The 2026-27 National Hockey League (NHL) season officially commences today, Tuesday, September 29, 2026, marking the start of the league's first 84-game season in over three decades. Fans across the United States and Canada face an evolving broadcast landscape, with games distributed across various national television channels and an array of streaming services. This guide consolidates the official viewing options, detailing how to access national, regional, and out-of-market games, and highlights key dates for the season.

National Broadcast and Streaming Options in the US

In the United States, The Walt Disney Company and TNT Sports serve as the NHL's primary national broadcast partners for the 2026-27 season. ESPN and ABC are set to broadcast 100 exclusive regular-season games, with 20 airing on ABC and 80 on ESPN. All games shown on ESPN and ABC are also available for streaming via the ESPN App for ESPN Unlimited plan subscribers. ESPN's coverage begins with an opening night tripleheader on September 29, featuring the defending Stanley Cup-champion Carolina Hurricanes hosting the Florida Panthers at 5 p.m. ET, followed by the Boston Bruins against the New York Rangers at 8 p.m. ET, and the Vegas Golden Knights facing the Chicago Blackhawks at 10:30 p.m. ET. Beyond the main ESPN channel, ESPN+ and Hulu will stream additional games, including a doubleheader on Thursday, October 1, with the Philadelphia Flyers versus the New Jersey Devils and the Chicago Blackhawks against the Utah Mammoth. ESPN+ also offers "NHL Power Play," providing access to over 1,050 out-of-market games throughout the season. TNT Sports, encompassing TNT and HBO Max, is another national broadcast partner, offering comprehensive coverage. While specific broadcast details for TNT and HBO Max will be announced as they become available, these platforms are integral to the national viewing experience. For those with cable subscriptions, DirecTV's MySports base pack includes ABC, ESPN, NHL Network, and TNT. YouTube TV's Sports package also offers access to games on ABC, ESPN, and TNT.

National Broadcast and Streaming Options in Canada

Canadian NHL fans have a distinct set of national broadcast partners for the 2026-27 season, primarily Sportsnet, Prime Video, and TVA Sports. Sportsnet networks will carry a significant portion of national games, including popular broadcasts like "Hockey Night in Canada" and "Rogers Hometown Hockey." These games can be streamed on Sportsnet+ via the Sportsnet app. Prime Video will also stream national broadcasts through Amazon's Prime Video App, offering another digital avenue for Canadian viewers. For French-language coverage, TVA Sports will broadcast games, with streaming available through the TVA app. The season's opening night on September 29 will feature a doubleheader on Sportsnet, complementing ESPN's tripleheader in the US.

Watching Regional and In-Market Games

For fans looking to watch games specific to their local market, the viewing options differ from national broadcasts. Each NHL team has its own regional broadcast schedule, which is subject to local blackout restrictions. The NHL's official website provides a "Local Broadcast Information by Team" page, which is the recommended resource for fans to find details on how to watch games within their local market. These regional games are typically carried by local broadcast partners, which can include over-the-air channels, cable packages, or team-specific streaming services. For instance, some teams may offer their own apps for in-market streaming. It is crucial for fans to consult the NHL's broadcasting guide or their team's official channels to determine the specific regional options available to them. The NHL Network will also broadcast certain regional games throughout the season, specifically outside of local markets.

Accessing Out-of-Market Games and Blackout Rules

Watching games outside of a fan's local market, or "out-of-market" games, involves specific packages and is heavily influenced by blackout restrictions. In the United States, out-of-market fans can access games through NHL Center Ice, available via participating cable providers. Additionally, ESPN+ offers "NHL Power Play," which provides access to over 1,050 out-of-market games. However, both NHL Center Ice and ESPN+ are subject to local and national blackouts, meaning games broadcast nationally or regionally in a fan's local market will not be available through these out-of-market packages. For US fans, ESPN Select, a $14-per-month tier, is also available for watching out-of-market games not part of a national broadcast. In Canada, fans outside their local market can watch games on NHL Centre Ice, which can be streamed on Sportsnet+ through the Sportsnet app. Similar to the US, these services are subject to blackout restrictions, preventing access to games that are available through local or national broadcasts in the viewer's region. Internationally, NHL.TV is available on DAZN in various territories, offering a streaming option for fans outside of North America.

Key Dates and Events for the 2026-27 NHL Season

The 2026-27 NHL season is packed with significant events beyond the regular 1,344-game slate. * Opening Night: The season officially begins on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, with a nationally televised tripleheader on ESPN in the United States and a doubleheader on Sportsnet in Canada. The Carolina Hurricanes will raise their 2025-26 championship banner before their game against the Florida Panthers. * NHL Frozen Frenzy: This special event returns on Tuesday, October 13, featuring all 32 teams in action. * Thanksgiving Showdown: The New York Rangers and Boston Bruins will face off on November 28. * 2027 All-Star Game: After a two-season hiatus, the All-Star Game returns to UBS Arena, home of the New York Islanders. The Skills competition will be held on February 5, 2027, followed by the new-look All-Star Game on February 6, 2027. ABC will televise the All-Star Game. * 2027 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series: This outdoor showcase will take place on February 20, 2027, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Dallas Stars will host the Vegas Golden Knights, with the game broadcast nationally on ABC and streamed on ESPN+. * Regular Season Conclusion: The regular season concludes on April 10, 2027, with all 32 teams in action. * 2027 Stanley Cup Playoffs: The playoffs are scheduled to begin in early April 2027. ESPN platforms will present coverage through the First and Second Rounds, culminating in a Conference Final. The 2027 Stanley Cup Final will be exclusively broadcast on ABC and streamed on ESPN+.

Understanding the various broadcast and streaming options is essential for NHL fans navigating the 2026-27 season. With a combination of national television partners, dedicated streaming services, and regional broadcast information, viewers can tailor their access to ensure they catch all the action, from opening night to the Stanley Cup Final.

2026-27 NHL Season Viewing Options Overview
Location Game Type Channels/Platforms Streaming Services Notes/Restrictions
United States National Games ESPN, ABC, TNT ESPN App (ESPN Unlimited), ESPN+, Hulu, HBO Max (for TNT broadcasts) ESPN and ABC broadcast 100 exclusive regular-season games (20 on ABC, 80 on ESPN).
Canada National Games Sportsnet networks, Prime Video, TVA Sports Sportsnet+ (Sportsnet app), Amazon Prime Video App, TVA app Sportsnet broadcasts include Hockey Night in Canada and Rogers Hometown Hockey.
United States Regional/In-Market Games Local broadcast partners (varies by team) Team-specific apps, NHL Network (for certain regional games outside local markets) Consult NHL's "Local Broadcast Information by Team" page; subject to local blackouts.
Canada Regional/In-Market Games Local broadcast partners (varies by team) Team-specific apps Consult NHL's "Local Broadcast Information by Team" page; subject to local blackouts.
United States Out-of-Market Games NHL Center Ice (via cable providers) ESPN+ (NHL Power Play), ESPN Select Subject to local and national blackouts. ESPN+ offers 1,050+ out-of-market games.
Canada Out-of-Market Games NHL Centre Ice (via cable providers) Sportsnet+ (Sportsnet app) Subject to local and national blackouts.
2026-27 Season Opening Night (Sept 29, 2026) ESPN (US), Sportsnet (Canada) ESPN App, Sportsnet+ Season begins with a tripleheader on ESPN (US) and doubleheader on Sportsnet (Canada). First 84-game season in over three decades.
2026-27 Season Stadium Series (Feb 20, 2027) ABC ESPN+ Dallas Stars vs. Vegas Golden Knights at AT&T Stadium.
2026-27 Season Playoffs & Final (Early April 2027) ESPN platforms (Playoffs), ABC (Final) ESPN+ (Playoffs & Final) Stanley Cup Final exclusively on ABC and ESPN+. Specific playoff dates beyond early April are not provided.

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