NHL Playoffs 2026 First-Round Schedule: Dates, Times, Where To Watch
The Stanley Cup playoffs begin on April 18 as the NHL announced the dates for every first-round series. Here's when and how to watch them.
The NHL revealed the schedule for the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs. Saturday, April 18, marks the beginning of the two-month battle for the NHL's ultimate prize. It all starts with the Carolina Hurricanes hosting the Ottawa Senators , the Dallas Stars facing the Minnesota Wild and the Pittsburgh Penguins taking on the Philadelphia Flyers .
Four more series begin on Sunday, April 19, while the Edmonton Oilers and Anaheim Ducks begin their best-of-seven series on Monday, April 20. Here are the dates and times for each series, including national network coverage in Canada and the United States. Times are listed in Eastern time (ET) and are subject to change.
Carolina Hurricanes (M1) vs. Ottawa Senators (WC2) Game 1: Ottawa at Carolina, Saturday, April 18, 3 p. m.
(ESPN, SN, OMNI, TVAS) Game 2: Ottawa at Carolina, Monday, April 20, 7:30 p. m. (ESPN2, SNE, SNO, SNP, CBC, TVAS) Game 3: Carolina at Ottawa, Thursday, April 23, 7:30 p.
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