Because historically the NHL has scheduled the finals at least a week after the last conference final game. I don't want them to make me wait until Wed.
Bring on a fresh Tampa team. Their best vs our best. Game on
OK, so I went back to the last 10 years, and it was interesting. During that time, the gap between last conference final game and SCG Game 1 was:
* A week: Never
* 3 days: Twice ('09, '14)
* 4 days: 4x ('13, '15, '16, '17)
* 5 days: 4x ('08, '10, '11, '12)
To me, that suggests
@LadyStanley's comments may have nailed it.
a. TBL close out the series tonight = Game 1 as early as Thursday, but Friday or Saturday more likely (3, 4 or 5 days).
b. TBL in 7 = Game 1 @ Amalie on Saturday, Sunday or Monday.
c. WSH in 7 = Game 1 @ T-Mobile on Sunday or Monday.
Could they do 2 days of rest and make it Friday/Monday @ T-Mobile (may be best for ticket sales)? Sure, but it hasn't happened in the last 10 years.
Seems unlikely that if TBL wins tonight Game 1 would be delayed 7 days until Monday, Memorial Day.