Stanley Cup

The Stanley Cup Final is an annual event held by the National Hockey League to determine the Stanley Cup champions. The Stanley Cup Finals is the last round of the playoffs series where the cup is awarded to the team who wins four out of seven games. The Stanley Cup is the oldest trophy in North America and Canada. The trophy was donated in 1892 by Lord Stanley of Preston. Over the years, the Stanley Cup underwent many changes from league to league. The trophy was first awarded to an NHL team in 1927, after becoming the league's official championship trophy in 1926.

Since 1982, the structure of the Stanley Cup Finals has been a best-of-seven series, featuring the champions of the NHL's Eastern and Western Conferences. In this format, the team that wins four out of seven games in the series is awarded the Stanley Cup. Since adopting this format, teams from the Western Conference have won the Stanley Cup 21 times, while teams from the Eastern Conference have won it 19 times.

Stanley Cup History

The Stanley Cup was first awarded to the Montreal Hockey Club in 1893 after winning the title of the 1893 AHAC season. Initially, the Stanley Cup champion had to defend their title not only by winning their league championship but also by accepting challenges from other teams. These challenge games could take place at any time during the league season or even before it began. However, in 1912, the new rules were made to allow challenges only after the season ended. Fast Forward to NHL, the NHL officially adopted the Stanley Cup as its championship trophy in 1926 after the Western Hockey League folded. Since 1927, NHL teams have exclusively competed for the Cup, making it the league's prestigious prize. The Montreal Canadiens were the first NHL team to hold the Stanley Cup in 1927 after it became the championship trophy of the league.

Stanley Cup Finals Records

In the Stanley Cup Finals, the Montreal Canadiens have won the most championships, securing 24 wins. On the other hand, the Boston Bruins hold the record for most losses at 14. Additionally, the Colorado Avalanche holds the fewest losses in the finals. The Canadiens also hold the record for most consecutive wins, claiming victory five times in a row from 1956 to 1960. In terms of consecutive appearances, they also lead with 10 from 1951 to 1960.

On an individual level, players like Maurice Richard and Red Kelly hold notable records for the most years in the finals and most games played, respectively.

Wayne Gretzky achieved remarkable single-series records, adding 13 points in one series, the most in history. Bernie Morris holds the record for most goals in a single series with 14.

When would the Stanley Cup Finals start?

The Stanley Cup Finals 2024 will start on June 8. The Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers have advanced to the finals after winning the Conference Championship. The final could last up to 16 days, ending on or before Monday, June 24. The winner of the first four games will lift the Stanley Cup.

What channel will the Stanley Cup finals be on?

In Canada, the 2024 Stanley Cup Finals will be shown on both CBC and Sportsnet. In the U.S. ESPN and TNT Sports handle coverage, with ESPN+ streaming all ABC games and ESPN's Conference final games. Additionally, Sports USA Radio Network distributes Stanley Cup playoff games across the U.S.

Where can I watch Road to Stanley Cup?

You can watch the Road to the Stanley Cup on various platforms, including television networks like ESPN, ABC, Sportsnet, and CBC, which broadcast playoff games, pre-game analysis, highlights, and behind-the-scenes coverage. Additionally, streaming services like ESPN+ in the United States and Sportsnet in Canada may offer comprehensive coverage of the playoffs, including exclusive content and analysis.

Stanley Cup Finals TV schedule

The first game of the Stanley Cup finals is scheduled for June 8, Saturday at Florida Panthers' home arena Amerant Bank Arena at 8:00 p.m. Fans can enjoy the live games on ABC, ESPN+, CBC, and SN networks.