How teams qualify
Sixteen teams qualify for the NHL playoffs each season. From each of the four divisions in a conference, the top three teams automatically qualify. Additionally, the next two teams with the best records in each conference, regardless of division, earn wild card spots. This creates 8 playoff teams per conference.
Seeding and matchups
In the first round, called the Conference Quarterfinals, the number one seed plays the wild card team with the worst record, and the number two seed plays the other wild card team. The number three seed from one division plays the number three seed from another division in the same conference. This format continues through the Conference Semifinals and Finals, where winners advance and are re-seeded based on regular season records.
Best-of-seven series format
Each playoff series is a best-of-seven competition, meaning the first team to win four games advances to the next round. Games alternate between the higher seed's home arena and the lower seed's arena, with the higher seed receiving home ice advantage. This means the higher seed plays four home games while the lower seed plays three home games in each series.
The four playoff rounds
The playoffs consist of four rounds. The Conference Quarterfinals feature 8 matchups per conference. Winners advance to the Conference Semifinals, which feature 4 matchups per conference. Next is the Conference Finals with 2 teams per conference competing. The final round is the Stanley Cup Finals, where the champion from each conference plays for the Stanley Cup.
Playoff schedule
The NHL playoffs typically begin in April following the regular season. Each round must be completed before the next round begins. Games are usually scheduled for evenings and weekends. The Stanley Cup Finals typically conclude by early June. Rest days are built in between games to allow teams recovery time. 
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