Stanley Cup Playoff Games on April 29 Have Start Times, and the First Round Is Heating Up

The NHL officially announced start times for Stanley Cup Playoff games scheduled for April 29, and the intensity is ramping up across the league. We're deep into the first round now, with teams fighting for their playoff lives and every game becoming must-watch hockey.

First Round Matchups Still Going Strong

Multiple series are heading into critical games on April 29. The Vegas Golden Knights just pulled off a gutsy overtime win against Utah, with Theodore and Eichel connecting for the series-clinching goal in Game 4. The Golden Knights "just didn't quit," showing exactly the kind of resilience that wins playoff hockey.

Out East, the Buffalo Sabres can advance with a win against Boston in Game 5 after dominating Game 4 to take control of their first-round matchup. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are locked in a battle of their own, with Letang's "crazy" goal off the glass fueling Pittsburgh's belief heading into Game 5. These aren't your casual April matchups anymore, folks. Every shift matters.

Injury Updates and Game-Time Decisions

Teams are dealing with significant roster questions heading into April 29. The Edmonton Oilers have McDavid and Dickinson as game-time decisions, which could swing their series against Anaheim. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Wild are monitoring Zuccarello and Trenin's availability for their Game 5 matchup against Dallas in what's being called a "chess match."

The Tampa Bay Lightning have Hedman practicing with the team, though there's still no official timeline on his return. Carolina's Ehlers and Nikishin could be ready to rejoin the lineup by the second round if the Hurricanes advance.

The first round is narrowing down, and teams are making their final pushes toward the second round. April 29 brings another slate of must-win games across the playoff landscape. Keep your eyes on these matchups, because this is when playoff hockey becomes playoff hockey.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.