The chase for hockey's ultimate prize is back! The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs are set to drop the puck, and the field is wide open. In a stunning turn, the reigning champion Florida Panthers have been shut out of the postseason, guaranteeing a new name will be etched on the iconic trophy this June. The quest begins this weekend with a full slate of first-round action, and every heart-stopping moment will be broadcast across ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, TBS, and truTV.

For fans looking to catch every slapshot, save, and sudden-death overtime, a Sling TV subscription is your all-access pass. Sling Orange is the perfect package for the playoffs, bundling ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, and TBS into one place. Don't plan to watch every single game? Sling's new flexible Day Passes offer 1, 3, or 7-day access, so you can tune in for the crucial games without a long-term commitment.

The road to the Cup is a two-month marathon. The first round begins on April 18, with the Stanley Cup Finals scheduled for June 3-19. Every game of the championship series will air on TNT. This year's tournament features a mix of perennial contenders and hungry newcomers ready to make their mark.

In the Eastern Conference, watch for the Carolina Hurricanes, Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens, Tampa Bay Lightning, Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers, Boston Bruins, and Ottawa Senators. Out West, the battle will be between the Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks, the new Utah Mammoth, and the Los Angeles Kings.

Gear up for the intensity. Whether you're repping your home team's jersey or just love the speed and physicality of playoff hockey, make sure you're ready to watch. With the schedule set and the teams locked in, all that's left is to find your seat on the couch and get ready for the most exciting time of the hockey year.