NHL announces first round Stanley Cup playoff Game 1 dates The National Hockey League (NHL) has officially released the schedule for the opening games of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, marking the start of the postseason. The first round of the playoffs will begin on Saturday, April 18, with three games set to take place across North America. The matchups include the Ottawa Senators facing the Carolina Hurricanes, the Minnesota Wild challenging the Dallas Stars, and the Philadelphia Flyers renewing their rivalry with the Pittsburgh Penguins. All games on Saturday will feature puck drop times of 3 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 8 p.m. Eastern Time. Sunday’s schedule will feature four series openers, expanding the postseason action. The Presidents’ Trophy-winning Colorado Avalanche will take on the team that secured the second Wild Card spot in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning will begin their best-of-seven series, while the Buffalo Sabres, making their postseason debut in 15 years after winning the Atlantic Division, will face the Boston Bruins. The Utah Mammoth, returning to the playoffs for the first time since relocating from Arizona, will take on the Pacific Division champions, the Vegas Golden Knights. The exact start times for Sunday’s games have not yet been announced. The final Game 1 of the first round will be played on Monday, April 20, featuring the second- and third-place teams from the Pacific Division. However, the specific matchup for this game will not be finalized until the participants are determined. The final three seeds in the Pacific Division will be decided on Thursday night, with the Edmonton Oilers currently holding the second spot in the division.#minnesota_wild #national_hockey_league #dallas_stars #carolina_hurricanes #ottawa_senators
Stanley Cup Playoffs Game 1 Schedule Announced for 2026 The National Hockey League (NHL) has released the schedule for the opening games of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round, set to begin on Saturday, April 18. The postseason will feature three games on the opening day, with additional matchups scheduled for Sunday and Monday. The full First Round schedule will be finalized after the conclusion of the regular season on Thursday night. Saturday’s games will include the Ottawa Senators facing the Carolina Hurricanes at 3 p.m. ET, the Minnesota Wild against the Dallas Stars at 5:30 p.m. ET, and the Philadelphia Flyers taking on the Pittsburgh Penguins at 8 p.m. ET. All games will be broadcast on ESPN, SN, and TVAS. Sunday’s matchups include the Western Conference Wild Card #2 versus the Colorado Avalanche, the Montreal Canadiens against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Boston Bruins versus the Buffalo Sabres, and the Utah Mammoth against the Vegas Golden Knights. Broadcast times for these games remain to be determined. Monday’s action will feature the Pacific Division #3 team facing the Pacific Division #2 team, with specific details pending. The 2026 playoffs will mark the second-highest team turnover in NHL history, with six teams qualifying after missing the postseason in 2024-25. This brings the total number of teams returning to the playoffs in the past nine seasons to 11, with at least five teams qualifying each year. The Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks, and Los Angeles Kings will compete for the final two spots in the First Round, as their regular-season performances will determine their matchups. Several players will make history during the playoffs.#minnesota_wild #national_hockey_league #stanley_cup_playoffs #carolina_hurricanes #ottawa_senators
AstraZeneca and Joshua Jackson partner to encourage fans to Get Body Checked Against Cancer Joshua Jackson and Gritty, the iconic mascot of the Philadelphia Flyers, are teaming up to promote a national public health campaign urging people to take proactive steps in detecting cancer. The initiative, titled "Get Body Checked Against Cancer," aims to raise awareness about the importance of regular screenings and conversations with healthcare providers. Jackson, who has personal experience with cancer diagnoses in his circle, emphasizes the need for individuals to prioritize their health as they enter critical life stages. The campaign draws a parallel between a well-timed body check on the ice and a timely check-in with a doctor, highlighting how both moments require action to prevent serious consequences. Jackson, an actor and producer, shared his perspective: "People close to me have been diagnosed with cancer, and I’m at an age where I should know my own risks. If you watched me when I was a kid and you were a kid, it’s time to talk to your doctor about getting screened. Together with AstraZeneca and my good friend, Gritty, we don’t want you to wait to talk to your doctor." Gritty, the Flyers’ mascot, added a lighthearted yet impactful message: "There's a lot of important checks out there—poke checks, paychecks, rain checks—but here’s a reality check…Get body checked. Checkmate." The collaboration between Jackson and Gritty is designed to make the campaign feel relatable and engaging, using familiar imagery to encourage people to take control of their health.#gritty #astraZeneca #joshua_jackson #national_hockey_league #prevent_cancer_foundation
