NHL conference finals start date: When they begin, full schedule, matchups

The NHL conference finals are set to begin with the Western Conference finals opening on Wednesday, May 20, featuring the Colorado Avalanche hosting the Vegas Golden Knights. The Eastern Conference finals follow on Thursday, May 21, with the Montreal Canadiens facing the Carolina Hurricanes after Montreal defeated the Buffalo Sabres 3-2 in overtime to advance. The Hurricanes enter the series after sweeping the Philadelphia Flyers, with their last action on May 9.