The Colorado Avalanche open the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs on Sunday, April 19, 2026, hosting the Los Angeles Kings at Ball Arena in Denver. Colorado won the Presidents’ Trophy with the NHL’s best record at 121 points, while Los Angeles qualified as the Western Conference’s second Wild Card with 90 points. Game 1 airs on TNT and Max, with the series continuing on ESPN and TNT through the first round.
Avalanche vs. Kings: First Round Schedule
Here’s the complete first round schedule for the Avalanche vs. Kings, via the NHL’s official first round schedule. Games 5 through 7 are if necessary.
| Game | Date | Time (ET) | Site | TV / Stream |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | April 19 (Sun) | 3:00 p.m. | vs. Los Angeles (Ball Arena) | TNT, truTV, Max, SNO, SNW, SNP, TVAS |
| 2 | April 21 (Tue) | 10:00 p.m. | vs. Los Angeles (Ball Arena) | ESPN, SN360, TVAS |
| 3 | April 23 (Thu) | 10:00 p.m. | @ Los Angeles (Crypto.com Arena) | TNT, truTV, Max, SN, SN360, TVAS |
| 4 | April 26 (Sun) | 4:30 p.m. | @ Los Angeles (Crypto.com Arena) | TNT, truTV, Max, SNW, SNP, SN360, TVAS |
| *5 | April 29 (Wed) | TBD | vs. Los Angeles | TBD |
| *6 | May 1 (Fri) | TBD | @ Los Angeles (Crypto.com Arena) | TBD |
| *7 | May 3 (Sun) | TBD | vs. Los Angeles | TBD |
* If necessary. Game times and TV assignments for Games 5-7 are TBD and will be updated as the series progresses.
Colorado Avalanche Playoff FAQ
When do the Colorado Avalanche start the 2026 NHL Playoffs?
The Colorado Avalanche open the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs on Sunday, April 19, 2026, hosting the Los Angeles Kings at Ball Arena. Game 1 begins at 3:00 p.m. ET and airs on TNT and Max.
Who do the Colorado Avalanche play in the first round?
The Colorado Avalanche face the Los Angeles Kings in the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Colorado earned the Presidents’ Trophy with 121 points, while Los Angeles qualified as the Western Conference’s second Wild Card with 90 points.
Where do the Avalanche play their 2026 home playoff games?
The Colorado Avalanche play their 2026 first round home games at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. Games 1, 2, 5, and 7 (if necessary) are scheduled at Ball Arena, which seats approximately 18,007 for hockey.
What TV channels broadcast the Avalanche-Kings playoff series?
Games 1, 3, and 4 air on TNT, truTV, and Max. Game 2 airs on ESPN. Canadian viewers can watch on SN, SN360, SNO, SNW, SNP, and TVAS throughout the series.
How did the Colorado Avalanche qualify for the 2026 playoffs?
The Colorado Avalanche qualified for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs as the top seed in the Central Division and Presidents’ Trophy winners, finishing the regular season with 121 points. Colorado drew the second Wild Card from the Western Conference, the Los Angeles Kings (90 points), in the first round.
NHL Playoff and Other Resources
- Full 2026 NHL Playoff TV Schedule and Game Times
- Interactive Bracket Maker
- 2026-27 NHL Schedule Release Info
