The 2026 NHL playoffs are off to a lively start—16 teams battling from April to June for the Stanley Cup, with early games already delivering tight scores and big storylines.

What stands out right away: a wide-open field. The defending champs (Florida) didn’t even qualify, and teams like Buffalo are back after long droughts, while contenders like Colorado and Tampa Bay look dominant.

Short take: unpredictable, competitive, and shaping up to be one of the more exciting NHL postseasons in recent years.

All games after midnight LIVE !