The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs begin today with a massive four-game tripleheader across North America. Coverage starts at 1:00 PM ET on ABC and ESPN+. Here’s the 2026 NHL Playoffs TV Schedule for you.
- TV Channels: ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, TBS.
- Streaming: Watch live via ESPN+, Max (B/R Sports Add-on), and Hulu + Live TV.
- Opening Game: (WC1) Boston Bruins at (A1) Buffalo Sabres – 1:00 PM ET (ABC/ESPN+).
- Late Night Feature: (WC1) Utah Mammoth at (P1) Vegas Golden Knights – 10:00 PM ET (TBS/Max).
2026 NHL Playoffs TV Schedule Overview
The hunt for the Stanley Cup is televised through a dual-network partnership between The Walt Disney Company (ABC/ESPN) and Warner Bros. Discovery (TNT/TBS). During the first round, games are staggered throughout the day to ensure fans can catch nearly every puck drop.
For cord-cutters, ESPN+ is the essential home for all games airing on ABC and ESPN. Meanwhile, Max subscribers with the B/R Sports Add-on can stream every game broadcast on TNT and TBS. This is particularly important for tonight’s highly anticipated playoff debut of the Utah Mammoth, which will be a national broadcast on TBS.
Most first-round games will also be available on local Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) for fans in the home markets, but the national broadcasts on ABC, ESPN, and TNT will be the primary source for the general audience.
Saturday, April 18: Opening Day Schedule
| Game | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV Channel |
| East Game 1 | (WC1) Boston at (A1) Buffalo | 1:00 PM | ABC / ESPN+ |
| East Game 1 | (WC2) Ottawa at (M1) Carolina | 4:00 PM | TNT / Max |
| West Game 1 | (WC2) LA Kings at (C1) Colorado | 7:00 PM | ESPN / ESPN+ |
| West Game 1 | (WC1) Utah at (P1) Vegas | 10:00 PM | TBS / Max |
Sunday, April 19: Schedule
| Game | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV Channel |
| East Game 1 | (A3) Montreal at (A2) Tampa Bay | 12:30 PM | ABC / ESPN+ |
| East Game 1 | (M3) Philly at (M2) Pittsburgh | 3:00 PM | ABC / ESPN+ |
| West Game 1 | (C3) Minnesota at (C2) Dallas | 6:00 PM | ESPN |
| West Game 1 | (P3) Anaheim at (P2) Edmonton | 9:00 PM | ESPN2 |
NHL Playoffs 2026 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What channel are the NHL Playoffs on today? Today’s opening games (Saturday, April 18) are spread across ABC, TNT, ESPN, and TBS. The first game of the day between Boston and Buffalo is on ABC.
How can I watch the Utah Mammoth playoff game? The Mammoth’s first-ever playoff game against the Vegas Golden Knights will air nationally on TBS at 10:00 PM ET. It can also be streamed via the Max app with the B/R Sports Add-on.
Will first-round NHL games be blacked out? National broadcasts on ABC and ESPN are generally not subject to blackouts. However, some TNT and TBS games in the first round may be blacked out in local markets if a local RSN is carrying the game.
NHL Playoff Resources
- [Printable] Official 2026 NHL Playoff Bracket (PDF): Download our finalized, high-resolution bracket for your office pool.
- [AI Analysis] 2026 NHL AI Predictions & Stanley Cup Probabilities: See which teams our model favors to advance to the second round.
- [Interactive] Custom NHL Bracket Maker: Build your own postseason path and share your picks with friends.
Download the 2026 NHL Bracket
Get ready for every power play and overtime thriller. Click the button below to download your official high-res printable bracket.
