When Do The NHL Playoffs Start For The Penguins? Pittsburgh’s First-Round Timeline and Likely Opponent
The Penguins are back in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and already know their seed. Here’s when the postseason starts, who Pittsburgh is most likely to face and the dates Pens fans should circle.
When Do The NHL Playoffs Start For The Penguins? Pittsburgh’s First-Round Timeline and Likely Opponent originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh . Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Penguins have already done the hard part. Pittsburgh is back in the playoffs, and there is no mystery left about its seed. The only real question now is who will be coming to town for Round 1.
Pittsburgh clinched its playoff berth with a win over New Jersey on April 9, and the Penguins will finish second in the Metropolitan Division, which means they will open the first round with home-ice advantage. When do the NHL playoffs start for the Penguins? The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs begin on Saturday, April 18.
The NHL has already confirmed that date , but Pittsburgh’s exact Game 1 time is still TBD. The league will announce the full Round 1 schedule once the standings are final and opponents are set. BUY NOW : Cheer on the Pens as they go on a run to the Stanley Cup with affordable tickets For Penguins fans, that means the safest expectation is simple — playoff hockey starts next weekend, and Pittsburgh’s series should open on April 18 or April 19, depending on the final TV schedule.