2018 NHL Playoff Schedule Overview
The 2018 NHL playoff schedule followed the league’s standard postseason format, with 16 teams competing in a best-of-seven tournament bracket. The playoffs began in April and concluded in early-to-mid June, structured across four rounds: the Wild Card, First Round, Second Round, Conference Finals, and Stanley Cup Finals. This article explains the playoff format, the timing of each round, and highlights notable series from the 2018 postseason.
How the NHL Playoff Format Works
The NHL playoff format determines which teams qualify and how they advance through the postseason. The league features two conferences, each divided into two divisions. Teams earn playoff spots based on regular-season point totals within their conference. The postseason is a bracketed elimination tournament, with matchups and advancement governed by fixed rules.
Qualification and Seeding
- Each conference’s top three division winners earn automatic playoff berths.
- The next two highest point totals in each conference, regardless of division, qualify as wild-card teams.
- Seeding is determined by point totals, with top conference seeds facing lower-seeded opponents in the early rounds.
2018 NHL Playoff Schedule Breakdown
The 2018 NHL playoff schedule unfolded across several key rounds. Exact dates varied slightly by matchup, but the overall timeline remained consistent with typical postseason pacing.
| Round | Approximate Dates | Series Format | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Card | April 11–14, 2018 | Best-of-7 | Two matchups per conference |
| First Round | April 11–26, 2018 | Best-of-7 | Division winners vs wild-card winners or lower seeds |
| Second Round | April 25–May 6, 2018 | Best-of-7 | Conference semifinals |
| Conference Finals | May 6–17, 2018 | Best-of-7 | Advance to Stanley Cup Finals |
| Stanley Cup Finals | May 28–June 7, 2018 | Best-of-7 | Final series to determine champion |
Notable Series and Results
The 2018 playoffs featured several competitive matchups that showcased contrasting styles of play. Two prominent series illustrated the diversity of playoff hockey that year, including a high-powered offensive team and a disciplined defensive squad.
Washington Capitals vs Montreal Canadiens
In the First Round, the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Capitals faced the Montreal Canadiens. Washington’s high-powered offense, led by Alexander Ovechkin, quickly asserted dominance, sweeping Montreal in four games. This series highlighted the Capitals’ ability to control play and close out series efficiently.
Vegas Golden Knights vs San Jose Sharks
One of the season’s major stories was the Vegas Golden Knights’ inaugural playoff run. In the Second Round, they faced the San Jose Sharks in a competitive series that went the full seven games. Despite a late comeback attempt, Vegas fell short, but their performance signaled a bright future for the franchise.
How the Wild Card Round Worked in 2018
The wild-card round added an extra layer of intrigue to the 2018 NHL playoff schedule. In each conference, the teams with the highest point totals among non-division winners earned wild-card spots. This created matchup flexibility and allowed strong teams to enter the postseason even without winning their division.
Key Takeaways and Aftermath
The 2018 NHL playoff schedule followed a predictable yet fiercely competitive structure. The Washington Capusters advanced furthest toward the Stanley Cup, ultimately falling in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Vegas Golden Knights’ rapid rise captured fan imagination, while traditional powers like the Pittsburgh Penguins and Tampa Bay Lightning continued to perform at a high level. The season reinforced the depth of talent across the league and set the stage for future playoff battles.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many teams made the 2018 NHL playoffs? — Sixteen teams qualified, eight from each conference.
- When did the 2018 Stanley Cup Finals begin? — The Finals started on May 28, 2018.
- Which teams played in the 2018 Stanley Cup Finals? — The Washington Capitals defeated the Vegas Golden Knights in five games.
- Were there any upsets in the 2018 playoffs? — Yes, underdog teams like the Los Angeles Kings and Winnipeg Jets advanced farther than many expected.
- Did the playoff format change for 2018? — No, the format remained consistent with previous seasons.