NHL releases first round schedule for 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs

On Thursday, the National Hockey League announced the schedule for the first round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The playoff picture in the Honda West division has not been settled yet, but will be after tonight's game between the Colorado Avalanche and Los Angeles Kings.

With a win, Colorado will finish first and play the fourth seed St. Louis Blues. If they lose tonight, they will finish second and play the third seed Minnesota Wild.

Here is the first game for each series:

MassMutual East Division


(1) Pittsburgh vs (4) New York Islanders. Sunday, May 16th at 12pm ET.

(2) Washington vs (3) Boston. Saturday, May 15th at 7:15pm ET.

Discover Central Division

(1) Carolina vs (4) Nashville. Monday, May 17th at 8pm ET.

(2) Florida vs (3) Tampa Bay. Sunday, May 16th at 7:30pm ET.

Honda West Division

(1) Vegas or Colorado vs (4) St. Louis. Monday, May 17th at 10pm ET.

(2) Colorado or Vegas vs (3) Minnesota. Sunday, May 16th at 3pm ET.

Scotia North Division

(1) Toronto vs (4) Montreal. Thursday, May 20th at 7:30pm ET.

(2) Edmonton vs (3) Winnipeg. Wednesday, May 19th at 9pm ET.

The @NHL has announced 2021 #StanleyCup Playoffs First Round schedule scenarios based on the potential results of tonight's Kings-Avalanche game. https://t.co/2WDzROW7cj pic.twitter.com/VrNrYUP1bt— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) May 13, 2021

Source: NHL Public Relations