Stanley Cup Playoffs Begin with Trio of Exciting Matchups

Defending champions Florida Panthers face tough road ahead as postseason action kicks off

Apr. 18, 2026 at 11:20am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the chaotic energy of a hockey game, with players and the puck fragmented into overlapping planes of color and shape.The opening round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs promises intense, high-stakes action as teams vie for hockey's ultimate prize.Today in Raleigh

The 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs are set to begin today with three highly anticipated matchups. The Carolina Hurricanes will take on the Ottawa Senators, the Dallas Stars will battle the Minnesota Wild, and the Pittsburgh Penguins will face off against the Philadelphia Flyers in an intrastate rivalry game.

Why it matters

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are the most exciting time of the NHL season, as teams compete for the chance to hoist hockey's most prestigious trophy. This year's opening-round matchups feature several intriguing storylines, including the defending champion Florida Panthers looking to repeat, and long-standing rivalries being renewed on the playoff stage.

The details

The Hurricanes and Senators will meet for the first time ever in the postseason, while the Stars and Wild are set for their third playoff clash. The Penguins and Flyers, meanwhile, will renew their heated rivalry with a first-round series. All three games will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.

  • The Stanley Cup Playoffs begin today, April 18, 2026.
  • The Hurricanes and Senators will face off at 3 p.m. ET.
  • The Stars and Wild will take the ice at 5:30 p.m. ET.
  • The Penguins and Flyers will drop the puck at 8 p.m. ET.

The players

Frederik Andersen

The starting goaltender for the Carolina Hurricanes.

Linus Ullmark

The starting goaltender for the Ottawa Senators.

Jake Oettinger

The starting goaltender for the Dallas Stars.

Filip Wallstadt

The starting goaltender for the Minnesota Wild.

Tristan Skinner

The starting goaltender for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Daniel Vladar

The starting goaltender for the Philadelphia Flyers.

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What they’re saying

“The Stanley Cup Playoffs are the most exciting time of the year. The intensity and passion on display is unmatched.”

— Todd Little, Writer

What’s next

The winners of these first-round series will advance to the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The takeaway

The 2026 NHL postseason is set to deliver thrilling action and renewed rivalries as teams compete for the chance to hoist the Stanley Cup. Fans are in for an exciting start to the playoffs with these opening-round matchups.