NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs: Pittsburgh Penguins Vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Viewing Schedule

Mar 28, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Robert Bortuzzo (41) skates with the puck as Columbus Blue Jackets center Artem Anisimov (42) chases at Nationwide Arena. The Penguins won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Penguins discovered Saturday they would be facing the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Less than a day later, the Metropolitan Division opponents received their series schedule from the NHL.

As announced by the league following the conclusion of all games Sunday, the Pens and Jackets will begin their best-of-seven confrontation Wednesday night at Consol Energy Center. Game 1 will face off at 7:30 p.m., but the next three are scheduled for 7.

Since Pittsburgh has home-ice advantage, it will host Games 1 and 2, plus 5 and 7 if necessary. Columbus’ Nationwide Arena will be the site for Games 3 and 4, plus 6 if needed.

The game-by-game schedule and TV broadcaster are as follows:

Game 1 – Wednesday, April 16 at 7:30 p.m. on NBC Sports Network (U.S.) and CBC (Canada)

Game 2 – Saturday, April 19 at 7 p.m. on NBC Sports Network and CBC

Game 3 – Monday, April 21 at 7 p.m. on NBC Sports Network and CBC

Game 4 – Wednesday, April 23 at 7 p.m. on NBC Sports Network and CBC

*Game 5 – Saturday, April 26 (Time and broadcaster to be determined)

*Game 6 – Monday, April 28 (Time and broadcaster to be determined)

*Game 7 – Wednesday, April 30 (Time and broadcaster to be determined)

*If necessary

While the Penguins are used to taking part in marquee matchups in network television eyes, it appears their entire first round will be broadcast only on cable. NBC will grab weekend games from the Chicago-St. Louis, Detroit-Boston and New York-Philadelphia series.

Broadcasting duties will be determined for Games 5 through 7 if any are needed to decide the first postseason meeting between these two franchises.