The Stanley Cup Playoffs are right around the corner and NBC is preparing to once again broadcast all of the games across their family of stations. NBC Sports Group and select NBCUniversal networks will air as many as 105 playoff games, depending on how deep each playoff series goes.
In their 10th consecutive year of covering the NHL Playoffs, NBC will air the most primetime playoff games (as many as eight) since partnering with the NHL back in 2005. Aside from the selection of games on NBC, others will be found on NBCSN, NHL Network, CNBC and for the first time in 30 years, USA Network.
Here’s how things will shake out:
First Round
Games will appear on NBC, NBCSN, USA Network, CNBC and the NHL Network. Every first-round game will be available to a national audience, though fans may have to make difficult decisions as there will be overlap. NBCSN will serve as the “home” of the playoffs and will air a game or two almost every night.
Second Round
Games will air on NBC, NBCSN, USA Network or CNBC. Once again, NBCSN will be the prime destination with one or two games appearing on the channel almost every night.
Conference Finals
With the field narrowed, games will only appear on NBC or NBCSN.
Stanley Cup Final
NBC and NBCSN will share the Stanley Cup Final. NBC will carry Game 1 and Game 4 as well as Games 5-7 (if neccessary), while NBCSN televises Game 2 and Game 3.
The Stanley Cup Playoffs begin on April 15th so mark your calendars accordingly.
