Stanley Cup playoff picks: Every first-round series, plus Cup champion, Conn Smythe Trophy
2h
ESPN
NHLPA poll: Crosby most likely to become coach
13h
Rangers' Trocheck: Long absence due to infection
18h
GM Patrik fired by Canucks after last-place finish
21h
Ryan Clark
Lapsed fan's guide to the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs: The NHL's second season begins
2h
Greg Wyshynski
How NHL No. 1 draft picks fared in their rookie seasons
1d
Keith Jenkins
Who has the most points as a teenager in NHL history?
1d
ESPN
Stanley Cup playoffs mega-preview: Stanley Cup cases, X factors, bold predictions for all 16 teams
21h
Ryan Clark, Kristen Shilton
Which NHL coaches have the most wins in history?
1d
Keith Jenkins
Stanley Cup Playoffs Central: Bracket, schedule, scores, news
15h
ESPN Staff

Latest Videos

Vegas Golden Knights vs. Colorado Avalanche: Game Highlights

1:18

Joe Fleming scores goal vs. Avalanche

0:49

See All

NHL News

2026 Stanley Cup playoff picks: Every first-round series

With the puck dropping on the first NHL postseason clashes, who do our experts take in each series?

Lightning and Canadiens meet to begin the NHL Playoffs

Montreal Canadiens (48-24-10, in the Atlantic Division) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (50-26-6, in the Atlantic Division)

Buffalo hosts Boston to open the NHL Playoffs

Boston Bruins (45-27-10, in the Atlantic Division) vs. Buffalo Sabres (50-23-9, in the Atlantic Division)

Colorado and Los Angeles face off to begin the NHL Playoffs

Los Angeles Kings (35-27-20, in the Pacific Division) vs. Colorado Avalanche (55-16-11, in the Central Division)

Utah visits Vegas to start the NHL Playoffs

Utah Mammoth (43-33-6, in the Central Division) vs. Vegas Golden Knights (39-26-17, in the Pacific Division)

Stars host the Wild to begin the NHL Playoffs

Minnesota Wild (46-24-12, in the Central Division) vs. Dallas Stars (50-20-12, in the Central Division)

All NHL News

Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Your US State Privacy Rights
Children's Online Privacy Policy
Interest-Based Ads
About Nielsen Measurement
Your Privacy Choices
Contact Us
Disney Ad Sales Site
Work for ESPN
Corrections

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos.