The reason the Montreal Canadiens’ playoff games are now starting at 8:00 p.m. has been officially explained: it is a league-wide decision made by Gary Bettman and the NHL to maximize television visibility across North America, especially for fans in western markets. The change is not being driven by Canadiens owner Geoff Molson or the team’s management.
The explanation surfaced after several fans questioned why Canadiens games were no longer beginning at their usual 7:00 p.m. local start time. The issue became more noticeable during the Eastern Conference Final, where Game 4 between Montreal and the Carolina Hurricanes was also scheduled for 8:00 p.m.
According to the league’s reasoning, the later start time helps improve viewership across different time zones. A game that begins at 7:00 p.m. in Montreal would air at 4:00 p.m. in western markets such as Vancouver or California, which is considered too early for many viewers. By shifting the start one hour later in the East, the game begins at 5:00 p.m. on the West Coast, making it more accessible to a larger audience.
The NHL’s goal is to give the playoff games maximum exposure from coast to coast across North America. This strategy is especially important for the league because the Canadiens’ presence in the final four draws significant attention. The move also reflects the NHL’s strong focus on television ratings and national visibility, particularly in the United States.
The explanation was shared publicly by TVA Sports, and Jessica Lapinski of the Journal de Montréal reported the league’s official justification. The timing shift, according to the report, has been in place for about 12 years, but it has drawn more attention this year because of Montreal’s deep playoff run.
For many Canadiens supporters, the later start has been frustrating, especially when games extend into overtime and end late at night. Still, the NHL appears committed to the schedule as part of its broader broadcast strategy.
In short, the Canadiens’ 8:00 p.m. start time is not a local team decision but a deliberate NHL choice aimed at improving viewership across North America and making the games more convenient for fans in western time zones.
