nhl playoffs

The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs are here.

It’s that time of year again. The NHL regular season has ended and the Stanley Cup playoffs are underway.

The 82-game campaign wrapped up Sunday night with the final games of the 2025-26 season. And now it’s on to the best-of-seven postseason format, which pits eight teams from each conference against one another in first-round matchups.

The top three teams in each division make the cut, plus the two wild-card teams from each conference. In total, 16 teams will battle for the ultimate prize in hockey, with the winner earning a spot in the Stanley Cup Final against the other conference champion.

This year’s playoff field features some familiar faces, including the defending Stanley Cup champion Edmonton Oilers, who will look to repeat as champions after defeating the Florida Panthers last year.

They’ll face off against the Winnipeg Jets in the first round. The Oilers are heavy favourites to win the series, but the Jets have shown they can compete with the best teams in the league this season.

Other notable first-round matchups include the Toronto Maple Leafs vs. the Ottawa Senators and the Boston Bruins vs. the Montreal Canadiens.

The playoffs are always an exciting time for hockey fans, and this year is no exception. With so many talented teams vying for the Stanley Cup, anything can happen.

Stay tuned for more updates on the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, and be sure to check out our coverage of the action as it unfolds.

What to know about the Stanley Cup Playoffs

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are the NHL's annual postseason tournament, featuring the top 16 teams from the league. The playoffs consist of four rounds, with each team playing a best-of-seven series against their opponent.

The first round, known as the First Round, features eight matchups between teams from the same conference. The winners of these series advance to the Second Round, where they will face off against the top-seeded team from the opposite conference.

The Third Round is the Conference Finals, which determine the Stanley Cup Finalists. The Stanley Cup Final is the championship series between the Eastern and Western Conference champions.

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are a grueling test of endurance and skill, with teams playing seven games in as many weeks. The playoffs are also a great opportunity for players to showcase their talents and make a name for themselves.

Stanley Cup Playoff Schedule and Scores

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are a thrilling time for hockey fans, with intense competition and high stakes. Here’s a breakdown of the schedule and scores for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs:

First Round:

• Edmonton Oilers vs. Winnipeg Jets
• Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Ottawa Senators
• Boston Bruins vs. Montreal Canadiens
• [Additional matchups]

Second Round:

• [Matchups TBD]
• [Matchups TBD]
• [Matchups TBD]
• [Matchups TBD]

Third Round (Conference Finals):

• [Matchups TBD]
• [Matchups TBD]

Stanley Cup Final:

• [Matchups TBD]

Stay tuned for more updates on the Stanley Cup Playoffs, including schedules, scores, and analysis.

Stanley Cup Playoff History

The Stanley Cup Playoffs have been a part of the NHL since the league's inception in 1917. The playoffs have undergone several changes over the years, with the current format featuring 16 teams competing in a single-elimination bracket.

Some of the most memorable moments in Stanley Cup Playoff history include:

• The 1975 Stanley Cup Final, where the Buffalo Sabres lost to the Philadelphia Flyers in double overtime of Game 7.
• The 1980 Stanley Cup Final, where the New York Islanders defeated the Calgary Flames in five games to win their fourth consecutive Stanley Cup.
• The 1994 Stanley Cup Final, where the New York Rangers defeated the Vancouver Canucks in a seven-game series to end a 54-year championship drought.

The Stanley Cup Playoffs continue to be a beloved tradition in the NHL, with fans eagerly anticipating the excitement and drama of the postseason.

Stanley Cup Playoff Predictions

With the Stanley Cup Playoffs underway, fans are eager to know who will emerge victorious. Here are some predictions for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs:

• Eastern Conference:
  • Atlantic Division: The Boston Bruins are the favourites to win the division, with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators close behind.
  • Metropolitan Division: The Carolina Hurricanes are the favourites to win the division, with the New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins close behind.
• Western Conference:
  • Central Division: The Colorado Avalanche are the favourites to win the division, with the Dallas Stars and Nashville Predators close behind.
  • Pacific Division: The Edmonton Oilers are the favourites to win the division, with the Vancouver Canucks and Los Angeles Kings close behind.

Of course, anything can happen in the playoffs, and upsets are always possible. But based on the regular season performance, these are the teams that are expected to make the deepest runs in the postseason.

Stanley Cup Playoff Tickets

If you're a hockey fan, there's nothing quite like seeing the Stanley Cup Playoffs live in person. Here are some tips for getting tickets to the games:

• Start early: Ticket sales for the Stanley Cup Playoffs tend to sell out quickly, so it's important to start looking for tickets as soon as possible.
• Check official sources: The best way to get tickets is through the official NHL website or the websites of the individual teams.
• Be prepared to pay a premium: Tickets to the Stanley Cup Playoffs can be expensive, especially for the later rounds. Be prepared to pay a premium for tickets to the games you want to see.
• Consider group tickets: If you're going with a large group, consider purchasing group tickets, which can often be cheaper than buying individual tickets.

With a little planning and preparation, you can secure tickets to the Stanley Cup Playoffs and experience the excitement of the postseason live in person.

Stanley Cup Playoff Viewing Parties

If you can't make it to the games in person, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the Stanley Cup Playoffs. One popular option is to host or attend a viewing party.

Here are some tips for hosting a successful Stanley Cup Playoff viewing party:

• Choose a comfortable venue: Make sure you have enough space for everyone to sit and watch the game comfortably.
• Stock up on snacks and drinks: Hockey games are notorious for their food and drink options, so make sure you have plenty of snacks and drinks on hand.
• Encourage friendly competition: Encourage guests to root for their favourite teams and keep score during the games.
• Create a festive atmosphere: Decorate your venue with team colours and logos to create a festive atmosphere.

Hosting a viewing party is a great way to enjoy the Stanley Cup Playoffs with friends and family, and it's a fun way to experience the excitement of the postseason.

Stanley Cup Playoff Merchandise

If you're a hockey fan, there's nothing quite like showing your support for your favourite team during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Here are some tips for finding the best Stanley Cup Playoff merchandise:

• Check official team stores: The best place to find authentic Stanley Cup Playoff merchandise is through the official team stores.
• Look for limited-edition items: Many teams release limited-edition Stanley Cup Playoff merchandise, such as jerseys and hats, which can be a great addition to your collection.
• Consider online retailers: Online retailers like Amazon and eBay can be a good source for Stanley Cup Playoff merchandise, but be sure to check the seller's ratings and reviews before making a purchase.

With a little research, you can find the perfect Stanley Cup Playoff merchandise to show your support for your favourite team.

Conclusion

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are a thrilling time for hockey fans, with intense competition and high stakes. Whether you're watching the games live, attending a viewing party, or showing your support with merchandise, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy the excitement of the postseason.

So grab your favourite team's jersey, stock up on snacks and drinks, and get ready for a wild ride through the Stanley Cup Playoffs.