NHL Playoffs 2026: First Round Kickoff

0:00It's April 16th, NHL News Today starts now, AI powered and ready for kickoff. The NHL just unveiled the schedule and broadcast details for the first round openers of the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs kicking off April 18 through 20. On Saturday, April 18th, catch Ottawa at Carolina at 3pm Eastern on ESPN Minnesota at Dallas at 5.30pm and Philly at Pittsburgh at 8pm. All on ESPN with SportsNet and TVAS Sunday, April 19th and Monday, April 20th feature four more game ones with times in TV still to be determined, including the Western. Conference Wildcard number 2 at Colorado. Montreal at Tampa Bay, Boston at Buffalo, Utah at Vegas and a Pacific Division clash. Those last two matchups hinge on tonight's games with Edmonton, Anaheim and Los Angeles, all battling for spots. This year's playoffs see a massive 16th shake-up from last season. The second highest turnover in league history with newcomers like Anaheim, Boston, Buffalo,

1:05Philly, Pittsburgh and Utah crashing the party after missing out before. It's the ninth time in 11 years we've had at least five fresh faces. Cindy Crosby and Ev Jenny Malcolm hit their 16th post seasons for Pittsburgh with Crosby tied for fifth all time in playoffs points and Malcolm, owning the top mark for non-North American-born players. Tampa extends their record ninth straight appearance, leading in wins and titles lately, while Utah joins rare expansion clubs making playoffs in their first two years. Jump into the bracket challenge at NHL.com slash bracket to predict winners and win tickets plus a limited edition watch. First shift in H.O. now and in H.O. tonight got you covered on NHL Network as these battles heat up the ice.