NHL Releases 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs First-Round Schedule

The NHL has officially released the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs schedule for the first round, detailing all matchups, game dates, and start times as teams begin their push toward the championship.

The opening round features best-of-seven series across both conferences, with division winners and wild-card teams meeting in high-stakes matchups.

Eastern Conference First-Round Matchups

The Eastern Conference first round features eight teams in best-of-seven series, with higher seeds holding home-ice advantage in Games 1, 2, 5, and 7.

Below are the complete Eastern Conference matchups for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, including schedules and broadcast details in the first round.

Boston Bruins vs. Buffalo Sabres

Series format: Best-of-seven | First round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs

• Game 1: April 19, 2026 (7:30 p.m. ET) — Buffalo — ESPN
• Game 2: April 21, 2026 (7:30 p.m. ET) — Buffalo — ESPN
• Game 3: April 23, 2026 (7:00 p.m. ET) — Boston — TNT
• Game 4: April 26, 2026 (2:00 p.m. ET) — Boston — TNT
• Game 5 (if necessary): April 28, 2026 (TBD p.m. ET) — Buffalo — TBD
• Game 6 (if necessary): May 1, 2026 (TBD p.m. ET) — Boston — TBD
• Game 7 (if necessary): May 3, 2026 (TBD p.m. ET) — Buffalo — TBD

Boston’s experience meets Buffalo’s rising core in a physical Atlantic Division series that tests both depth and composure.

Montreal Canadiens vs. Tampa Bay Lightning

• Game 1: April 19, 2026 (5:45 p.m. ET) — Tampa Bay — TNT
• Game 2: April 21, 2026 (7:00 p.m. ET) — Tampa Bay — ESPN2
• Game 3: April 24, 2026 (7:00 p.m. ET) — Montreal — TNT
• Game 4: April 26, 2026 (7:00 p.m. ET) — Montreal — ESPN
• Game 5 (if necessary): April 29, 2026 (TBD p.m. ET) — Tampa Bay — TBD
• Game 6 (if necessary): May 1, 2026 (TBD p.m. ET) — Montreal — TBD
• Game 7 (if necessary): May 3, 2026 (TBD p.m. ET) — Tampa Bay — TBD

Tampa Bay’s playoff-tested roster faces a Montreal team looking to extend its postseason momentum in a rematch-style Atlantic showdown.

Ottawa Senators vs. Carolina Hurricanes

• Game 1: April 18, 2026 (3:00 p.m. ET) — Carolina — ESPN
• Game 2: April 20, 2026 (7:30 p.m. ET) — Carolina — ESPN2
• Game 3: April 23, 2026 (7:30 p.m. ET) — Ottawa — TBS
• Game 4: April 25, 2026 (3:00 p.m. ET) — Ottawa — TBS
• Game 5 (if necessary): April 27, 2026 (TBD p.m. ET) — Carolina — TBD
• Game 6 (if necessary): April 30, 2026 (TBD p.m. ET) — Ottawa — TBD
• Game 7 (if necessary): May 2, 2026 (TBD p.m. ET) — Carolina — TBD

Carolina’s structured, defensive style meets Ottawa’s young, fast-rising core in a series built on pace and discipline.

Philadelphia Flyers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

• Game 1: April 18, 2026 (8:00 p.m. ET) — Pittsburgh — ESPN
• Game 2: April 20, 2026 (7:00 p.m. ET) — Pittsburgh — ESPN
• Game 3: April 22, 2026 (7:00 p.m. ET) — Philadelphia — TNT
• Game 4: April 25, 2026 (8:00 p.m. ET) — Philadelphia — TBS
• Game 5 (if necessary): April 27, 2026 (TBD p.m. ET) — Pittsburgh — TBD
• Game 6 (if necessary): April 29, 2026 (TBD p.m. ET) — Philadelphia — TBD
• Game 7 (if necessary): May 2, 2026 (TBD p.m. ET) — Pittsburgh — TBD

A renewed Pennsylvania rivalry adds intensity to a matchup defined by history, physicality, and playoff experience.

