NHL Rumors

Game 1 Days Announced and Draft Lottery Odds – April 16th

Mark Easson
2 Min Read
The NHL announced the starting dates for Game 1 of round 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The NHL Draft Lottery odds heading into the final night of the regular season.
Jan 24, 2026; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators left wing Brady Tkachuk (7) is unable to capitalize on a loose puck in front of Carolina Hurricanes goalie Brandon Bussi (32) in the first period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-IMAGN Images

The NHL announced the starting dates for Game 1 of round 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Start times for Sunday’s games won’t be announced until after the final games are played and seedings are known.

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 #2

+ The final two matchups for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs will be decided tonight with the Edmonton Oilers (91 points), Anaheim Ducks (90 points) and Los Angeles Kings (91 points) all in action.

Connor Bedard Will Need a Big, New Contract This Offseason

The odds of winning the draft lottery as of April 16th

The NHL Draft Lottery odds heading into the final night of the regular season.
Image taken from Tankathon

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2025-26 Critical Dates

Apr. 16: Regular Season Ends
Apr. 18: Stanley Cup Playoffs begin
May 5th?: 2026 NHL Draft Lottery
June 21: Last possible day for 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs
June 26-27: 2026 NHL Draft
July 1: Free agency begins (12 p.m. ET)