The NHL has officially unveiled the schedule for the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs, and the action is already heating up. Round 2 kicked off on Saturday, May 2, with a thrilling matchup as the Carolina Hurricanes hosted the Philadelphia Flyers. The excitement continues on Sunday when the Colorado Avalanche face off against the Minnesota Wild.
Adding to the drama, Sunday will also determine the final team to advance from the first round, as the Tampa Bay Lightning and Montreal Canadiens battle in a decisive Game 7. The NHL was able to release the second-round schedule ahead of this rubber match because the game dates remain fixed regardless of the outcome.
Here's your complete guide to every second-round series, including broadcast information for viewers in Canada and the United States. All times are listed in Eastern Time (ET) and are subject to change.
Buffalo vs. Montreal/Tampa Bay Series
Game 1: Wednesday, May 6 – Montreal/Tampa Bay at Buffalo, 7 p.m. (TNT, truTV, HBO Max, SN, CBC, TVAS)
Game 2: Friday, May 8 – Montreal/Tampa Bay at Buffalo, 7 p.m. (TNT, truTV, HBO Max, SN, CBC, TVAS)
Game 3: Sunday, May 10 – Buffalo at Montreal/Tampa Bay, 7 p.m. (ESPN, SN, CBC, TVAS)
Game 4: Tuesday, May 12 – Buffalo at Montreal/Tampa Bay, Time TBD (ESPN, Canadian broadcast TBD)
Game 5: Thursday, May 14 – Montreal/Tampa Bay at Buffalo, Time TBD (TNT, truTV, HBO Max, Canadian broadcast TBD)
Game 6: Saturday, May 16 – Buffalo at Montreal/Tampa Bay, Time TBD (ABC or ESPN, Canadian broadcast TBD)
Game 7: Monday, May 18 – Montreal/Tampa Bay at Buffalo, Time TBD (ESPN, Canadian broadcast TBD)
Carolina vs. Philadelphia Series
Game 1: Saturday, May 2 – Philadelphia at Carolina, 8 p.m. (ABC, SN, TVAS)
Game 2: Monday, May 4 – Philadelphia at Carolina, 7 p.m. (ESPN, SN, CBC, TVAS)
Game 3: Thursday, May 7 – Carolina at Philadelphia, 8 p.m. (TNT, truTV, HBO Max, SN, CBC, TVAS)
The Canadiens vs. Lightning series has already proven to be the most captivating of the first round. It's the kind of playoff showdown that makes you wish the NHL would extend it to a best-of-nine—or even longer. With so much at stake, every shift counts, and the winner will carry serious momentum into this second-round battle.
Whether you're gearing up for game day or just looking to rep your team in style, make sure you're ready for every face-off. Stay tuned for updates on remaining game times and broadcast details.