NHL Playoffs 2026: Full match schedule, start timings, list of qualified teams, where to watch, and more | NHL News
The 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs are now officially underway, with opening-round matchups delivering a packed schedule and multiple viewing options for fans across the globe. According to reports, the postseason began on April 18, featuring several high-profile clashes as 16 teams compete for ice hockey’s most prestigious trophy. On the opening day, several top-tier NHL teams like the Ottawa Senators will face the Carolina Hurricanes, the Minnesota Wild will lock horns with the Dallas Stars, and the Philadelphia Flyers will battle the Pittsburgh Penguins. Games continue daily with April 19 fixtures, including the Boston Bruins vs. Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens vs. Tampa Bay Lightning, among others. As reported by Yahoo Sports, the Pittsburgh Penguins last appeared in the playoffs three years ago, the Buffalo Sabers last made it 14 years ago, and the Utah Mammoth have never played in the NHL Playoffs. Let’s take a look at the start timings, match schedules, game venues, and where to watch.
When will the NHL playoffs begin?
The NHL playoffs are set to begin on April 18, kicking off the race for the Stanley Cup. The postseason will run through mid-June, with the Stanley Cup Final scheduled between June 3 and June 19, if the series goes the full seven games.
Full schedule of NHL matches till April 20, 2026
- Ottawa Senators vs. Carolina Hurricanes, Saturday, April 18, 3:00 p.m. (ESPN)
- Minnesota Wild vs. Dallas Stars, Saturday, April 18, 5:30 p.m. (ESPN)
- Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Philadelphia Flyers, Saturday, April 18, 8:00 p.m. (ESPN)
- Montreal Canadiens vs. Tampa Bay Lightning, Sunday, April 19, 5:45 p.m. (TNT, truTV, HBO Max)
- Buffalo Sabres vs. Boston Bruins, Sunday, April 19, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)
- Utah Mammoth vs. Vegas Golden Knights, Sunday, April 19, 10:00 p.m. (ESPN)
- Anaheim Ducks vs. Edmonton Oilers, Monday, April 20, 10:00 p.m. (ESPN2)
List of teams playing in the NHL Playoffs
The teams advancing to the NHL playoffs include:Eastern Conference: Carolina Hurricanes, Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens, Tampa Bay Lightning, Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers, Boston Bruins, Ottawa SenatorsWestern Conference: Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks, Utah Mammoth, Los Angeles Kings.
Where to watch the NHL Playoffs 2026 : Broadcast and streaming details
Fans can catch the action across a wide range of broadcasters and streaming platforms. In the United States, NHL games will air on ESPN, ABC, TNT, TBS, and truTV, with streaming on the ESPN app and HBO Max. For viewers looking to stream without cable, services like Sling TV and other live TV platforms offer access to these channels, ensuring coverage of every playoff game.
