The 2026 NHL playoffs are under way and they’re missing one notable team, The Florida Panthers, who have won the Stanley Cup for the past two seasons. The Panthers are not in the playoffs this year, after enduring a season plagued by injuries. First round series will be wrapping up this week, and it’s been a contentious, fight-filled first round to say the least. The second round starts on May 6. Playoff games began on April 18 and could run as late as June 19 if all seven Stanley Cup Final games are necessary.
You’ll be able to catch the first rounds of the NHL playoffs on TNT, TBS, truTV, ESPN, and ESPN2. Every game of the Stanley Cup Final in June will air on TNT. Here’s what you need to know so you won’t miss a single game of the 2026 NHL Playoffs.
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How to watch the 2026 NHL playoffs:
ESPN
ESPN’s streaming platform offers thousands of exclusive live events like 2026 NHL playoff games, plus original studio shows and acclaimed series that air across ESPN’s suite of seven linear channels, and exclusive content on ESPN+, ABC on ESPN, SEC+, ACCNX and more. The new tier costs $29.99/month or $299.99/year.
ESPN Select allows subscribers to access exclusive content only available on the app, and an extensive archive of on-demand content (including the entire 30 For 30 library, select ESPN Films, game replays and more). Whether you purchase a standalone plan, add-on or Disney bundle plan, the service provides access to thousands of sports events for $12.99/month or $129.99/year.
Dates: April 18 – June, 2026
TV channels: TNT, TBS, truTV, ESPN, ESPN2
Streaming: DirecTV, ESPN Unlimited and more
When are the 2026 NHL playoffs?
The NHL playoffs began on April 18, and the tournament runs through the Stanley Cup finals, which are scheduled for June 3-19 if all seven games are necessary.
What channels are broadcasting NHL playoff games?
NHL playoff games will air on TNT, TBS, truTV, ESPN, and ESPN2. Every game of the Stanley Cup finals will air on TNT.
How to watch the 2026 NHL playoffs without cable:
NHL playoff games that air on ESPN and ESPN2 are also streaming on ESPN Unlimited, and games on TNT, TBS and truTV will stream on HBO Max. You can also find these channels on streaming platforms like DirecTV.
ESPN’s streaming platform offers thousands of exclusive live events like 2026 NHL playoff games, plus original studio shows and acclaimed series that air across ESPN’s suite of seven linear channels, and exclusive content on ESPN+, ABC on ESPN, SEC+, ACCNX and more. The new tier costs $29.99/month or $299.99/year.
ESPN Select allows subscribers to access exclusive content only available on the app, and an extensive archive of on-demand content (including the entire 30 For 30 library, select ESPN Films, game replays and more). Whether you purchase a standalone plan, add-on or Disney bundle plan, the service provides access to thousands of sports events for $12.99/month or $129.99/year.
HBO Max is home to great shows like Euphoria, The Pitt, and Industry, as well as tons of great sports programming, including the 2026 NHL playoffs and more. That means games broadcast on networks like TNT will also be available to stream for HBO Max Standard Plan subscribers.
Ad-free Standard or Premium plans run $18.49/month or $22.99/month, respectively.
NHL playoffs game schedule:
Here is the schedule for all of the scheduled first-round and second-round Stanley Cup playoff games:
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May 1
May 2
May 3
Boston Bruins vs. Buffalo Sabres (Game 7, if necessary): TBD — BUF leads 3-2
Utah Mammoth vs. Vegas Golden Knights (Game 7, if necessary): TBD — VGK leads 3-2
Montreal Canadiens vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (Game 7, if necessary): TBD
2026 NHL playoffs key dates:
All times Eastern.
April 16: End of regular season
April 18 – May 3: Stanley Cup playoffs first round
May 6: Stanley Cup playoffs second round begins
May 22: Stanley Cup playoffs conference finals begin
June 3: Stanley Cup Final, Game 1 (TNT, HBO Max)
June 5: Stanley Cup Final, Game 2 (TNT, HBO Max)
June 8: Stanley Cup Final, Game 3 (TNT, HBO Max)
June 11: Stanley Cup Final, Game 4 (TNT, HBO Max)
June 13: Stanley Cup Final, Game 5 (TNT, HBO Max)
June 16: Stanley Cup Final, Game 6 (TNT, HBO Max)
June 19: Stanley Cup Final, Game 7 (TNT, HBO Max)
More ways to watch NHL Playoff Games:
