The Los Angeles Kings begin the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs on Sunday, April 19, 2026, on the road against the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena in Denver. Colorado led the entire NHL with 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.
Kings vs. Avalanche: First Round Schedule
Here’s the complete first round schedule for the Kings vs. Avalanche, 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. | @ Colorado (Ball Arena) | TNT, truTV, Max, SNO, SNW, SNP, TVAS |
| 2 | April 21 (Tue) | 10:00 p.m. | @ Colorado (Ball Arena) | ESPN, SN360, TVAS |
| 3 | April 23 (Thu) | 10:00 p.m. | vs. Colorado (Crypto.com Arena) | TNT, truTV, Max, SN, SN360, TVAS |
| 4 | April 26 (Sun) | 4:30 p.m. | vs. Colorado (Crypto.com Arena) | TNT, truTV, Max, SNW, SNP, SN360, TVAS |
| *5 | April 29 (Wed) | TBD | @ Colorado | TBD |
| *6 | May 1 (Fri) | TBD | vs. Colorado (Crypto.com Arena) | TBD |
| *7 | May 3 (Sun) | TBD | @ Colorado | TBD |
* If necessary. Game times and TV assignments for Games 5-7 are TBD and will be updated as the series progresses.
Los Angeles Kings Playoff FAQ
When do the Los Angeles Kings start the 2026 NHL Playoffs?
The Los Angeles Kings open the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs on Sunday, April 19, 2026, on the road against the Colorado Avalanche. Game 1 begins at 3:00 p.m. ET at Ball Arena and airs on TNT and Max.
Who do the Los Angeles Kings play in the first round?
The Los Angeles Kings face the Colorado Avalanche 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 Kings play their 2026 home playoff games?
The Los Angeles Kings play their 2026 first round home games at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. Games 3, 4, and 6 (if necessary) are scheduled at Crypto.com Arena, which seats approximately 18,230 for hockey.
What TV channels broadcast the Kings-Avalanche 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 Los Angeles Kings qualify for the 2026 playoffs?
The Los Angeles Kings qualified for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs as the second Wild Card team in the Western Conference, finishing the regular season with 90 points. Los Angeles drew the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Colorado Avalanche (121 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
