Time (PST)
Local National
G1 Sun May 16th
@ San Jose 12:00 None
NBC, TSN
G2 Tue May 18th
@ San Jose 6:00 None Versus, TSN
G3 Thu May 20th
@ Chicago 5:00 None Versus, TSN
G4 Sat May 22nd @ Chicago 12:00 None NBC, TSN
G5 Mon May 24th
@ San Jose 6:00 None Versus, TSN
G6 Wed May 26th
@ Chicago 5:00 None Versus, TSN
G7 Sat May 29th
@ San Jose TBA None Versus, TSN


Series Schedule if Philadelphia wins


Date Location Time (PST)
Local National
G1 Sun May 16th @ San Jose 12:00 None
NBC, TSN
G2 Tue May 18th @ San Jose 7:00 None Versus, TSN
G3 Fri May 21st
@ Chicago 5:00 None Versus, TSN
G4 Sun May 23rd
@ Chicago 12:00 None NBC, TSN
G5 Tue May 25th
@ San Jose 6:00 None Versus, TSN
G6 Thu May 27th
@ Chicago 5:00 None Versus, TSN
G7 Sat May 29th
@ San Jose 5:00 None Versus, TSN

As for which schedule is most beneficial to the Sharks, it's hard to say-- there is no potential for back to backs which is a definite plus for both teams. A two day break is found within both schedules, with a Philadelphia advancement meaning it will occur before game three. Boston winning tonight means it will occur before game seven.

Pretty much a wash, but if forced to make a choice, a two day break before game seven would be the route I prefer.

Go Sharks.

Solely from a Sharks standpoint, ignoring any rooting interests in the Eastern Conference, which schedule do you prefer?

Boston advances155
Philadelphia advances208