2026 NHL playoffs first round previews

The 2026 NHL playoffs are set to kick off on April 18, with the first round matchups including exciting series featuring the Edmonton Oilers, Montreal Canadiens, and Ottawa Senators. According to The Hockey News, the playoffs will commence with the Carolina Hurricanes hosting the Ottawa Senators at 3 p.m.

ET, followed by the Dallas Stars facing the Minnesota Wild at 5:30 p.m. ET, and the Philadelphia Flyers going up against the Pittsburgh Penguins at 8 p.m. ET. The Oilers will begin their series against the Anaheim Ducks on Monday, April 20, at 10 p.m.

ET. The Canadiens will face the Tampa Bay Lightning, with Game 1 scheduled for April 19 at 5:45 p.m. ET in Tampa. This matchup is particularly intriguing as both teams finished the season with 106 points, with Montreal winning the season series 2-1-1.

Each of the series is a best-of-seven format, promising intense competition as teams vie for the coveted Stanley Cup. For the specific schedules, the first round will see games broadcast across various networks including ESPN, SN, and TVAS.

The full slate of games includes critical matchups like the Buffalo Sabres against the Boston Bruins and the Colorado Avalanche versus the Los Angeles Kings, setting the stage for a thrilling playoff run.