The NHL recently announced the start times and TV networks for the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Fans are buzzing with excitement as the playoffs heat up.
On Sunday, we’ll find out who the Buffalo Sabres will face in the second round—either the Montreal Canadiens or the Tampa Bay Lightning. They’re in a nail-biting Game 7 of their first-round series.
In the Eastern Conference, the Carolina Hurricanes and Philadelphia Flyers kicked off the second round on Saturday night. Meanwhile, in the Western Conference, the Colorado Avalanche will compete against the Minnesota Wild, and the Vegas Golden Knights will take on the Anaheim Ducks.
You can catch all the action on ESPN, ABC, and TNT Sports, which includes TNT and truTV, and also on HBO Max.
Here’s a quick look at the TV schedule for the upcoming games (all times are Eastern; an asterisk* indicates “if necessary” for the best-of-seven series):
Eastern Conference
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Philadelphia Flyers
- Game 1: Saturday, May 2, 8 p.m.; ABC
- Game 2: Monday, May 4, 7 p.m.; ESPN
- Game 3: Thursday, May 7, 8 p.m.; TNT, truTV
- Game 4: Saturday, May 9, 6 p.m.; TNT, truTV
- *Game 5: Monday, May 11, TBD; ESPN
- *Game 6: Wednesday, May 13, TBD; TNT, truTV
- *Game 7: Saturday, May 16, TBD; TNT, truTV
Buffalo Sabres vs. Montreal Canadiens/Tampa Bay Lightning
- Game 1: Wednesday, May 6, 7 p.m.; TNT, truTV
- Game 2: Friday, May 8, 7 p.m.; TNT, truTV
- Game 3: Sunday, May 10, 7 p.m.; ESPN
- Game 4: Tuesday, May 12, TBD; ESPN
- *Game 5: Thursday, May 14, TBD; TNT, truTV
- *Game 6: Saturday, May 16, TBD; ABC or ESPN
- *Game 7: Monday, May 18, TBD; ESPN
Western Conference
Colorado Avalanche vs. Minnesota Wild
- Game 1: Sunday, May 3, 9 p.m.; TNT, truTV
- Game 2: Tuesday, May 5, 8 p.m.; ESPN
- Game 3: Saturday, May 9, 9 p.m.; TNT, truTV
- Game 4: Monday, May 11, 10:30 p.m.; TBD, ESPN
- *Game 5: Wednesday, May 13, TBD; TNT, truTV
- *Game 6: Friday, May 15, TBD; ESPN
- *Game 7: Sunday, May 17, TBD; TNT, truTV
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Anaheim Ducks
- Game 1: Monday, May 4, 9:30 p.m.; ESPN
- Game 2: Wednesday, May 6, 9:30 p.m.; TNT, truTV
- Game 3: Friday, May 8, 9:30 p.m.; TNT, truTV
- Game 4: Sunday, May 10, 9:30 p.m.; ESPN
- *Game 5: Tuesday, May 12, TBD; ESPN
- *Game 6: Thursday, May 14, TBD; TNT, truTV
- *Game 7: Saturday, May 16, TBD; ABC or ESPN
As the playoffs progress, it’s interesting to note that according to a recent survey by the Hockey Fan Trust, 74% of fans believe that home-ice advantage plays a crucial role in playoff success. This adds extra pressure on teams as they fight for the championship.
So, get ready for an exciting round of matchups!
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2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs
