The NHL has released the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs Round 1 matchups and dates, including full Game 1–4 times and TBD for later games.
The regular season has wrapped up, and the focus now shifts to the sprint that matters most: the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Misryoum has the full Round 1 schedule as the NHL sets the opening series dates, times, and venues for each first-round matchup. The games are set to be available through Sportsnet and Sportsnet+, giving fans a clear starting point for a postseason that can swing quickly once the calendar turns.
Round 1 matchups and Game 1–4 start times
Ottawa Senators vs. Carolina Hurricanes
Game 1: Ottawa at Carolina, 3 p.m. ET (April 18)
Game 2: Ottawa at Carolina, 7:30 p.m. ET (April 20)
Game 3: Carolina at Ottawa, 7:30 p.m. ET (April 23)
Game 4: Carolina at Ottawa, 3 p.m. ET (April 25)
Montreal Canadiens vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
Game 1: Montreal at Tampa Bay, 5:45 p.m. ET (April 19)
Game 2: Montreal at Tampa Bay, 7 p.m. ET (April 21)
Game 3: Tampa Bay at Montreal, 7 p.m. ET (April 24)
Game 4: Tampa Bay at Montreal, 7 p.m. ET (April 26)
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Game 1: Philadelphia at Pittsburgh, 8 p.m. ET (April 18)
Game 2: Philadelphia at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m. ET (April 20)
Game 3: Pittsburgh at Philadelphia, 7 p.m. ET (April 22)
Game 4: Pittsburgh at Philadelphia, 8 p.m. ET (April 25)
Boston Bruins vs. Buffalo Sabres
Game 1: Boston at Buffalo, 7:30 p.m. ET (April 19)
Game 2: Boston at Buffalo, 7:30 p.m. ET (April 21)
Game 3: Buffalo at Boston, 7 p.m. ET (April 23)
Game 4: Buffalo at Boston, 2 p.m. ET (April 26)
Anaheim Ducks vs. Edmonton Oilers
Game 1: Anaheim at Edmonton, 10 p.m. ET (April 20)
Game 2: Anaheim at Edmonton, 10 p.m. ET (April 22)
Game 3: Edmonton at Anaheim, 10 p.m. ET (April 24)
Game 4: Edmonton at Anaheim, 9:30 p.m. ET (April 26)
Minnesota Wild vs. Dallas Stars
Game 1: Minnesota at Dallas, 5:30 p.m. ET (April 18)
Game 2: Minnesota at Dallas, 9:30 p.m. ET (April 20)
Game 3: Dallas at Minnesota, 9:30 p.m. ET (April 22)
Game 4: Dallas at Minnesota, 5:30 p.m. ET (April 25)
Los Angeles Kings vs. Colorado Avalanche
Game 1: Los Angeles at Colorado, 3 p.m. ET (April 19)
Game 2: Los Angeles at Colorado, 10 p.m. ET (April 21)
Game 3: Colorado at Los Angeles, 10 p.m. ET (April 23)
Game 4: Colorado at Los Angeles, 4:30 p.m. ET (April 26)
Utah Mammoth vs. Vegas Golden Knights
Game 1: Utah at Vegas, 10 p.m. ET (April 19)
Game 2: Utah at Vegas, 9:30 p.m. ET (April 21)
Game 3: Vegas at Utah, 9:30 p.m. ET (April 24)
Game 4: Vegas at Utah, April 27 (time TBD)
Full series outlook: what the TBD games signal
Beyond Game 4. the schedule moves into “time to be determined” territory for each series. with later games tied directly to how quickly a team can close out the opening rounds.. For fans. those TBD markers matter because they reflect how the NHL handles postseason logistics: travel. arena readiness. and broadcast planning all depend on results.
Misryoum expects the practical effect to be immediate.. If a matchup turns into a quick sprint—four or five games—supporting schedules around the league can tighten.. If the series is longer. the ripple effect means more prime-time matchups. more fatigue management decisions. and more opportunities for adjustments to shape the outcome.
Why Round 1 timing can decide playoff momentum
The opening dates don’t just set a viewing calendar; they also shape teams’ preparation windows.. With several series beginning on consecutive days in mid-to-late April. coaching staffs will have to strike a balance between tactical readiness and player recovery.. The first two games are often where structure becomes non-negotiable: line deployment tightens. special teams usage becomes more deliberate. and matchups are treated less like scouting and more like chess.
For teams. the biggest pressure point usually arrives in the early shift changes—particularly after Game 1 when both sides learn what the other emphasizes.. The schedule format makes that learning curve more intense: opponents meet again quickly. and any early misstep can snowball into a need for high-risk adjustments.
Misryoum will be watching not only who wins, but how teams respond once the postseason rhythm takes over.. Round 1 is rarely about one single star moment; it’s about who controls the pace. who protects momentum after the inevitable scoring runs. and who keeps composure when the schedule demands quick answers.
Remaining games listed for each series (Games 5–7)
Ottawa vs. Carolina
Game 5: Ottawa at Carolina, April 27 (TBD)
Game 6: Carolina at Ottawa, April 30 (TBD)
Game 7: Ottawa at Carolina, May 2 (TBD)
Montreal vs. Tampa Bay
Game 5: Montreal at Tampa Bay, April 29 (TBD)
Game 6: Tampa Bay at Montreal, May 1 (TBD)
Game 7: Montreal at Tampa Bay, May 3 (TBD)
Philadelphia vs. Pittsburgh
Game 5: Philadelphia at Pittsburgh, April 27 (TBD)
Game 6: Pittsburgh at Philadelphia, April 29 (TBD)
Game 7: Philadelphia at Pittsburgh, May 2 (TBD)
Boston vs. Buffalo
Game 5: Boston at Buffalo, April 28 (TBD)
Game 6: Buffalo at Boston, May 1 (TBD)
Game 7: Boston at Buffalo, May 3 (TBD)
Anaheim vs. Edmonton
Game 5: Anaheim at Edmonton, April 28 (TBD)
Game 6: Edmonton at Anaheim, April 30 (TBD)
Game 7: Anaheim at Edmonton, May 2 (TBD)
Minnesota vs. Dallas
Game 5: Minnesota at Dallas, April 28 (TBD)
Game 6: Dallas at Minnesota, April 30 (TBD)
Game 7: Minnesota at Dallas, May 2 (TBD)
Los Angeles vs. Colorado
Game 5: Los Angeles at Colorado, April 29 (TBD)
Game 6: Colorado at Los Angeles, May 1 (TBD)
Game 7: Los Angeles at Colorado, May 3 (TBD)
Utah vs. Vegas
Game 4: Vegas at Utah, April 27 (TBD)
Game 5: Utah at Vegas, April 29 (TBD)
Game 6: Vegas at Utah, May 1 (TBD)
Game 7: Utah at Vegas, May 3 (TBD)
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