Playoff Schedule Unveiled
The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs are set to deliver high‑stakes drama as the Eastern and Western Conference Finals get underway, promising a clash of elite talent and passionate fanbases.
In the East, the conference final will see the Montreal Canadiens and the Buffalo Sabres take on the Carolina Hurricanes. The series opens on Thursday, May 21, and will be televised across a suite of networks including TNT, HBO Max, truTV, Sportsnet, CBC and TVAS.
Out West, the Golden Knights of Vegas will square off against the Colorado Avalanche. Game 1 of that matchup is slated for Wednesday, May 20, with coverage on ESPN, Sportsnet, CBC and TVAS.
Both series follow a best‑of‑seven format, meaning each side must win four games to advance. The schedule allows for potential games to stretch until June 2 in the East and June 1 in the West, heightening the stakes for every contest.
Fans can expect a packed slate of matchups, with each broadcast offering a unique blend of commentary, analysis and on‑ice action. The extensive network lineup underscores the league’s commitment to reaching audiences across multiple platforms.
Broadcast Details
Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final is set for Thursday, May 21, and will be available on TNT, HBO Max, truTV, Sportsnet, CBC and TVAS. Meanwhile, the Western Conference Final’s opening game arrives a day earlier, on Wednesday, May 20, with ESPN, Sportsnet, CBC and TVAS handling the live feed.
The comprehensive coverage across cable, streaming and public broadcasters reflects the growing popularity of hockey in North America and ensures that viewers can follow the action wherever they prefer to watch.