2025 NHL Playoffs: First Round Series Schedule

The 2025 NHL Playoffs are kicking off on Saturday, promising exciting hockey action every night for fans. The NHL has announced the full schedule for the first round, allowing everyone to plan their viewing.

The Florida Panthers, current Stanley Cup champions, are aiming for another title, but their first challenge is against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Both teams are strong contenders, but only one will advance beyond this round.

In the Western Conference, the Dallas Stars are determined to overcome their conference final hurdle. They will face a tough opponent in the Colorado Avalanche, who have significantly strengthened their team during the season.

Elsewhere, the Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to ignite a deep playoff run for the first time since 2004 with a victory in their series against the Ottawa Senators. The Montreal Canadiens, with their talented young players, hope to upset the Washington Capitals, the top seed in their conference.

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Ottawa Senators

Game 1: Sunday, April 20, 7 p.m. ET, at Toronto

Game 2: Tuesday, April 22, 7:30 p.m. ET, at Toronto

Game 3: Thursday, April 24, 7 p.m. ET, at Ottawa

Game 4: Saturday, April 26, 7 p.m. ET, at Ottawa

Game 5*: Tuesday, April 29, TBD, at Toronto

Game 6*: Thursday, May 1, TBD, at Ottawa

Game 7*: Saturday, May 3, TBD, at Toronto

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers

Game 1: Tuesday, April 22, 8:30 p.m. ET, at Tampa Bay

Game 2: Thursday, April 24, 6:30 p.m. ET, at Tampa Bay

Game 3: Saturday, April 26, 1 p.m. ET, at Florida

Game 4: Monday, April 28, TBD, at Florida

Game 5*: Wednesday, April 30, TBD, at Tampa Bay

Game 6*: Friday, May 2, TBD, at Florida

Game 7*: Sunday, May 4, TBD, at Tampa Bay

Washington Capitals vs. Montreal Canadiens

Game 1: Monday, April 21, 7 p.m. ET, at Washington

Game 2: Wednesday, April 23, 7 p.m. ET, at Washington

Game 3: Friday, April 25, 7 p.m. ET, at Montreal

Game 4: Sunday, April 27, 6:30 p.m. ET, at Montreal

Game 5*: Wednesday, April 30, TBD, at Washington

Game 6*: Friday, May 2, TBD, at Montreal

Game 7*: Sunday, May 4, TBD, at Washington

Carolina Hurricanes vs. New Jersey Devils

Game 1: Sunday, April 20, 3 p.m. ET, at Carolina

Game 2: Tuesday, April 22, 6 p.m. ET, at Carolina

Game 3: Friday, April 25, 8 p.m. ET, at New Jersey

Game 4: Sunday, April 27, 3:30 p.m. ET, at New Jersey

Game 5*: Tuesday, April 29, TBD, at Carolina

Game 6*: Friday, May 2, TBD, at New Jersey

Game 7*: Sunday, May 4, TBD, at Carolina

Winnipeg Jets vs. St. Louis Blues

Game 1: Saturday, April 19, 6 p.m. ET, at Winnipeg

Game 2: Monday, April 21, 7:30 p.m. ET, at Winnipeg

Game 3: Thursday, April 24, 9:30 p.m. ET, at St. Louis

Game 4: Sunday, April 27, 1 p.m. ET, at St. Louis

Game 5*: Wednesday, April 30, TBD, at Winnipeg

Game 6*: Friday, May 2, TBD, at St. Louis

Game 7*: Sunday, May 4, TBD, at Winnipeg

Dallas Stars vs. Colorado Avalanche

Game 1: Saturday, April 19, 8:30 p.m. ET, at Dallas

Game 2: Monday, April 21, 9:30 p.m. ET, at Dallas

Game 3: Wednesday, April 23, 9:30 p.m. ET, at Colorado

Game 4: Saturday, April 26, 9:30 p.m. ET, at Colorado

Game 5*: Monday, April 28, TBD, at Dallas

Game 6*: Thursday, May 1, TBD, at Colorado

Game 7*: Saturday, May 3, TBD, at Dallas

Vegas Golden Knights vs. Minnesota Wild

Game 1: Sunday, April 20, 10 p.m. ET, at Vegas

Game 2: Tuesday, April 22, 11 p.m. ET, at Vegas

Game 3: Thursday, April 24, 9 p.m. ET, at Minnesota

Game 4: Saturday, April 26, 4 p.m. ET, at Minnesota

Game 5*: Tuesday, April 29, TBD, at Vegas

Game 6*: Thursday, May 1, TBD, at Minnesota

Game 7*: Saturday, May 3, TBD, at Vegas

Los Angeles Kings vs. Edmonton Oilers

Game 1: Monday, April 21, 10 p.m. ET, at Los Angeles

Game 2: Wednesday, April 23, 10 p.m. ET, at Los Angeles

Game 3: Friday, April 25, 10 p.m. ET, at Edmonton

Game 4: Sunday, April 27, 9:30 p.m. ET, at Edmonton

Game 5*: Tuesday, April 29, TBD, at Los Angeles

Game 6*: Thursday, May 1, TBD, at Edmonton

Game 7*: Saturday, May 3, TBD, at Los Angeles