The Winnipeg Jets are currently en route to Nashville for game seven of the Western Conference Semifinals. With their series knotted up at three-game-a-piece, Thursday’s game will determine whether the first or second place team in the league moves on to host the Vegas Golden Knights in game one and two of the third round.

In the East, the Tampa Bay Lightning and Washington Capitals have also already punched their tickets to the third round with impressive series victories over the Boston Bruins and the back-to-back defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins, respectively. The Lightning and Capitals will begin their series on Friday.

Whether Nashville or Winnipeg comes out on top Thursday, that team is guaranteed home ice advantage for the remainder of the playoffs. No team had more points than the Predators (117) or the Jets (114) through 82 regular season games in 2017-18.

It would also be a very quick turnaround for the Jets/Predators, as the upcoming round is set to begin Saturday evening. Games would be every second day, with the first two being in Winnipeg/Nashville, while games three and four would be played in Vegas. If needed, games five and seven would go from Winnipeg/Nashville, while game six would be played in Vegas.

The full third round schedule is listed below:

Saturday, May 12, 6 p.m: Veg @ Wpg/Nsh

Monday, May 14, 7 p.m: Veg @ Wpg/Nsh

Wednesday, May 16, 8 p.m: Wpg/Nsh @ Veg

Friday, May 18, 7 p.m: Wpg/Nsh @ Veg

*Sunday, May 20, 2 p.m: Veg @ Wpg/Nsh

*Tuesday, May 22, 8 p.m: Wpg/Nsh @ Veg

*Thursday, May 24, 7 p.m: Veg @ Wpg/Nsh

* If needed

By Carter Brooks

Photos by James Carey Lauder

Carter Brooks

Carter Brooks - Associate Editor of Game On Magazine - is a news writer and sports columnist situated in Winnipeg, MB. On top of reading and writing, his favourite pastimes include camping, car-modification projects and coaching hockey. Carter can be reached at carterbrooks1994@gmail.com.