<Tr> <Th> MVP </Th> <Td> Alexander Ovechkin (Capitals) </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> ← 2017 2019 → </Td> </Tr> <P> The 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs was the playoff tournament of the National Hockey League (NHL). The playoffs began on April 11, 2018, after the 2017--18 regular season ended, and concluded on June 7, 2018, with the Washington Capitals winning their first Stanley Cup in franchise history defeating the Vegas Golden Knights four games to one in the Stanley Cup Finals . </P> <P> The Nashville Predators made the playoffs as the Presidents' Trophy winners with the most points (i.e. best record) during the regular season . The Pittsburgh Penguins increased their post-season appearance streak to twelve seasons, the current longest streak . </P>

When does the 2018 stanley cup playoffs start