2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs: First Round Schedule Released
The first round schedule for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs is now public. Filmogaz.com reports the opening games span Saturday through Monday.
Several matchups will feature division rivals and wild-card pairings. Broadcasters include ESPN, TNT, and regional networks across Canada and the U.S.
Saturday openers
Play begins Saturday with two series openers. The Minnesota Wild visit the Dallas Stars in a Central Division matchup.
The Pittsburgh Penguins host the Philadelphia Flyers later that night. Pittsburgh finished second in the Metropolitan Division.
Sunday slate
Four first-round series start Sunday. The Los Angeles Kings head to Colorado, winners of the Presidents’ Trophy.
Also on Sunday, Tampa Bay hosts Montreal. Boston travels to Buffalo, and Utah visits Vegas.
Monday start
The Edmonton Oilers and Anaheim Ducks open their Western series Monday night. They are the Pacific Division’s second- and third-place teams.
Complete first-round schedule
| Day | Time (ET) | Matchup | Networks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 5:30 p.m. | Minnesota Wild at Dallas Stars (Central 2 vs 3) | ESPN, SNO, SNW, SNP, TVAS, FDSNWI, FDSNNO, Victory+ |
| Saturday | 8:00 p.m. | Pittsburgh Penguins at Philadelphia Flyers (Metro 2 vs 3) | ESPN, SN, TVAS, SN-PIT, NBCSP |
| Sunday | 3:00 p.m. | Los Angeles Kings at Colorado Avalanche (West wild card vs Presidents’ Trophy) | TNT, truTV, HBO Max, SNO, SNW, SNP, TVAS2, FDSNSC, ALT |
| Sunday | 5:45 p.m. | Tampa Bay Lightning at Montreal Canadiens (Atlantic 2 vs 3) | TNT, truTV, HBO Max, SN, CBC, TVAS, The Spot |
| Sunday | 7:30 p.m. | Boston Bruins at Buffalo Sabres (East wild card vs Atlantic 1) | ESPN, SN1, SN360, TVAS2, NESN, MSG-B |
| Sunday | 10:00 p.m. | Utah Mammoth at Vegas Golden Knights (West wild card vs Pacific 1) | ESPN, SN, CBC, TVAS, Utah16, SCRIPPS |
| Monday | 10:00 p.m. | Edmonton Oilers at Anaheim Ducks (Pacific 2 vs 3) | ESPN2, SN, CBC, TVAS, KCOP-13, Victory+ |
Filmogaz.com will provide updates and game-day coverage. Expect schedule adjustments if series times change.
