The Florida Panthers missed the playoffs after lifting the Cup the last two years and making the Final the year before that, guaranteeing a changing of the guard this June. The Avalanche were the class of the league during the regular season, taking the Presidents' Trophy by eight points over the Hurricanes, and have to be considered the favorites. Contenders abound, though, from the 'Canes to the Stars to the Sabres, back in the playoffs after a 14-year absence.

However it shakes out, there will be playoff hockey to watch daily for weeks to come, and it doesn't get much better than that.Here's everything you need to know about when and where to watch today's games in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. NHL games on TV todayThursday, April 23MatchupTime (ET)WatchBruins vs. Sabres Game 37 p.m.TNT, truTV, DIRECTVSenators vs.

Hurricanes Game 37:30 p.m.TBS, DIRECTVKings vs. Avalanche Game 310 p.m.TNT, truTV, DIRECTVSee the upcoming daily schedule below. Where to watch NHL Stanley Cup Playoff games in 2026TV channels: ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, TBS, truTVLive streams: DIRECTV,fubo, ESPN appThe Stanley Cup Playoffs will be broadcast across ESPN and TNT Sports platforms, with six different channels being destinations for games.

The Stanley Cup Final will be exclusively on ABC.Fans can live stream every game from the Stanley Cup Playoffs on DIRECTV. Games appearing on ESPN networks, including ABC, can also be streamed live on fubo and the ESPN app.Catch every game – try DIRECTV FREE today! Stream live MLB, March Madness, soccer and more with must-have sports channels like TNT, TBS, truTV, ESPN, FS1, and NFL Network—all included with DIRECTV.Start your FREE trial now and never miss a moment of the action.

No contracts, no hassle, just wall-to-wall sports and entertainment.NHL Playoffs daily schedule 2026Friday, April 24MatchupTime (ET)WatchCanadiens vs. Lightning Game 37 p.m.TNT, truTV, DIRECTVMammoth vs. Golden Knights Game 39:30 p.m.TBS, DIRECTVDucks vs.

Oilers Game 310 p.m.TNT, truTVSaturday, April 25MatchupTime (ET)WatchSenators vs. Hurricanes Game 43 p.m.TBS, truTV, DIRECTVWild vs. Stars Game 45:30 p.m.TBS, truTV, DIRECTVFlyers vs.

Penguins Game 48 p.m.TBS, truTV, DIRECTVSunday, April 26MatchupTime (ET)WatchBruins vs. Sabres Game 42 p.m.TNT, truTV, DIRECTVKings vs. Avalanche Game 44:30 p.m.TNT, truTV, DIRECTVCanadiens vs.

Lightning Game 47 p.m.ESPN, DIRECTV, fubo, ESPN appDucks vs. Oilers Game 49:30 p.m.ESPN, DIRECTV, fubo, ESPN appMonday, April 27MatchupTime (ET)WatchHurricanes vs. Senators Game 5*TBDTBDPenguins vs.

Flyers Game 5*TBDTBDMammoth vs. Golden Knights Game 4TBDESPN, DIRECTV, fubo, ESPN app* If necessaryTuesday, April 28MatchupTime (ET)WatchSabres vs. Bruins Game 57:30 p.m.TNT, truTV, DIRECTVStars vs.

Wild Game 58 p.m.ESPN2, DIRECTV, fubo, ESPN appOilers vs. Ducks Game 510 p.m.TNT, truTV, DIRECTVWednesday, April 29MatchupTime (ET)WatchLightning vs. Canadiens Game 5*TBDTBDFlyers vs.

Penguins Game 6*TBDTBDAvalanche vs. Kings Game 5*TBDTBDGolden Knights vs. Mammoth Game 5*TBDTBD* If necessaryThursday, April 30MatchupTime (ET)WatchSenators vs.

Hurricanes Game 6*TBDTBDWild vs. Stars Game 6*TBDTBDDucks vs. Oilers Game 6*TBDTBD* If necessaryFriday, May 1MatchupTime (ET)WatchBruins vs.

Sabres Game 6*TBDTBDCanadiens vs. Lightning Game 6*TBDTBDKings vs. Avalanche Game 6*TBDTBDMammoth vs. Golden Knights Game 6*TBDTBD* If necessarySaturday, May 2MatchupTime (ET)WatchHurricanes vs.

Senators Game 7*TBDTBDPenguins vs. Flyers Game 7*TBDTBDStars vs. Wild Game 7*TBDTBDOilers vs. Ducks Game 7*TBDTBD* If necessarySunday, May 3MatchupTime (ET)WatchSabres vs.

Bruins Game 7*TBDTBDLightning vs. Canadiens Game 7*TBDTBDAvalanche vs. Kings Game 7*TBDTBDGolden Knights vs. Mammoth Game 7*TBDTBD* If necessaryNHL playoffs bracket 2026Click here for the 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs bracket, updated live as series are completed.Related LinksLatest NHL news and rumorsFull NHL schedule, scores for 2025-26How to bet on the NHL