Puck drop Sunday! Dates announced for Montreal Canadiens’ playoff series

Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) makes a save on Montreal Canadiens' Joe Veleno (90) during third period NHL hockey action, in Montreal on Thursday, April 9, 2026. (Christopher Katsarov/The Canadian Press)

The National Hockey League (NHL) has announced the schedule for the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs.

Games start on Saturday, with the Habs playing their first game away against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday at 5:45 p.m.

The rest of the Round One schedule is as follows:

• Game Two: Tuesday, April 21, at 7 p.m.
• Game Three: Friday, April 24, at 7 p.m.
• Game Four: Sunday, April 26, at 7 p.m.

If neither team sweeps the round, Game Five is set for Wednesday, April 29, at 1 p.m.; Game Six is scheduled for Friday, May 1, at 1 p.m., and Game Seven would be on May 3 at 1 p.m.

The Atlantic division no. 2 seed Lightning are favoured to win the series (-245) over the no. 3 seed Habs (+200).

Betting markets have the Habs as a +3500 to win the Stanley Cup ($1 would win $35).

The favourite Colorado Avalanche are at +300 to raise the cup, and the Lightning are third favourite at +500, according to DraftKings Sportsbook.

On Thursday, most of the Habs were on the ice in Brossard, Que. for a 45-minute practice.

Captain Nick Suzuki and defenceman Kaiden Guhle were not on the ice for maintenance reasons, according to the team.

Backup goalie Jacob Fowlwer was also not present due to illness; there is no injury concern.

The Habs are set to be back on the ice for practice on Friday.