NHL releases semifinals schedule
Bruce Bennett / Getty Images Sport / Getty
The semifinals of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs will begin Sunday, the NHL announced Thursday night.
Here's a look at the full schedule for both series:
Lightning vs. Islanders
| Game | Date | Home | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | June 13 | Lightning | 3 p.m. |
| 2 | June 15 | Lightning | 8. p.m. |
| 3 | June 17 | Islanders | 8 p.m. |
| 4 | June 19 | Islanders | 8 p.m. |
| 5* | June 21 | Lightning | 8 p.m. |
| 6* | June 23 | Islanders | 8 p.m. |
| 7* | June 25 | Lightning | 8 p.m. |
*If necessary
This series marks a rematch of last year's Eastern Conference Final, in which the Lightning prevailed in six games. The defending champs eliminated the Carolina Hurricanes in Round 2, while the Islanders dispatched the Boston Bruins.
Golden Knights vs. Canadiens
| Game | Date | Home | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | June 14 | Golden Knights | 9 p.m. |
| 2 | June 16 | Golden Knights | 9 p.m. |
| 3 | June 18 | Canadiens | 8 p.m. |
| 4 | June 20 | Canadiens | 8 p.m. |
| 5* | June 22 | Golden Knights | 9 p.m. |
| 6* | June 24 | Canadiens | 8 p.m. |
| 7* | June 26 | Golden Knights | 8 p.m. |
In this matchup, the NHL's newest team will take on the league's oldest. The series will also mark the first time this season a Canadian team takes on an American team. The Canadian government recently implemented a travel exemption for clubs entering the country for the final two rounds of the playoffs.