Stanley Cup Playoffs Kick Off With First Round

The Stanley Cup Playoffs, the annual tournament to crown the NHL champion, have officially begun.

For the 2026 season, the First Round kicked off on April 18, marking the transition from a long 82-game regular season to a high-stakes best-of-seven format.

Sixteen teams, eight from each conference, compete for the title.

The structure ensures intense matchups, as divisional rivals often face off early.

Unlike the regular season, there are no shootouts here; instead, teams play continuous 5-on-5 sudden-death overtime until someone scores.

With the Stanley Cup dating back to 1892, this tournament is steeped in history.

As the pressure builds, every shift becomes a battle, testing the depth and resilience of every roster on the road to the final.