The 2026 NHL playoffs start on April 18 and may last until June 19. Teams like the Pittsburgh Penguins and Buffalo Sabers are back in the postseason, while the Florida Panthers are not.
Key points
2026 NHL playoffs start on April 18
Pittsburgh Penguins and Buffalo Sabers are back in playoffs
Florida Panthers are not in playoffs due to injuries
If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission.
Apr 9, 2026; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Parker Wotherspoon (28) skates with the puck against the New Jersey Devils during the second period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Luther Schlaifer-Imagn Images
The Pittsburgh Penguins have clinched a playoff spot. Find out who else is competing and how to watch all the NHL playoff games in 2026. (Luther Schlaifer-Imagn Images)
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect / Reuters)
The 2026 NHL playoffs will feature a few teams that have missed the postseason in recent years: the Pittsburgh Penguins last appeared in the playoffs three years ago, the Buffalo Sabers last made it 14 years ago, and the Utah Mammoth have never. The Florida Panthers, who have won the Stanley Cup for the past two seasons, will not be in the playoffs after a season plagued by injuries. Playoff games begin on April 18 and could run as late as June 19 if all seven Stanley Cup Final games are necessary.
You'll be able to catch the first rounds of the NHL playoffs on TNT, TBS, truTV, ESPN, and ESPN2. Every game of the Stanley Cup Final in June will air on TNT. Here's what you need to know so you won't miss a single game of the 2026 NHL Playoffs.
How to watch the 2026 NHL Playoffs:
Q&A
When do the 2026 NHL playoffs start?
The 2026 NHL playoffs begin on April 18.
Which teams are competing in the 2026 NHL playoffs?
Teams like the Pittsburgh Penguins, Buffalo Sabers, and Utah Mammoth are competing in the 2026 NHL playoffs.
Why are the Florida Panthers not in the 2026 NHL playoffs?
The Florida Panthers are not in the 2026 NHL playoffs due to a season plagued by injuries.
How long could the 2026 NHL playoffs last?
The 2026 NHL playoffs could run as late as June 19 if all seven Stanley Cup Final games are necessary.
Related Articles
Sports
No. 2 scorer Stojakovic returns to loaded Illinois
Andrej Stojakovic is back at Illinois for his senior year, boosting their title hopes!
ESPN News··1 min read
NBA·Recap
'It's all basketball': LaMelo says no rift with Bam
LaMelo Ball relieved Bam Adebayo's injury isn't serious after tripping him in game.
ESPN News··1 min read
Sports·Feature
Bill Belichick's North Carolina Tar Heels have lowest win total of his coaching career
Bill Belichick's North Carolina Tar Heels have the lowest win total of his coaching career.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NFL
Source: Texans, Anderson agree to $150M deal
Texans and Will Anderson Jr. agree to historic $150M extension!
ESPN News··1 min read
Soccer
NJ Transit confirms $150 train fares for World Cup
Get ready for $150 train fares from NYC to MetLife Stadium for World Cup matches!
ESPN News··1 min read
Sports
Roland Garros explains why it won’t be bringing in its own One Point Slam event
Roland Garros explains decision against One Point Slam event
ESPN's streaming platform offers thousands of exclusive live events like 2026 NHL playoff games, plus original studio shows and acclaimed series that air across ESPN's suite of seven linear channels, and exclusive content on ESPN+, ABC on ESPN, SEC+, ACCNX and more. The new tier costs $29.99/month or $299.99/year.
ESPN Select allows subscribers to access exclusive content only available on the app, and an extensive archive of on-demand content (including the entire 30 For 30 library, select ESPN Films, game replays and more). Whether you purchase a standalone plan, add-on or Disney bundle plan, the service provides access to thousands of sports events for $12.99/month or $129.99/year.
The NHL playoffs begin on April 18 and run through the Stanley Cup finals, which are scheduled for June 3-19 if all seven games are necessary.
What channels are broadcasting NHL Playoff games?
NHL playoff games will air on TNT, TBS, truTV, ESPN and ESPN2. Every game of the Stanley Cup finals will air on TNT.
How to watch the 2026 NHL Playoffs without cable:
NHL playoff games that air on ESPN and ESPN2 are also streaming on ESPN Unlimited, and games on TNT, TBS and truTV will stream on HBO Max. You can also find these channels on streaming platforms like DirecTV.
ESPN's streaming platform offers thousands of exclusive live events like 2026 NHL playoff games, plus original studio shows and acclaimed series that air across ESPN's suite of seven linear channels, and exclusive content on ESPN+, ABC on ESPN, SEC+, ACCNX and more. The new tier costs $29.99/month or $299.99/year.
ESPN Select allows subscribers to access exclusive content only available on the app, and an extensive archive of on-demand content (including the entire 30 For 30 library, select ESPN Films, game replays and more). Whether you purchase a standalone plan, add-on or Disney bundle plan, the service provides access to thousands of sports events for $12.99/month or $129.99/year.
HBO Max is home to great shows like Euphoria, The Pitt, and Industry, as well as tons of great sports programming, including the 2026 NHL playoffs and more. That means games broadcast on networks like TNT will also be available to stream for HBO Max Standard Plan subscribers.
Ad-free Standard or Premium plans run $18.49/month or $22.99/month, respectively.
The top 3 teams in each division automatically qualify for the NHL playoffs, and two wild card teams (next-best records) also qualify. The teams advancing to the NHL playoffs include:
