2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round Schedule and Broadcast Details Announced
The National Hockey League has announced the schedule and national broadcast details for the opening games of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round. The games will kick off on Saturday, April 18, with three matchups scheduled. The complete First Round schedule will be released after the conclusion of the regular season on Thursday night.
On Saturday, April 18, the first game will feature the Ottawa Senators facing off against the Carolina Hurricanes at 3 p.m. ET, followed by the Minnesota Wild taking on the Dallas Stars at 5:30 p.m. ET, and the Philadelphia Flyers playing against the Pittsburgh Penguins at 8 p.m. ET. The games will be broadcast on ESPN, SN, and TVAS.
The action continues on Sunday, April 19, with more Game 1 matchups, including Western Conference Wild Card #2 against the Colorado Avalanche, the Montreal Canadiens versus the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Boston Bruins facing the Buffalo Sabres, and the Utah Mammoth playing the Vegas Golden Knights. The exact times and TV channels for these games are yet to be determined.
Monday, April 20, will see the start of Game 1 for the Pacific Division #3 team against the Pacific Division #2 team. The final two matchups for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs will be determined based on the outcomes of the games involving the Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks, and Los Angeles Kings.
This season's playoffs will see a significant turnover, with six teams making it to the postseason after missing out last year. Notable players like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin will be making their franchise-leading 16th postseason appearances. The Tampa Bay Lightning have extended their franchise record with a ninth consecutive postseason appearance, tying them with the Colorado Avalanche for the longest active streak in the NHL.
Utah will become the 23rd state to host Stanley Cup Playoffs hockey, joining a select group of teams that reached the postseason within their first two NHL seasons. Fans can participate in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs Bracket Challenge presented by Expedia for a chance to win exciting prizes, including the opportunity to attend a 2026–27 NHL event and an Adventure Chrono 41mm NHL Limited Edition Watch by Norqain.
Throughout the playoffs, NHL Network will provide extensive pre- and postgame coverage with shows like First Shift, NHL Now, and NHL Tonight. Stay tuned for more thrilling hockey action as the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs get underway.