The NHL regular season has concluded, and the real battle begins. Sixteen teams have earned their shot at hockey's ultimate prize, and the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs are officially underway. The first round promises high-stakes drama, intense rivalries, and the kind of heart-pounding action that defines springtime hockey.
In the Western Conference, a heavyweight clash is set as the Dallas Stars, a perennial contender, square off against the Minnesota Wild. Both squads have legitimate Stanley Cup aspirations, making this a series where one powerhouse will see its championship dreams end far too early. Over in the East, the Atlantic Division delivers a marquee matchup as the 106-point Tampa Bay Lightning and Montreal Canadiens renew hostilities, a series sure to be decided by elite goaltending and clutch performances.
One of hockey's fiercest rivalries is reignited in Pennsylvania, where the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers will meet in the postseason for the first time since 2018. Sidney Crosby, alongside longtime teammates Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang, looks to lead the Penguins on another deep run, but they'll have to get through a physical and relentless Flyers squad first.
History will be made in Salt Lake City as the Utah Mammoth host their first-ever playoff games against the Vegas Golden Knights. Led by the dynamic Clayton Keller, the ascendant Mammoth face a monumental test against the battle-tested core of Jack Eichel and the Knights. This series embodies the fresh energy and unpredictability that makes the NHL playoffs so compelling.
Below is the complete first-round schedule, including venues, start times, and broadcast information. Check back here for updated results as the quest for the Stanley Cup heats up.
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Ottawa Senators
Game 1: Saturday, April 18 | at CAR | 3 p.m. | ESPN
Game 2: Monday, April 20 | at CAR | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN2
Game 3: Thursday, April 23 | at OTT | 7:30 p.m. | TBS
Game 4: Saturday, April 25 | at OTT | 3 p.m. | TBS/truTV
*Game 5: Monday, April 27 | at CAR | TBD | TBD
*Game 6: Thursday, April 30 | at OTT | TBD | TBD
*Game 7: Saturday, May 2 | at CAR | TBD | TBD
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Philadelphia Flyers
Game 1: Saturday, April 18 | at PIT | 8 p.m. | ESPN
Game 2: Monday, April 20 | at PIT | 7 p.m. | ESPN
Game 3: Wednesday, April 22 | at PHI | 7 p.m. | TNT
Game 4: Saturday, April 25 | at PHI | 8 p.m. | TBS/truTV
*Game 5: Monday, April 27 | at PIT | TBD | TBD
*Game 6: Wednesday, April 29 | at PHI | TBD | TBD
*Game 7: Saturday, May 2 | at PIT | TBD | TBD
Buffalo Sabres vs. Boston Bruins
Game 1: Sunday, April 19 | at BUF | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN
Game 2: Tuesday, April 21 | at BUF | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN
Game 3: Thursday, April 23 | at BOS | 7 p.m. | TNT
Game 4: Sunday, April 26 | at BOS | 2 p.m. | TNT
*Game 5: Tuesday, April 28 | at BUF | TBD | TBD