<P> The Stanley Cup playoffs consists of four rounds of best - of - seven series . Each series is played in a 2 -- 2 -- 1 -- 1 -- 1 format , meaning the team with home - ice advantage hosts games one , two , five , and seven , while their opponent hosts games three , four , and six . Games five , six , and seven are only played if needed . </P>
<P> The Stanley Cup playoffs consists of four rounds of best - of - seven series . Each series is played in a 2 -- 2 -- 1 -- 1 -- 1 format , meaning the team with home - ice advantage hosts games one , two , five , and seven , while their opponent hosts games three , four , and six . Games five , six , and seven are only played if needed . </P>
is the first round of nhl playoffs best of 5 or best of 7
is the first round of nhl playoffs best of 5 or best of 7
best - of - seven
best - of - seven