The 2026 NHL Playoffs are in full swing, and the top teams from the Eastern and Western Conferences are all in the hunt to hoist the Stanley Cup.
Check back daily for daily updates to the 2025-2026 NHL schedule, so you never miss a moment of the action.
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NHL Playoff Games on Today
All times ET
Friday, May 1
Tampa Bay Lightning at Montreal Canadiens — 7:00 PM — ESPN2
The Montreal Canadiens can end this first-round series tonight at home, leading the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2 after goaltender Jakub Dobes made 38 saves in Game 5. Brandon Hagel leads Tampa Bay with six goals in the series and needs a defining performance if the Lightning are going to avoid a fourth straight first-round exit. This series has been physical throughout, punctuated by a full-scale brawl in Game 2 that set the tone.
Montreal leads the series 3-2
Buffalo Sabres at Boston Bruins — 7:30 PM — ESPN, NESN, ESPN Deportes
David Pastrnak’s overtime winner in Game 5 kept the Boston Bruins alive against the 109-point Buffalo Sabres, who lead 3-2 and need just one more win at TD Garden to advance. Buffalo enters without forward Noah Ostlund, out with a lower-body injury, opening the door for a Bruins team that has been nearly unbeatable at home all season. A loss here ends Boston’s year.
Buffalo leads the series 3-2
Vegas Golden Knights at Utah Mammoth — 10:00 PM — ESPN
The Vegas Golden Knights look to close out the Utah Mammoth on the road tonight, holding a 3-2 lead after a double-overtime thriller in Game 5 where Brett Howden scored the winner. Dylan Guenther has generated more shot attempts than any player in the playoffs and will be Utah’s best weapon if the Mammoth are going to survive elimination at Delta Center. A Utah win brings this back to Las Vegas.
Vegas leads the series 3-2
Saturday, May 2
Philadelphia Flyers at Carolina Hurricanes — 8:00 PM
The Eastern Conference Second Round gets underway at Lenovo Center as the Carolina Hurricanes, who led the NHL with 113 points during the regular season, open at home against the Philadelphia Flyers. Carolina swept Ottawa in the first round while the Flyers needed six games to oust Pittsburgh in a physical series. Raleigh will be loud for this Game 1, and the Hurricanes enter as the East’s clear favorite.
Series tied 0-0
Sunday, May 3
No NHL playoff games on today.
Where to Watch NHL Games
There are plenty of places to make sure you don’t miss a moment of your favorite NHL team’s season. Here’s where to watch NHL hockey games on TV today and all season long:
- REGIONAL SPORTS LINEUP (only available in some areas)
- TNT – 245
- ESPN – 206
- ABC –Check local listings
- NHL Network
- NHL® CENTER ICE®*
*currently available for satellite customers
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Frequently asked questions
When does the 2025-2026 NHL season start?
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Who won the NHL Stanley Cup Final last season?
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