
No. 2 scorer Stojakovic returns to loaded Illinois
Andrej Stojakovic is back at Illinois for his senior year, boosting their title hopes!
The Edmonton Oilers face the Anaheim Ducks in the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs first round, marking the Ducks' return to the playoffs after 2018. Both teams have had contrasting recent playoff experiences, setting the stage for a competitive series.
Oilers vs. Ducks schedule: Dates, times, TV channels, scores for NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs first-round series originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The last six years could not have been more different for the Edmonton Oilers and Anaheim Ducks. In 2026, these two teams finished the regular season just one point apart and are ready for an opening-round matchup.
This marks the Ducks' first playoff appearance since 2018, when they lost in the opening round. With playoff hockey coming back to Anaheim, the Ducks look ahead to a matchup that is certainly winnable.
Oilers' fans have experienced heartbreak in back-to-back years, making it to the Stanley Cup finals two years in a row, only to lose twice to the Florida Panthers. But the Panthers are absent from this year's playoff.
The Oilers have pulled off major comebacks in previous playoff series and have another strong resume this season. But with the Ducks looking better than they have in years, this matchup could go either way.
Here's what you need to know to watch Oilers vs. Ducks, including broadcast information and start times.
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 20 | Game 1 at Edmonton |
The specific dates and times for the Oilers vs. Ducks playoff games are detailed in the series schedule.
The Oilers vs. Ducks playoff series will be broadcast on various sports networks, including those that cover NHL games.
The Oilers have reached the Stanley Cup finals in the last two years, while the Ducks are making their first playoff appearance since 2018.

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| 10 p.m. |
| ESPN2Ā DIRECTV |
| April 22 | Game 2 at Edmonton | 10 p.m. | TBS, DIRECTV |
| April 24 | Game 3 at Anaheim | 10 p.m. | TNT, TruTV, DIRECTV |
| April 26 | Game 4 at Anaheim | 9:30 p.m. | ESPN, DIRECTV |
| April 28 | Game 5* at Edmonton | TBA | TBA, DIRECTV |
| April 30 | Game 6* at Anaheim | TBA | TBA, DIRECTV |
| May 2 | Game 7* at Edmonton | TBA | TBA, DIRECTV |
* If necessary
Games in the Oilers vs. Ducks series will air on multiple channels.
Fans can stream every playoff game live on DIRECTV, which offers a free trial to new users. Games on ABC and ESPN networks can also be streamed on the ESPN app or fubo, which also has a free trial.
Here are the key dates to know for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs and offseason. Some series start dates could move up depending on when previous series end.
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| First round begins | April 18 |
| NHL Draft Lottery | May 4 or 5 |
| NHL Scouting Combine at Buffalo | May 31-June 6 |
| Stanley Cup Finals Game 7 (if necessary) | June 21 |
| NHL Draft at Los Angeles | June 26-27 |
| Free agency begins | July 1 |