NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Begin Today with Full Schedule

How to watch and stream the first round of the 2026 NHL postseason

Apr. 18, 2026 at 5:10pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in a cubist style, breaking down a hockey game into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in a vibrant color palette of blues, reds, and whites.The NHL playoffs' intense, high-stakes action is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration that deconstructs the game into a dynamic, geometric composition.Los Angeles Today

The 2026 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs are set to begin today, with a full slate of first-round matchups across both the Eastern and Western Conferences. The opening-round series will be broadcast across ESPN, ABC, TNT, TBS, and Tru TV, with streaming options available through ESPN+ and HBO Max.

Why it matters

The NHL playoffs are one of the most exciting events in professional sports, with intense competition and high-stakes hockey action. As the league's top teams battle it out for a chance to hoist the Stanley Cup, fans will be eager to tune in and follow the journey.

The details

The first-round playoff schedule features several intriguing matchups, including a clash between the Ottawa Senators and Carolina Hurricanes, as well as a Pennsylvania rivalry series between the Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins. Other notable series include the Dallas Stars against the Minnesota Wild, and the Anaheim Ducks taking on the Edmonton Oilers.

  • The NHL Stanley Cup playoffs begin on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
  • The first round of the playoffs will run through early May, with potential Game 7s scheduled for May 2nd and May 3rd.

The players

Ottawa Senators

A professional ice hockey team based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, and a member of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Hockey League.

Carolina Hurricanes

A professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and a member of the Metropolitan Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Hockey League.

Philadelphia Flyers

A professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and a member of the Metropolitan Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Hockey League.

Pittsburgh Penguins

A professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and a member of the Metropolitan Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Hockey League.

Dallas Stars

A professional ice hockey team based in Dallas, Texas, and a member of the Central Division of the Western Conference in the National Hockey League.

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What’s next

Fans will want to closely follow the first-round playoff action, as several series are expected to go the distance and potentially require a decisive Game 7. The winners of these opening-round matchups will advance to the second round, bringing them one step closer to the ultimate prize - the Stanley Cup.

The takeaway

The 2026 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs promise to deliver high-intensity, must-see hockey action as the league's top teams battle it out for a chance to hoist the coveted trophy. With games airing across a variety of national television and streaming platforms, fans will have ample opportunities to tune in and experience the thrill of the postseason.