The chase for the Stanley Cup begins anew on Saturday, April 18, 2026, as the NHL has officially dropped the schedule for the first round of the playoffs. Get ready for two months of heart-stopping hockey, where every shift matters and legends are forged on the ice.
The action kicks off with a triple-header on opening night. The Carolina Hurricanes will host the Ottawa Senators, the Dallas Stars battle the Minnesota Wild, and one of hockey's fiercest rivalries reignites as the Pittsburgh Penguins take on the Philadelphia Flyers. Four more series join the fray on Sunday, April 19, with the Edmonton Oilers and Anaheim Ducks dropping the puck on Monday, April 20.
Mark your calendars and plan your watch parties! Below is the complete schedule for the opening round, including broadcast information for fans in the United States and Canada. All times are listed in Eastern Time (ET) and are subject to change. Remember, every game is a chance to see your favorite players compete in the gear that defines their game—from the speed of a lightweight jersey to the resilience of playoff-tested equipment.
**Ottawa Senators at Carolina Hurricanes**
Game 1: Saturday, April 18, 3 p.m. (ESPN, SN, OMNI, TVAS)
Game 2: Monday, April 20, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN2, SNE, SNO, SNP, CBC, TVAS)
Game 3: Thursday, April 23, 7:30 p.m. (SN, CBC, TVAS, TBS, HBO, HBO Max)
Game 4: Saturday, April 25, 3 p.m. (SN, TVAS, OMNI, TBS, truTV, HBO Max)
Game 5: Monday, April 27 (Time & Broadcast TBD)
Game 6: Thursday, April 30 (Time & Broadcast TBD)
Game 7: Saturday, May 2 (Time & Broadcast TBD)
**Philadelphia Flyers at Pittsburgh Penguins**
Game 1: Saturday, April 18, 8 p.m. (ESPN, SN, TVAS)
Game 2: Monday, April 20, 7 p.m. (ESPN, SN360, TVAS)
Game 3: Wednesday, April 22, 7 p.m. (TNT, truTV, HBO Max, SNE, SNO, SNP, SN360, TVAS)
Game 4: Saturday, April 25, 8 p.m. (TBS, truTV, HBO Max, SN, TVAS)
Game 5: Monday, April 27 (Time & Broadcast TBD)
Game 6: Wednesday, April 29 (Time & Broadcast TBD)
Game 7: Saturday, May 2 (Time & Broadcast TBD)
**Boston Bruins at Buffalo Sabres**