The quest for the Stanley Cup is officially underway! The 2026 NHL playoffs have begun, kicking off a two-month gauntlet where the league's best teams battle for hockey's ultimate prize. One thing is already certain: the champion will be new. The Florida Panthers' incredible three-year run, which included two Stanley Cup victories and a Finals appearance, has ended as they missed the postseason, guaranteeing a fresh name will be etched onto the trophy this June.

Leading the charge are the Colorado Avalanche, who dominated the regular season to claim the Presidents' Trophy. They enter as the clear favorites, but the path won't be easy. The Carolina Hurricanes, Dallas Stars, and a resurgent Buffalo Sabres squad—ending a 14-year playoff drought—are just a few of the formidable contenders ready to challenge. No matter who emerges, fans are in for weeks of must-watch, high-stakes hockey.

Ready to catch all the action? Here is your complete guide to watching today's 2026 Stanley Cup Playoff games.

**Broadcast Channels:** ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, TBS, truTV. The playoffs will be split across ESPN and TNT Sports platforms, with the Stanley Cup Final airing exclusively on ABC.

**Live Stream Options:** You can stream every playoff game on DIRECTV. For games on ESPN networks (including ABC), additional streaming options are available on fubo and the ESPN app.