When Is The NHL Stanley Cup?

The NHL Stanley Cup is the most coveted prize in professional hockey. So when is it? The answer may surprise you.

Introduction

The Stanley Cup is the most prestigious trophy in ice hockey and is awarded to the team that wins the National Hockey League (NHL) championship playoff.

The Stanley Cup was first presented in 1893 and is named after Lord Stanley of Preston, who was the Governor General of Canada at the time. The cup was originally a silver punch bowl that was donated by Lord Stanley for use as a trophy for Canada’s top amateur hockey team.

Today, the Stanley Cup is made of sterling silver and stands 3 feet (91 cm) tall. It weighs 34 pounds (15 kg) and is supported by a base that contains the names of all the winning teams since 1893. The Stanley Cup is also known as “The Cup”, “The Holy Grail” or simply “(Lord) Stanley’s Cup”.

History of the Stanley Cup

The Stanley Cup is the most coveted trophy in all of professional hockey. It is also the oldest professional sports trophy in North America, dating all the way back to 1893. The Stanley Cup was originally created as a challenge cup, meaning that it was intended to be competed for by different amateur hockey teams.

The first team to ever win the Stanley Cup was the Montreal Amateur Athletic Association (AAA) hockey club, who defeated the Ottawa Generals in the final game of a two-game series. The AAA would go on to win the cup two more times before finally being dethroned by the Montreal Victorias in 1899.

Since that time, the Stanley Cup has been won by many different teams, both professional and amateur. The trophy has also undergone several changes; for example, it was originally much smaller than it is today. In fact, it wasn’t even called the “Stanley Cup” until 1909 when it was renamed after Lord Stanley of Preston, who had donated the original cup.

As of 2020, the team with the most Stanley Cup wins is the Montreal Canadiens, who have won a total of 24 times.

How the Stanley Cup Playoffs Work

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are a best-of-seven elimination tournament among the 16 teams that qualified for the postseason. The playoffs began on April 11 and will end no later than June 16.

In each round, the highest remaining seed in each conference is matched against the lowest remaining seed. The better team in each series receives home-ice advantage, meaning they host Games 1, 2, 5 and 7 (if necessary). The other team hosts Games 3, 4 and 6 (if necessary).

The first two rounds are divisional play, meaning each series is played between division rivals. In the first round, the top three seeds in each division qualify for the playoffs and are seeded 1-3 in their division. The two remaining teams in each division compete in a best-of-five play-in series to determine the final playoff spot in each division.

In the second round, the two division winners with the best regular season records receive a bye to this round while the other two division winners and two wild card teams from each conference play each other in best-of-seven series.

The Conference Finals are played between the four remaining teams in best-of-seven series with home ice determined by regular season record.

Finally, the Stanley Cup Final is also a best-of-seven series with home ice alternating between the Eastern and Western Conference champions each year.

Stanley Cup Finals Format

Since the NHL realigned into its current division and conference structure in 2013, the Stanley Cup Final has been a best-of-seven series played between the champions of the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference.

The Stanley Cup Final is a single-elimination tournament, meaning that once a team loses a game, it is out of contention for the championship. The team that wins four games within the series is crowned the Stanley Cup champion.

If necessary, Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final will be played on June 13.

Conclusion

Now that you know all about the NHL Stanley Cup, you can start planning your viewing party! The Stanley Cup is one of the most highly anticipated events in the hockey world, so be sure to tune in. And, if your team is playing, don’t forget to wear your pride on your sleeve!