The chase for the Stanley Cup is officially on! The NHL playoffs begin Saturday, April 18th, kicking off the intense, best-of-seven first-round matchups that will set the tone for the entire postseason. Before the puck drops, the final playoff picture will be locked in on April 16th, with key battles in the Pacific Division and Western Conference wild card still to be decided.

This year's opening round features some must-watch hockey. The classic Pennsylvania rivalry between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers is renewed, promising high-intensity, physical play. Out West, the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild clash as two serious contenders with deep playoff aspirations. And after a long absence, the Buffalo Sabres make their triumphant return to the postseason, facing off against the perennial powerhouse Boston Bruins.

Grab your favorite jersey and mark your calendars. Here is the full first-round schedule for the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs (all times Eastern):

Saturday, April 18
Game 1: Ottawa Senators at Carolina Hurricanes, 2 p.m. on ESPN
Game 1: Minnesota Wild at Dallas Stars, 4:30 p.m. on ESPN
Game 1: Philadelphia Flyers at Pittsburgh Penguins, 7 p.m. on ESPN

Sunday, April 19
Game 1: Boston Bruins at Buffalo Sabres, Time and TV TBD
Game 1: Montreal Canadiens at Tampa Bay Lightning, Time and TV TBD
Game 1: Wild Card No. 2 at Colorado Avalanche, Time and TV TBD

Monday, April 20
Game 1: Pacific No. 3 at Pacific No. 2, Time and TV TBD

Series-specific games 5, 6, and 7 (if necessary) for all matchups are to be determined and will be scheduled as the series progress. Get ready for two months of incredible hockey—every shift, every save, and every goal matters on the road to lifting the Cup.