NHL sets Game 1 Schedule for 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs

With the bracket set, it’s time to expect the unexpected.

Here is the schedule for Round 1, Game 1 of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs:

Eastern Conference

#A1 Buffalo Sabres vs. #WC1 Boston Bruins

• Game 1: Sunday, April 19 — Boston at Buffalo, Time TBD

#A2 Tampa Bay Lightning vs. #A3 Montreal Canadiens

• Game 1: Sunday, April 19 — Montreal at Tampa Bay, Time TBD

#M1 Carolina Hurricanes vs. #WC2 Ottawa Senators

• Game 1: Saturday, April 18 — Ottawa at Carolina, 3:00 p.m. ET

#M2 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. #M3 Philadelphia Flyers

• Game 1: Saturday, April 18 — Philadelphia at Pittsburgh, 8:00 p.m. ET

Western Conference

#C1 Colorado Avalanche vs. #WC2 

• Game 1: Sunday, April 19 — xxx at Colorado, Time TBD

#C2 Dallas Stars vs. #C3 Minnesota Wild

• Game 1: Saturday, April 18 — Minnesota at Dallas, 5:30 p.m. ET (4:30 p.m. CT)

#P1 Vegas Golden Knights vs. #WC1 Utah Mammoth

• Game 1: Sunday, April 19 — Utah at Vegas, Time TBD

#P2  vs. #P3 

• Game 1: Monday, April 20 —  Time TBD