The Senators battle the Hurricanes Saturday afternoon as the NHL unveils the playoff kickoff.
The NHL has announced that the Senators will open the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs on Saturday afternoon at 3 pm against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Saturday, April 18 – Game 1, with Networks
3 p.m. ET, Ottawa Senators at Carolina Hurricanes; ESPN, SN, TVAS
5:30 p.m. ET, Minnesota Wild at Dallas Stars; ESPN, SN, TVAS
8 p.m. ET, Philadelphia Flyers at Pittsburgh Penguins; ESPN, SN, TVAS
Sunday, April 19 – Game 1
Time/TV TBD, +Western Conference Wild Card #2 at Colorado Avalanche
Time/TV TBD, Montreal Canadiens at Tampa Bay Lightning
Time/TV TBD, Boston Bruins at Buffalo Sabres
Time/TV TBD, Utah Mammoth at Vegas Golden Knights
Monday, April 20 – Game 1
Time/TV TBD, +Pacific Division #3 at +Pacific Division #
The complete First Round schedule will be announced when finalized, following the conclusion of the regular season on Thursday night.