The 2026 NHL playoffs are underneath approach and so they’re lacking one notable staff, The Florida Panthers, who’ve received the Stanley Cup for the previous two seasons. The Panthers aren’t within the playoffs this 12 months, after enduring a season stricken by accidents. First spherical collection might be wrapping up this week, and it has been a contentious, fight-filled first spherical to say the least. The second spherical begins on Might 6. Playoff video games started on April 18 and will run as late as June 19 if all seven Stanley Cup Closing video games are crucial.
You can catch the primary rounds of the NHL playoffs on TNT, TBS, truTV, ESPN, and ESPN2. Each recreation of the Stanley Cup Closing in June will air on TNT. Here is what it’s essential to know so you will not miss a single recreation of the 2026 NHL Playoffs.
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Easy methods to watch the 2026 NHL playoffs:
ESPN
ESPN’s streaming platform provides 1000’s of unique stay occasions like 2026 NHL playoff video games, plus unique studio reveals and acclaimed collection that air throughout ESPN’s suite of seven linear channels, and unique content material on ESPN+, ABC on ESPN, SEC+, ACCNX and extra. The brand new tier prices $29.99/month or $299.99/12 months.
ESPN Choose permits subscribers to entry unique content material solely obtainable on the app, and an intensive archive of on-demand content material (together with all the 30 For 30 library, choose ESPN Movies, recreation replays and extra). Whether or not you buy a standalone plan, add-on or Disney bundle plan, the service supplies entry to 1000’s of sports activities occasions for $12.99/month or $129.99/12 months.
Dates: April 18 – June, 2026
TV channels: TNT, TBS, truTV, ESPN, ESPN2
Streaming: DirecTV, ESPN Limitless and extra
When are the 2026 NHL playoffs?
The NHL playoffs started on April 18, and the event runs by the Stanley Cup finals, that are scheduled for June 3-19 if all seven video games are crucial.
What channels are broadcasting NHL playoff video games?
NHL playoff video games will air on TNT, TBS, truTV, ESPN, and ESPN2. Each recreation of the Stanley Cup finals will air on TNT.
Easy methods to watch the 2026 NHL playoffs with out cable:
NHL playoff video games that air on ESPN and ESPN2 are additionally streaming on ESPN Limitless, and video games on TNT, TBS and truTV will stream on HBO Max. You too can discover these channels on streaming platforms like DirecTV.
ESPN’s streaming platform provides 1000’s of unique stay occasions like 2026 NHL playoff video games, plus unique studio reveals and acclaimed collection that air throughout ESPN’s suite of seven linear channels, and unique content material on ESPN+, ABC on ESPN, SEC+, ACCNX and extra. The brand new tier prices $29.99/month or $299.99/12 months.
ESPN Choose permits subscribers to entry unique content material solely obtainable on the app, and an intensive archive of on-demand content material (together with all the 30 For 30 library, choose ESPN Movies, recreation replays and extra). Whether or not you buy a standalone plan, add-on or Disney bundle plan, the service supplies entry to 1000’s of sports activities occasions for $12.99/month or $129.99/12 months.
HBO Max is house to nice reveals like Euphoria, The Pitt, and Trade, in addition to tons of nice sports activities programming, together with the 2026 NHL playoffs and extra. Which means video games broadcast on networks like TNT can even be obtainable to stream for HBO Max Normal Plan subscribers.
Advert-free Normal or Premium plans run $18.49/month or $22.99/month, respectively.
NHL playoffs recreation schedule:
Right here is the schedule for the entire scheduled first-round and second-round Stanley Cup playoff video games:
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Might 1
Might 2
Might 3
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Boston Bruins vs. Buffalo Sabres (Recreation 7, if crucial): TBD — BUF leads 3-2
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Utah Mammoth vs. Vegas Golden Knights (Recreation 7, if crucial): TBD — VGK leads 3-2
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Montreal Canadiens vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (Recreation 7, if crucial): TBD
2026 NHL playoffs key dates:
All occasions Japanese.
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April 16: Finish of standard season
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April 18 – Might 3: Stanley Cup playoffs first spherical
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Might 6: Stanley Cup playoffs second spherical begins
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Might 22: Stanley Cup playoffs convention finals start
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June 3: Stanley Cup Closing, Recreation 1 (TNT, HBO Max)
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June 5: Stanley Cup Closing, Recreation 2 (TNT, HBO Max)
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June 8: Stanley Cup Closing, Recreation 3 (TNT, HBO Max)
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June 11: Stanley Cup Closing, Recreation 4 (TNT, HBO Max)
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June 13: Stanley Cup Closing, Recreation 5 (TNT, HBO Max)
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June 16: Stanley Cup Closing, Recreation 6 (TNT, HBO Max)
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June 19: Stanley Cup Closing, Recreation 7 (TNT, HBO Max)
Extra methods to observe NHL Playoff Video games:
