Game 1 Days Announced and Draft Lottery Odds – April 16th

The NHL announced the starting dates for Game 1 of round 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Start times for Sunday’s games won’t be announced until after the final games are played and seedings are known.

Saturday, April 18 – Game 1, with Networks

3 p.m. ET, Ottawa Senators at Carolina Hurricanes; ESPN, SN, TVAS

5:30 p.m. ET, Minnesota Wild at Dallas Stars; ESPN, SN, TVAS

8 p.m. ET, Philadelphia Flyers at Pittsburgh Penguins; ESPN, SN, TVAS

Sunday, April 19 – Game 1

Time/TV TBD, +Western Conference Wild Card #2 at Colorado Avalanche

Time/TV TBD, Montreal Canadiens at Tampa Bay Lightning

Time/TV TBD, Boston Bruins at Buffalo Sabres

Time/TV TBD, Utah Mammoth at Vegas Golden Knights

Monday, April 20 – Game 1

Time/TV TBD, +Pacific Division #3 at +Pacific Division #2

+ The final two matchups for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs will be decided tonight with the Edmonton Oilers (91 points), Anaheim Ducks (90 points) and Los Angeles Kings (91 points) all in action.

Connor Bedard Will Need a Big, New Contract This Offseason