Winners advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Western Conference First-Round Matchups

The Western Conference first round features eight teams in best-of-seven series, with higher seeds holding home-ice advantage in Games 1, 2, 5, and 7.

Below are the complete Western Conference matchups for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Los Angeles Kings vs. Colorado Avalanche

• Game 1: April 19, 2026 (3:00 p.m. ET) — Colorado — TNT
• Game 2: April 21, 2026 (10:00 p.m. ET) — Colorado — ESPN
• Game 3: April 23, 2026 (10:00 p.m. ET) — Los Angeles — TNT
• Game 4: April 26, 2026 (4:30 p.m. ET) — Los Angeles — TNT
• Game 5 (if necessary): April 29, 2026 (TBD p.m. ET) — Colorado — TBD
• Game 6 (if necessary): May 1, 2026 (TBD p.m. ET) — Los Angeles — TBD
• Game 7 (if necessary): May 3, 2026 (TBD p.m. ET) — Colorado — TBD

A speed-driven Avalanche attack meets a defensively structured Kings roster in a classic contrast of styles.

Minnesota Wild vs. Dallas Stars

• Game 1: April 18, 2026 (5:30 p.m. ET) — Dallas — ESPN
• Game 2: April 20, 2026 (9:30 p.m. ET) — Dallas — ESPN
• Game 3: April 22, 2026 (9:30 p.m. ET) — Minnesota — TNT
• Game 4: April 25, 2026 (5:30 p.m. ET) — Minnesota — TBS
• Game 5 (if necessary): April 28, 2026 (X p.m. ET) — Dallas — TBD
• Game 6 (if necessary): April 30, 2026 (X p.m. ET) — Minnesota — TBD
• Game 7 (if necessary): May 2, 2026 (X p.m. ET) — Dallas — TBD

Dallas’ balanced scoring and experience contrast with Minnesota’s disciplined defensive structure and goaltending strength.

Utah Mammoth vs. Vegas Golden Knights

• Game 1: April 19, 2026 (10:00 p.m. ET) — Las Vegas — ESPN
• Game 2: April 21, 2026 (9:30 p.m. ET) — Las Vegas — ESPN2
• Game 3: April 24, 2026 (9:30 p.m. ET) — Utah — TBS
• Game 4: April 27, 2026 (TBD p.m. ET) — Utah — ESPN
• Game 5 (if necessary): April 29 2026 (TBD p.m. ET) — Las Vegas — TBD
• Game 6 (if necessary): May 1, 2026 (TBD p.m. ET) — Utah — TBD
• Game 7 (if necessary): May 3, 2026 (TBD p.m. ET) — Las Vegas — TBD

Vegas’ playoff-tested core faces a Utah squad making its early postseason appearance under pressure.

Anaheim Ducks vs. Edmonton Oilers

• Game 1: April 20, 2026 (10:00 p.m. ET) — Edmonton — ESPN2
• Game 2: April 22, 2026 (10:00 p.m. ET) — Edmonton — TBS
• Game 3: April 24, 2026 (10:00 p.m. ET) — Anaheim — TNT
• Game 4: April 26, 2026 (9:30 p.m. ET) — Anaheim — ESPN
• Game 5 (if necessary): April 28, 2026 (TBD p.m. ET) — Edmonton — TBD
• Game 6 (if necessary): April 30, 2026 (TBD p.m. ET) — Anaheim — TBD
• Game 7 (if necessary): May 2, 2026 (TBD p.m. ET) — Edmonton — TBD

Edmonton’s high-powered offense tests Anaheim’s young roster and defensive structure.

NHL Playoff Format Reminder

The Stanley Cup Playoffs feature a 16-team bracket with four best-of-seven rounds culminating in the Stanley Cup Finals.

What’s Next in the NHL

Winners advance to the Conference Semifinals as the chase for the Stanley Cup continues.

Read More: NHL Games Today – Full Schedule, Start Times, and Matchups

By Austin Konenski

Austin Konenski is a writer at Sportsnaut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA, and more. His work can also ... More about Austin Konenski