NHL 2026-27 Broadcast Schedule: How to Watch on ESPN+, TNT, and ABC

Get Ready for the Ice: The Ultimate Guide to the 2026-27 NHL Broadcast Schedule

Hockey fans, mark your calendars! The excitement is building as TNT Sports and ESPN have officially unveiled their national television schedules for the upcoming NHL season. With a massive 172 games slated for broadcast, the 2026-27 season promises more action, more drama, and more ways to watch your favorite teams.

Whether you are a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, navigating the streaming landscape is key to ensuring you don’t miss a single goal. From the high-stakes playoffs to the unique outdoor classics, here is everything you need to know about where to tune in.

The ESPN Powerhouse: More Than Just Television

ESPN is taking a massive lead this season, broadcasting 100 exclusive games. To cater to the modern viewer, the coverage is split across multiple platforms to ensure maximum accessibility. While 53 games will air on the main ESPN and ABC channels, a significant portion—47 games—will be exclusively available via ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu.

For those who want the full experience, the “NHL Power Play” feature on the ESPN App is a game-changer. Direct-to-consumer (DTC) subscribers can access over 1,050 out-of-market games, making it the ultimate hub for fans following teams from across the continent.

TNT Sports: The Home of Tradition and Spectacle

TNT Sports will host 72 regular-season games, focusing on the most cinematic moments of the sport. TNT is set to be the exclusive home of the 2027 Stanley Cup Final, ensuring the championship climax is delivered with world-class production.

Some of the biggest highlights on the TNT calendar include:

• The Heritage Classic: Featuring a clash between the Montreal Canadiens and Winnipeg Jets on October 25.
• The Discover NHL Winter Classic: A spectacle on December 31, where the Utah Mammoth take on the Colorado Avalanche at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
• The Thanksgiving Showdown: A double-header on November 27 featuring the Rangers vs. Blackhawks and Penguins vs. Sabres.

Key Dates You Cannot Miss

If you are planning your viewing schedule, keep these blockbuster events on your radar:

• Opening Night (Sept 29): A tripleheader kicks off the season. ESPN starts the party with the Carolina Hurricanes hosting the Florida Panthers.
• NHL Frozen Frenzy (Oct 13): A historic night where all 32 teams are in action. ESPN will lead the charge with a tripleheader featuring the Devils, Red Wings, Avalanche, Stars, Bruins, and Sharks.
• NHL All-Star Weekend (Feb 5-6): Taking place at the UBS Arena, this year’s event features a global twist with national teams (Canada, Finland, Sweden, US, and a World Team) competing in a 3-on-3 tournament.
• Stadium Series (Feb 20): The Stars host the Golden Knights in the iconic AT&T Stadium.

Playoffs and Expert Analysis

The road to the Cup begins with ESPN, which will broadcast the first three rounds of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. To help fans analyze the game, the acclaimed studio show “The Point” returns for its sixth season, providing weekly pregame insights on ESPN2 and ESPN+.

For real-time updates and advanced metrics, fans are encouraged to dive into the official NHL stats experience, which now integrates EDGE Advanced Stats for a deeper understanding of player performance.

Pro Tip: Use Apple Live Activities to track your favorite teams in real-time, ensuring you’re always updated on the score regardless of where you are!