Canadian hockey fans will be able to vote in the upcoming federal election without having to give up any post-season action. The NHL released its first-round playoff schedule Thursday, with no Canadian teams in action on April 28 — the day the country is set to go to the polls. Two games are pencilled in for Election Day. Florida hosts Tampa Bay in Game 4 of their first-round series while Dallas hosts Colorado in a Game 5, if necessary. The Montreal Canadiens’ chase for a playoff spot has already affected the leadup to the election, with Wednesday’s French-language leaders debate moved up an hour to avoid a conflict with Montreal’s playoff-clinching win over the Carolina Hurricanes. Sports and national elections have collided before. The Oct. 19 date of the 2015 election conflicted with the Toronto Blue Jays’ 11-8 win over visiting Kansas City in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series. The Presidents’ Trophy-winning Winnipeg Jets will kick off the Canadian slate of NHL playoff games. The Jets open their first-round series against the St. Louis Blues at home on Saturday, with Game 2 at Canada Life Centre on Monday. If needed, Game 5 will be April 30 in Winnipeg, Game 6 in St. Louis on May 2 and Game 7 on May 4 in Winnipeg. The Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators begin their Battle of Ontario on Sunday night in Toronto. If necessary, Game 5 will be April 29 in Toronto, Game 6 in the nation’s capital on May 1 and Game 7 in Toronto on May 3. The Edmonton Oilers begin their first-round matchup against the Kings in Los Angeles on Monday. The Oilers return home for Games 3 and 4 on April 25 and 27. Game 5 will be in L.A., on April 29, Game 6 in Edmonton on May 1 and Game 7 on May 3 in L.A. The Montreal Canadiens play their first post-season game since 2021 when they visit the Eastern Conference-best Washington Capitals on Monday. Montreal hosts Games 3 and 4 on April 25 and 27, with Game 5 on April 30, Game 6 in Montreal on May 2 and Game 7 on May 4. This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 17, 2025. The Canadian Press
