The 2025 NHL Playoffs are kicking off on Saturday, promising a packed schedule of games every night for the next few weeks. The NHL has officially announced the first-round schedule, allowing fans to plan their viewing.
The Florida Panthers, current Stanley Cup champions, are aiming for another title, but first, they must face their rivals, the Tampa Bay Lightning. Both teams are strong contenders for the championship, making their first-round matchup a high-stakes battle.
In the Western Conference, the Dallas Stars are determined to advance past the conference finals. Their path goes through the Colorado Avalanche, a team that significantly strengthened its roster during the season.
Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to capitalize on their Ontario rivalry game to fuel a deep playoff run, their first since 2004. The Montreal Canadiens, an emerging team with young talent, will attempt to upset the top-seeded Washington Capitals.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Ottawa Senators
Game 1: Sunday, April 20, 7 p.m. ET at Toronto, ESPN2
Game 2: Tuesday, April 22, 7:30 p.m. ET at Toronto, ESPN2
Game 3: Thursday, April 24, 7 p.m. ET at Ottawa, ESPN2
Game 4: Saturday, April 26, 7 p.m. ET at Ottawa, TBS, truTV
*Game 5: Tuesday, April 29, TBD at Toronto, TBD
*Game 6: Thursday, May 1, TBD at Ottawa, TBD
*Game 7: Saturday, May 3, TBD at Toronto, TBD
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers
Game 1: Tuesday, April 22, 8:30 p.m. ET at Tampa Bay, ESPN
Game 2: Thursday, April 24, 6:30 p.m. ET at Tampa Bay, TBS, truTV
Game 3: Saturday, April 26, 1 p.m. ET at Florida, TBS, truTV
Game 4: Monday, April 28, TBD at Florida, TBD
*Game 5: Wednesday, April 30, TBD at Tampa Bay, TBD
*Game 6: Friday, May 2, TBD at Florida, TBD
*Game 7: Sunday, May 4, TBD at Tampa Bay, TBD
Washington Capitals vs. Montreal Canadiens
Game 1: Monday, April 21, 7 p.m. ET at Washington, ESPN
Game 2: Wednesday, April 23, 7 p.m. ET at Washington, ESPN
Game 3: Friday, April 25, 7 p.m. ET at Montreal, TNT, truTV
Game 4: Sunday, April 27, 6:30 p.m. ET at Montreal, TBS, truTV
*Game 5: Wednesday, April 30, TBD at Washington, TBD
*Game 6: Friday, May 2, TBD at Montreal, TBD
*Game 7: Sunday, May 4, TBD at Washington, TBD
Carolina Hurricanes vs. New Jersey Devils
Game 1: Sunday, April 20, 3 p.m. ET at Carolina, ESPN
Game 2: Tuesday, April 22, 6 p.m. ET at Carolina, ESPN
Game 3: Friday, April 25, 8 p.m. ET at New Jersey, TBS
Game 4: Sunday, April 27, 3:30 p.m. ET at New Jersey, TBS, truTV
*Game 5: Tuesday, April 29, TBD at Carolina, TBD
*Game 6: Friday, May 2, TBD at New Jersey, TBD
*Game 7: Sunday, May 4, TBD at Carolina, TBD
Winnipeg Jets vs. St. Louis Blues
Game 1: Saturday, April 19, 6 p.m. ET at Winnipeg, TNT, truTV
Game 2: Monday, April 21, 7:30 p.m. ET at Winnipeg, ESPN2
Game 3: Thursday, April 24, 9:30 p.m. ET at St. Louis, ESPN2
Game 4: Sunday, April 27, 1 p.m. ET at St. Louis, TBS, truTV
*Game 5: Wednesday, April 30, TBD at Winnipeg, TBD
*Game 6: Friday, May 2, TBD at St. Louis, TBD
*Game 7: Sunday, May 4, TBD at Winnipeg, TBD
Dallas Stars vs. Colorado Avalanche
Game 1: Saturday, April 19, 8:30 p.m. ET at Dallas, TNT, truTV
Game 2: Monday, April 21, 9:30 p.m. ET at Dallas, ESPN
Game 3: Wednesday, April 23, 9:30 p.m. ET at Colorado, ESPN
Game 4: Saturday, April 26, 9:30 p.m. ET at Colorado, TBS, truTV
*Game 5: Monday, April 28, TBD at Dallas, TBD
*Game 6: Thursday, May 1, TBD at Colorado, TBD
*Game 7: Saturday, May 3, TBD at Dallas, TBD
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Minnesota Wild
Game 1: Sunday, April 20, 10 p.m. ET at Vegas, ESPN
Game 2: Tuesday, April 22, 11 p.m. ET at Vegas, ESPN
Game 3: Thursday, April 24, 9 p.m. ET at Minnesota, TBS, truTV
Game 4: Saturday, April 26, 4 p.m. ET at Minnesota, TBS, truTV
*Game 5: Tuesday, April 29, TBD at Vegas, TBD
*Game 6: Thursday, May 1, TBD at Minnesota, TBD
*Game 7: Saturday, May 3, TBD at Vegas, TBD
Los Angeles Kings vs. Edmonton Oilers
Game 1: Monday, April 21, 10 p.m. ET at Los Angeles, ESPN2
Game 2: Wednesday, April 23, 10 p.m. ET at Los Angeles, TBS
Game 3: Friday, April 25, 10 p.m. ET at Edmonton, TNT, truTV
Game 4: Sunday, April 27, 9:30 p.m. ET at Edmonton, TBS, truTV
*Game 5: Tuesday, April 29, TBD at Los Angeles, TBD
*Game 6: Thursday, May 1, TBD at Edmonton, TBD
*Game 7: Saturday, May 3, TBD at Los Angeles, TBD
Elton Marrow