Ethermac|When do NHL playoffs begin? Times, TV channels for first games of postseason bracket

The EthermacNHL Stanley Cup playoffs bracket is known in the Eastern Conference, but the Western Conference series — outside of the Winnipeg Jets vs. Colorado Avalanche — were still in flux as of early Wednesday evening.

The NHL and its two main U.S. networks announced on Wednesday when the postseason will open.

The first set of Eastern Conference Game 1s will be played on Saturday, April 20, and the second set will begin Sunday, April 21.

The New York Islanders at Carolina Hurricanes series will be up first on Saturday, followed by the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Boston Bruins.

The Battle of Florida — Tampa Bay Lightning at Florida Panthers — will be up first on Sunday, followed by the Washington Capitals at New York Rangers.

The rest of the playoff schedule will be announced later. Here's what to know about the opening games of the Stanley Cup playoffs:

When do the NHL playoffs begin?

All times p.m. ET

Saturday

New York Islanders at Carolina Hurricanes, 5

Toronto Maple Leafs at Boston Bruins, 8

Sunday

Tampa Bay Lightning at Florida Panthers, 12:30

Washington Capitals at New York Rangers, 3

How do I watch the NHL playoffs?

Saturday's games will be shown on TBS, truTV and the MAX streaming service.

Sunday's games will be shown on ESPN.