The NHL will get a head start on what should be a highly rated rematch between the Penguins and Red Wings.
With the Red Wings winning their series against the Blackhawks on Wednesday, the 2009 Stanley Cup Finals will begin on Saturday, May 30 on NBC. Previously, the Finals had been set for a June 5 start date.
Games 1 and 2 will air on NBC on Saturday and Sunday night, both at 8 PM ET. This marks the first time since the NHL returned to broadcast in ’95 that a Stanley Cup Finals game has taken place on a Sunday night, traditionally the most-watched night of the week.
Versus will take over for Games 3 and 4 on Tuesday, June 2 and Thursday, June 4.
NBC gets back into the picture for Game 5 on Saturday, June 6. Games 6 and 7 would take place on Tuesday, June 9 and Friday, June 12.
Games 1, 2, 4 and 6 could potentially air opposite NBA playoff games. Game 1 would air opposite a potential Cavaliers/Magic Game 6, Game 2 would air opposite a potential Nuggets/Lakers Game 7, and Games 4 and 6 would air opposite Games 1 and 3 of the NBA Finals, respectively.
2009 Stanley Cup Finals schedule.
| Date | Time | Game | Net |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat., 5/30/09 | 8:00 PM | Stanley Cup Finals, Game 1 | NBC |
| Sun., 5/31/09 | TBA | Stanley Cup Finals, Game 2 | NBC |
| Tue., 6/2/09 | 8:00 PM | Stanley Cup Finals, Game 3 | Versus |
| Thu., 6/4/09 | 8:00 PM | Stanley Cup Finals, Game 4 | Versus |
| Sat., 6/6/09 | 8:00 PM | Stanley Cup Finals, Game 5* | NBC |
| Tue., 6/9/09 | 8:00 PM | Stanley Cup Finals, Game 6* | NBC |
| Fri., 6/12/09 | 8:00 PM | Stanley Cup Finals, Game 7* | NBC |
