The 2026 NHL playoffs are underway, and the Las Vegas Golden Knights have secured the Western Conference title to earn a trip to the Stanley Cup final this year — their third in nine seasons. In the Eastern Conference, the Carolina Hurricanes lead 2-1 against the Montreal Canadiens in their conference final, with games continuing through the week. The first game of the Stanley Cup Final is scheduled for June 3.
You’ll be able to catch the Eastern Conference finals of the NHL playoffs on TNT, TBS, truTV, and HBO Max. 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:
Dates: April 18 – June, 2026
TV channels: TNT, TBS, truTV, ESPN, ABC
Streaming: DirecTV, HBO Max, 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?
The Eastern Conference final series will air on TNT, TBS, and truTV, while the Western Conference series airs across ESPN and ABC. Every game of the Stanley Cup Final will air on TNT.
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How to watch the 2026 NHL playoffs without cable:
NHL playoff games that air on ESPN and ABC 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.Â
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.Â
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 remaining Eastern Conference playoff games:
All times Eastern
May 27: Game 4: Carolina Hurricanes vs. Montreal Canadiens, 8 p.m. (TNT, truTV, HBO Max)
May 29: Game 5: Montreal Canadiens vs. Carolina Hurricanes, 8 p.m. (TNT, truTV, HBO Max)
May 31: Game 6: Carolina Hurricanes vs. Montreal Canadiens, 8 p.m. (TNT, truTV, HBO Max) (If necessary)
June 2: Game 7: Montreal Canadiens vs. Carolina Hurricanes, 8 p.m. (TNT, truTV, HBO Max) (If necessary)
2026 NHL Stanley Cup Final schedule:
All times Eastern.
June 3: Stanley Cup Final, Game 1: Las Vegas Golden Knights vs. Montreal Canadiens/Carolina Hurricanes (TNT, HBO Max)
June 5: Stanley Cup Final, Game 2: Las Vegas Golden Knights vs. Montreal Canadiens/Carolina Hurricanes (TNT, HBO Max)
June 8: Stanley Cup Final, Game 3: Las Vegas Golden Knights vs. Montreal Canadiens/Carolina Hurricanes (TNT, HBO Max)
June 11: Stanley Cup Final, Game 4: Las Vegas Golden Knights vs. Montreal Canadiens/Carolina Hurricanes (TNT, HBO Max)
June 13: Stanley Cup Final, Game 5: Las Vegas Golden Knights vs. Montreal Canadiens/Carolina Hurricanes (TNT, HBO Max) (if necessary)
June 16: Stanley Cup Final, Game 6: Las Vegas Golden Knights vs. Montreal Canadiens/Carolina Hurricanes (TNT, HBO Max) (If necessary)
June 19: Stanley Cup Final, Game 7: Las Vegas Golden Knights vs. Montreal Canadiens/Carolina Hurricanes (TNT, HBO Max) (If necessary)
More ways to watch NHL Playoff Games:
