The NHL Conference Semifinals are underway. Carolina hosted Philadelphia at 10:00am AEST today in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, opening Round 2. Three more matchups are still being finalised, with the Tampa Bay vs Montreal Game 7 the only Round 1 series remaining. Here is everything Australian NHL fans need to know about Round 2 — every confirmed matchup, every game time in AEST, and how to watch on Kayo, ESPN, and NHL.TV.
NHL Round 2 — Confirmed Matchups
Eastern Conference Semifinals
(1) Carolina Hurricanes vs (8) Philadelphia Flyers — In progress now Carolina swept Ottawa 4-0 and have been resting since April 25 — a long break that could go either way. The Flyers eliminated the Penguins 4-2 in a hard-fought series including a 1-0 Game 6 win in Pittsburgh. Vegas had Carolina as a 68% favourite at puck drop. Game 1 began at 10:00am AEST on Sunday May 3.
(2) Buffalo Sabres vs winner of (3) Tampa Bay Lightning / (4) Montreal Canadiens Buffalo eliminated Boston 4-2 to advance, but their Round 2 opponent isn’t confirmed yet. The Lightning forced Game 7 with a 1-0 win in Game 6, and that decisive Game 7 is Monday May 4 at 8:00am AEST in Tampa. Win probability sits at 58% Tampa, 42% Montreal.
Western Conference Semifinals
(1) Colorado Avalanche vs (3) Minnesota Wild Colorado swept the Kings 4-0 and have been waiting since April 27 for an opponent. The Wild eliminated the Stars 4-2 to set up this Western showdown. Win probability: 61.8% Colorado, 38.2% Minnesota. Game 1 is Monday May 4 at 11:00am AEST — live on ESPN/Kayo.
(4) Vegas Golden Knights vs (7) Anaheim Ducks The biggest Cinderella story of Round 2. Vegas eliminated Utah 4-2 with a comfortable 5-1 Game 6 win, while seven-seed Anaheim shocked the Oilers in six games (including a 5-2 Game 6 stunner in Anaheim). Round 2 schedule TBC.
NHL Round 2 Schedule (AEST)
Hurricanes vs Flyers (in progress)
| Game | AEST | Date | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | 10:00am | Sun May 3 | ESPN/Kayo |
| Game 2 | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Game 3 | TBD | TBD | TBD |
Avalanche vs Wild (starts Monday)
| Game | AEST | Date | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | 11:00am | Mon May 4 | ESPN/Kayo |
| Game 2 | TBD | TBD | TBD |
Sabres vs TB/MTL Winner
Schedule confirmed once Game 7 (Monday May 4, 8am AEST) is decided.
Golden Knights vs Ducks
Schedule to be confirmed by the NHL.
How to Watch NHL Round 2 in Australia
Kayo Sports & ESPN Australia
NHL games broadcast on ESPN in the US are live on Kayo Sports and ESPN Australia. That covers a healthy chunk of Round 2, including most marquee matchups. From around $35 AUD per month for Kayo Basic.
NHL.TV
Every NHL Round 2 game is available on NHL.TV (also called NHL Live) for Australian fans. Critically, this includes games broadcast on TNT and TBS in the US, which are not available on Kayo or ESPN Australia. NHL.TV is around $250-$300 AUD for a full annual pass.
Important Note for Australian Fans
Peacock is not available in Australia. Some NHL games air on Peacock in the US, but for Australian fans those games are available through NHL.TV instead. There is no Peacock subscription needed.
Stanley Cup Final 2026
The Stanley Cup Final is expected to begin in mid-June 2026 once the Conference Finals conclude. Australian fans can expect:
- All Stanley Cup Final games on Kayo Sports, ESPN Australia, and NHL.TV
- Tipoff times typically 10:00am – 12:00pm AEST
- Coverage during Australian business hours — perfect for live viewing
Key Storylines for Round 2
Carolina vs Philadelphia: The eight-seed Flyers have been the talk of the playoffs after eliminating Pittsburgh. Can they keep it going against the top-seeded, well-rested Hurricanes? Game 1 has already started.
Anaheim Ducks miracle run: Anaheim was a seven-seed that nobody picked to upset Edmonton. Now they face Vegas in a series that could send a true dark horse to the Conference Finals.
Colorado’s depth: The Avalanche have been the most dominant team in the Western Conference. Can the Wild slow them down?
Game 7 fatigue: Whoever wins Tampa Bay vs Montreal Game 7 will face a rested Buffalo team in Round 2 — a significant disadvantage.
Australian Game Times Explained
NHL Round 2 games typically start in the morning AEST — between 8:00am and 12:00pm depending on the matchup. This is excellent for Australian fans wanting to watch live during breakfast or lunch.
Some games (especially West Coast US starts) push later into the AEST afternoon. Check our live TV Guide for updated AEST tipoff times for every Round 2 game.
Round 2 Bracket Quick Reference
Eastern Conference:
- (1) Hurricanes vs (8) Flyers — in progress
- (2) Sabres vs (3 or 4) Lightning/Canadiens — Game 7 Monday
Western Conference:
- (1) Avalanche vs (3) Wild — Game 1 Monday
- (4) Golden Knights vs (7) Ducks — TBC
The Conference Finals will be set by mid-late May, with the Stanley Cup Final beginning in early-mid June.
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Published 3 May 2026. All times AEST (Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane). Schedules subject to change.