Watch Stanley Cup Playoffs

The Stanley Cup Playoffs from NHL.tv is a highly-anticipated annual event in the world of ice hockey. Bringing together the top teams from both the Eastern and Western Conference, the playoffs showcase some of the best hockey action of the year. With a grueling, multi-round schedule, the playoffs test each team's mettle and willpower, culminating in what is considered to be the most prestigious trophy in all of sports: the Stanley Cup.

The playoff season typically begins in April and runs through June, with the top 16 teams in the league competing in a best-of-seven series. The teams are seeded based on their regular season performances, with the top three from each division being guaranteed a spot in the playoffs. The remaining spots are filled by the next two teams with the best overall records, regardless of which division they belong to.

The playoffs are split into four rounds, with the winners of each round moving on to the next. In the first round, the top seed plays the lowest seed, with the other series being filled by matching up the second-highest seed against the seventh, third against sixth, and fourth against fifth. The teams rotate home ice advantage, with games 1, 2, 5, and 7 being played at the higher seed's arena.

One of the defining aspects of the playoffs is the increased intensity and physicality of the games. The pace is ramped up significantly, with players giving it their all on every shift. The players are also more likely to get involved in altercations, as tensions run high and emotions are often close to the surface. Fights and hard hits are more common during the playoffs, as teams battle for every inch of ice.

Each team is backed by a passionate fan base, who show up in droves to support their team during the playoffs. The atmosphere in the arena can be electric, with fans often dressed head-to-toe in their team's colors and screaming their hearts out for every goal and big play. Even away games can be an intense experience, as a sea of opposing fans tries to drown out your team's supporters.

One of the most exciting aspects of the playoffs is the chance for underdogs to make a run at the Cup. Being the higher seed doesn't guarantee a victory, as we've seen countless times in the playoffs over the years. Teams that snuck into the playoffs as the bottom seed have a history of pulling off upsets and making deep runs, much to the delight of their fans. There's always the chance for a Cinderella story during the playoffs, and it's those moments that make the playoffs so special.

As the playoffs progress, the competition only gets tougher. Each round poses new challenges, and the teams must adapt to different styles of play and game plans. The winners of each round move on to the next, with the ultimate goal of hoisting the Stanley Cup at the end of it all. It's a grueling, exhausting, and emotional journey, but one that's worth every moment for the players and fans alike.

In addition to the on-ice action, there are plenty of peripheral storylines to follow during the playoffs. From player injuries and suspensions to coaching decisions and post-game press conferences, there's never a shortage of drama surrounding each game. Fans can also follow along with their favorite players and teams on social media, getting an inside look at what goes on behind the scenes during the playoffs.

Overall, the Stanley Cup Playoffs from NHL.tv is an event that brings hockey fans together like no other. With a mix of heart-stopping action, nail-biting drama, and heartwarming stories of perseverance and triumph, the playoffs are a must-watch for any sports fan. Whether you're a die-hard hockey nerd or a casual observer, the playoffs have something for everyone, and they're a true showcase of the best that the sport has to offer.

Stanley Cup Playoffs is a series that ran for 4 seasons (55 episodes) between April 18, 2016 and on NHL.tv