Austin Konenski
The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs bracket is set as the NHL postseason begins. Below is the full series layout, updated matchups, and key storylines as teams compete for the Stanley Cup.
Updated April 17– Standings and bracket reflect games played on April 16.
2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs Bracket
Here is the current 2026 Stanley Cup Playoff bracket after the NHL games on Thursday, April 16.
Eastern Conference
- Boston Bruins vs Buffalo Sabres – Tied 0-0
- Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning – Tied 0-0
- Ottawa Senators vs Carolina Hurricanes – Tied 0-0
- Philadelphia Flyers vs Pittsburgh Penguins – Tied 0-0
Western Conference
- Los Angeles Kings vs Colorado Avalanche – Tied 0-0
- Minnesota Wild vs Dallas Stars – Tied 0-0
- Utah Mammoth vs Vegas Golden Knights – Tied 0-0
- Anaheim Ducks vs Edmonton Oilers – Tied 0-0
Stanley Cup Playoffs Storylines
- Edmonton and McDavid look to get over the hump and win the Stanley Cup Finals, starting with Los Angeles
- Dallas and Minnesota clash in an epic first-round series that’s bound to be a classic
- Buffalo returns to the playoffs for the first time since 2011 as one of the favorites
- Carolina hopes to reach the mountain top, with Florida missing the playoffs
How the NHL Playoffs Work
The playoffs feature 16 teams competing in best-of-seven series across four rounds: First Round, Second Round, Conference Finals, and Stanley Cup Finals.
Who won the 2025 Stanley Cup Finals?
The Florida Panthers beat Edmonton in six games to win the 2025 Stanley Cup Finals. It marked the second straight championship for the Panthers.
Who is favored to win the 2026 Stanley Cup Finals?
Colorado is favored to win the 2026 Stanley Cup Finals after finishing the NHL regular season with the best record, according to BetMGM.
When do the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs start?
- Start date: Saturday, April 18
The first round will start on Saturday, April 18, two days after the conclusion of the 2025-26 NHL regular season.
Read More: NHL Playoff Games Today – Schedule, Start Times & Matchups
