2026 NHL Playoffs: Complete Schedule and Details

The 2026 NHL playoffs are officially underway, bringing excitement to hockey fans everywhere. This year's playoff bracket is more competitive than ever, with sixteen teams vying for the coveted Stanley Cup.

For the first time in a decade, the defending champions, the Florida Panthers, will not be participating, having failed to qualify after their title run in 2025. This opens the door for strong contenders like the Colorado Avalanche, who enter the postseason as Presidents' Trophy winners, and the Vegas Golden Knights, looking to recapture their previous glory under the guidance of coach John Tortorella.

Among the most compelling storylines is Connor McDavid, who is coming off a remarkable 130-point season and is eager to bring the Cup back to Edmonton. Meanwhile, the Eastern Conference is buzzing with the nostalgic "Battle of Pennsylvania" featuring the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Philadelphia Flyers.

The Buffalo Sabres have also made headlines by breaking the longest playoff drought in NHL history, entering the postseason as Atlantic Division champions after 14 years of absence. Lindy Ruff’s squad has transformed from a struggling team to a legitimate playoff threat, making this year’s playoffs particularly thrilling.

As the playoffs progress, fans can look forward to a series of exciting matchups. Here’s a look at the full schedule for the first round of the 2026 NHL Playoffs:

NHL Playoffs Schedule 2026

First Round

• Sabres vs. Bruins - Series tied 1-1
• - April 19: Game 1 - Sabres 4, Bruins 3
• - April 21: Game 2 - Bruins 4, Sabres 2
• - April 23: Game 3 - Sabres at Bruins, 7:00 p.m. (TNT, truTV, DIRECTV)
• - April 26: Game 4 - Sabres at Bruins, 2:00 p.m. (TNT, truTV, DIRECTV)
• - April 28: Game 5 - Bruins at Sabres, TBD
• - May 1: Game 6* - Sabres at Bruins, TBD
• - May 3: Game 7* - Bruins at Sabres, TBD

• Lightning vs. Canadiens - Series tied 1-1
• - April 19: Game 1 - Canadiens 4, Lightning 3 (OT)
• - April 21: Game 2 - Lightning 3, Canadiens 2 (OT)
• - April 24: Game 3 - Lightning at Canadiens, 7:00 p.m. (TNT, truTV, DIRECTV)
• - April 26: Game 4 - Lightning at Canadiens, 7:00 p.m. (ESPN, DIRECTV, fubo, ESPN app)
• - April 29: Game 5 - Canadiens at Lightning, TBD
• - May 1: Game 6* - Lightning at Canadiens, TBD
• - May 3: Game 7* - Canadiens at Lightning, TBD

• Hurricanes vs. Senators - Carolina leads 2-0
• - April 18: Game 1 - Hurricanes 2, Senators 0
• - April 20: Game 2 - Hurricanes 3, Senators 2 (2 OT)
• - April 23: Game 3 - Hurricanes at Senators, 7:30 p.m. (TBS, DIRECTV)
• - April 25: Game 4 - Hurricanes at Senators, 3:00 p.m. (TBS, truTV, DIRECTV)
• - April 27: Game 5* - Senators at Hurricanes, TBD
• - April 30: Game 6* - Hurricanes at Senators, TBD
• - May 2: Game 7* - Senators at Hurricanes, TBD

• Penguins vs. Flyers - Philadelphia leads 3-0
• - April 18: Game 1 - Flyers 3, Penguins 2
• - April 20: Game 2 - Flyers 3, Penguins 0
• - April 22: Game 3 - Flyers 5, Penguins 2
• - April 25: Game 4 - Penguins at Flyers, 8:00 p.m. (TBS, truTV, DIRECTV)
• - April 27: Game 5* - Flyers at Penguins, TBD
• - April 29: Game 6* - Penguins at Flyers, TBD
• - May 2: Game 7* - Flyers at Penguins, TBD

• Avalanche vs. Kings - Colorado leads 2-0
• - April 19: Game 1 - Avalanche 2, Kings 1
• - April 21: Game 2 - Avalanche 2, Kings 1 (OT)
• - April 23: Game 3 - Avalanche at Kings, 10:00 p.m. (TNT, truTV, DIRECTV)
• - April 26: Game 4 - Avalanche at Kings, 4:30 p.m. (TNT, truTV, DIRECTV)
• - April 29: Game 5* - Kings at Avalanche, TBD
• - May 1: Game 6* - Avalanche at Kings, TBD
• - May 3: Game 7* - Kings at Avalanche, TBD

• Stars vs. Wild - Series tied 1-1
• - April 18: Game 1 - Wild 6, Stars 1
• - April 20: Game 2 - Stars 4, Wild 2
• - April 22: Game 3 - Stars at Wild, 9:30 p.m. (TNT, truTV, DIRECTV)
• - April 25: Game 4 - Stars at Wild, 5:30 p.m. (TBS, truTV, DIRECTV)
• - April 28: Game 5 - Wild at Stars, TBD
• - April 30: Game 6* - Stars at Wild, TBD
• - May 2: Game 7* - Wild at Stars, TBD

• Golden Knights vs. Mammoth - Series tied 1-1
• - April 19: Game 1 - Golden Knights 4, Mammoth 2
• - April 21: Game 2 - Mammoth 3, Golden Knights 2
• - April 24: Game 3 - Golden Knights at Mammoth, 9:30 p.m. (TBS, DIRECTV)

As the playoffs unfold, fans can expect thrilling moments and unforgettable performances. Stay tuned for updates and enjoy the journey to the Stanley Cup!