Six months ago, the Penguins were in disarray and seemingly a slight rebuild from ever the Stanley Cup Final again. The Sharks have been on the brink for a few years, but it appeared their window had closed to reach the final for the first time, as well. But now, they've setup a date in the Stanley Cup Final thanks to impressive playoff runs.
The Penguins have been the hottest team in the NHL since December and the Sharks have looked dominant through the postseason thus far, breezing by the Kings in the first round, outlasting the Predators in seven and besting the Blues in six. The Penguins are seeking their fourth Stanley Cup in franchise history, the Sharks their first.
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The Penguins have home ice in this series after gaining 104 points during the regular season, six more than the Sharks. Pittsburgh is 7-3 at home during these playoffs and 12-6 overall. The teams split their regular season meetings this year, each winning on the road.
When do the Stanley Cup finals start?
The Stanley Cup Final begins Monday night at 8 p.m. ET in Pittsburgh. The games will be shown on TV on either NBC or NBC Sports Network.
Stanley Cup Final schedule
Game 1: Monday, May 30, Sharks at Penguins, 8 p.m. (NBC)
Game 2: Wednesday, June 1, Sharks at Penguins, 8 p.m. (NBCSN)
Game 3: Saturday, June 4, Penguins at Sharks, 8 p.m. (TBD)
Game 4: Monday, June 6, Penguins at Sharks, 8 p.m. (TBD)
Game 5: Thursday, June 9, Sharks at Penguins, 8 p.m. (NBC)*
Game 6: Sunday, June 12, Penguins at Sharks, 8 p.m. (NBC)*
Game 7: Wednesday, June 15, Sharks at Penguins, 8 p.m. (NBC)*
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If necessary
Can I stream the Stanley Cup Final online?
You betcha. NBC's sporting events can be live streamed online on NBCSports.com our on the NBC Sports Live Extra app. A cable subscription is required to watch the full game.
Stanley Cup Final betting odds
The Penguins are a slight favorite over the Sharks at -130 (with San Jose getting +110) at most sports books. A Western Conference team has won the Stanley Cup in five of the last six years and the East has won just three since the lockout in 2004-05.