The NHL's Stanley Cup Playoffs are here, and the road to glory begins now. After dominating the 2025-26 season with the league's best record, the Colorado Avalanche have secured the Western Conference's top seed and home-ice advantage throughout the postseason. Their quest for the Cup kicks off with a familiar first-round challenge.

The Avalanche will face the Los Angeles Kings, who clinched the West's final Wild Card spot. While the Kings battled to a 35-27-20 record, they now face the daunting task of taking on the conference's top team. For the Avs, this series is the first critical test in their championship pursuit.

Mark your calendars! The series begins at Ball Arena in Denver. Here is the full first-round schedule, including broadcast information so you don't miss a moment of the action.

Game 1: Kings at Avalanche, April 19, 1 p.m. MT; Altitude, TNT, truTV, HBO MAX

Game 2: Kings at Avalanche, April 21, 8 p.m. MT; Altitude, ESPN

Game 3: Avalanche at Kings, April 23, 8 p.m. MT; Altitude, TNT, truTV, HBO MAX

Game 4: Avalanche at Kings, April 26, 2:30 p.m. MT; Altitude, TNT, truTV, HBO MAX

Game 5: Kings at Avalanche (if necessary), April 29, Time & TV TBD

Game 6: Avalanche at Kings (if necessary), May 1, Time & TV TBD

Game 7: Kings at Avalanche (if necessary), May 3, Time & TV TBD

All Avalanche playoff games will be nationally televised on ESPN, TNT, or their affiliated networks (ABC, TBS, truTV, HBO MAX). Local fans can also catch the action regionally on Altitude Sports.

Should the Avalanche advance, they would meet the winner of the Dallas Stars vs. Minnesota Wild series in the second round. The stage is set for another thrilling playoff run. Get ready to cheer on the Avs as they begin their chase for hockey's ultimate prize!