2026 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Kick Off April 18 with Top 16 Teams Competing

The NHL playoffs begin on April 18 with the top 16 teams, including favorites Colorado Avalanche and Carolina Hurricanes, vying for the Stanley Cup. The competition features a mix of top contenders and rising teams, promising an exciting postseason. Watch for how the favored teams perform early in the playoff rounds and if any underdogs challenge expectations.