The chase for hockey's ultimate prize is back! The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs are set to begin this Saturday, April 18th, launching a two-month battle where every shift matters. The first round kicks off a grueling tournament played over four best-of-seven series, with the final possible game day slated for June 21st.
This year's postseason already has a dramatically different feel. The Florida Panthers, a powerhouse that appeared in the last three Stanley Cup Finals and won in 2024 and 2025, have shockingly missed the playoffs entirely. For the first time, all three New York metro teams—the Devils, Rangers, and Islanders—will also be watching from home.
With those giants absent, the spotlight shifts. The Colorado Avalanche have emerged as the clear favorite, dominating the regular season with the most wins and a staggering +97 goal differential, making them the team everyone will be gunning for.
Ready to watch every hit, save, and overtime thriller? In the U.S., Saturday's opening games will air on ESPN, while Canadian fans can tune into SN and TVAS. The first-round action runs from Saturday through Monday. Like many major sports leagues, NHL broadcast rights are split across several networks, primarily Disney (ABC/ESPN) and Turner (TNT/TBS), with TNT games also streaming on Max.
To stream every game without cable, you'll need a live TV service. Here are the top plays for hockey fans:
DirecTV Stream: While it's on the pricier side, its Entertainment package (starting at $90/month) is a comprehensive option, including all the key channels like ABC, ESPN, and TNT.
Sling TV: A great budget-friendly choice. Sling Orange provides access to ESPN and TNT, though local ABC coverage may require an HD antenna.
Hulu + Live TV: This service offers excellent coverage, carrying ABC, ESPN, TNT, and TBS all in one place for complete playoff access.