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How to Watch the 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs
The first round of the playoffs kicks off Saturday; here's what to know about the schedule and streaming the games live
Jonathan Zavaleta
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April 18, 2026
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The Colorado Avalanche look to be the team to beat in the NHL playoffs (Photo by Brett Holmes/Getty Images)
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The NHL Playoffs are here, with the first games of round one set for Saturday, April 18. The playoffs are played over four rounds, with each consisting of a best-of-seven series.
The Florida Panthers, who appeared in the last three Stanley Cups, winning in 2024 and 2025, were knocked out of playoff contention entirely. This also marks the first playoffs where all three New York metro area teams, the Devils, Rangers, and Islanders, failed to qualify.
At a Glance: Where to Watch the Stanley Cup Playoffs
- Dates: April 18 – June 21 (latest possible Stanley Cup date)
- Channels: ESPN Networks, TNT Networks
- Streaming: DirecTV, Sling, Hulu + Live TV
Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche looks like the team to beat this year. Not only do they lead the league in wins, but they’re also far ahead of second place in the goal differential, with a 97-goal difference in goals scored vs. goals allowed.
Saturday’s games will air on ESPN in the U.S., or SN and TVAS in Canada. The first games of the first round will take place on Saturday through Monday.
How to Watch the NHL Playoffs
Like many leagues, the NHL’s broadcast rights are split among multiple networks in the U.S., including Disney (ABC and ESPN) and Turner (TNT and TBS) networks. TNT games are also available on HBO Max. If you’re looking to stream all of the games without cable, you’ll need a live TV streaming service. These are your best options.
DirecTV
DirecTV is pricey, but it’s one of the most comprehensive options. It includes channels like ABC, ESPN, and TNT in its Entertainment package, which starts at $90/mo., making it one of the best ways to watch the NHL playoffs.
Sling
While Sling doesn’t have a free trial, it’s a good option thanks to its affordable packages. Sling Orange gets you access to ESPN and TNT, although access to local channels like ABC is more limited (local channels are available with an antenna).
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV carries ABC, ESPN, TNT, and TBS, getting you comprehensive coverage of the channels that are expected to carry playoff games this season. Hulu + Live TV is pricey, but straightforward, with one main plan that gets you dozens of popular local and cable channels.
NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Schedule
You can check out the NHL playoff schedule through Monday.
Saturday, April 18
- 3 p.m. ET, Ottawa Senators at Carolina Hurricanes (ESPN)
- 5:30 p.m. ET, Minnesota Wild at Dallas Stars (ESPN)
- 8 p.m. ET, Philadelphia Flyers at Pittsburgh Penguins (ESPN)
Sunday, April 19
- 3 p.m. ET, Los Angeles Kings at Colorado Avalanche (TNT, truTV, HBO Max)
- 5:45 p.m. ET, Montreal Canadiens at Tampa Bay Lightning (TNT, truTV, HBO Max)
- 7:30 p.m. ET, Boston Bruins at Buffalo Sabres (ESPN)
- 10 p.m. ET, Utah Mammoth at Vegas Golden Knights (ESPN)
Monday, April 20
- 7 p.m. ET, Philadelphia Flyers at Pittsburgh Penguins – Game 2 (ESPN)
- 7:30 p.m. ET, Ottawa Senators at Carolina Hurricanes – Game 2 (ESPN2)
- 9:30 p.m. ET, Minnesota Wild at Dallas Stars – Game 2 (ESPN)
- 10 p.m. ET, Anaheim Ducks vs. Edmonton Oilers – Game 1 (ESPN2)
Games five through seven will only be played if necessary.
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