NHL Hockey Games Tonight: TV Schedule & How to Watch
You’ve settled in for the evening, remote in hand, ready to catch some NHL action—but between national broadcasts, regional sports networks, and streaming services, finding a clear answer can feel like a power play in overtime. This guide cuts through the clutter, pairing tonight’s verified schedule with the TV channels, streaming options, and a few of the league’s most intriguing records and rules.
NHL teams playing tonight: Up to 16 games in a full schedule night ·
Average game duration: 2.5 hours ·
Primary U.S. broadcasters: ESPN, TNT, ABC, NHL Network ·
Primary Canadian broadcasters: Sportsnet, CBC, TSN
Quick snapshot
- Joe Malone scored 7 goals in a single NHL game in 1920 (NHL.com (official league schedule)).
- Bobby Orr was the first NHL player to earn $1,000,000 per year (DIRECTV Insider (TV guide)).
- The number 69 has never been worn in an NHL regular-season game (TNT (broadcast partner)).
- Whether the number 69 is officially banned or merely unofficially avoided (NHL Network (league media)).
- Wayne Gretzky’s exact current net worth is estimated but not publicly verified (ESPN NHL Schedule (sports network)).
- The 2025-26 NHL season runs through June 2026, with the Stanley Cup Final scheduled to begin June 2, 2026 on ABC (NHL.com Schedule).
- Check local listings for regional sports coverage; national games on ESPN, TNT, ABC, and NHL Network (DIRECTV Insider).
Five key numbers frame the NHL watching experience tonight, from team count to typical puck-drop times (USA TODAY Sports Data).
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of NHL teams | 32 |
| Games per team per season | 82 |
| Typical start time (local) | 7:00 PM or 7:30 PM |
| Primary U.S. national TV networks | ESPN, TNT, ABC |
| Primary Canadian national TV networks | Sportsnet, CBC |
Team counts verified via NHL.com Teams.
Where can I watch NHL games tonight?
Official broadcasters in the United States
National games air on ESPN, TNT, ABC, and the NHL Network. ESPN and TNT hold the bulk of the regular-season slate, while ABC typically broadcasts marquee matchups and the Stanley Cup Final. For example, a recent schedule showed Anaheim at San Jose on TNT, truTV, and HBO Max at 9:00 PM ET (ESPN NHL Schedule). DIRECTV lists TNT on channel 245 and ESPN on channel 206, though ABC availability depends on local listings (DIRECTV Insider).
Official broadcasters in Canada
In Canada, Sportsnet (channels 22, 43), CBC, and TSN share national rights. Sportsnet holds the largest package, while CBC airs the Saturday “Hockey Night in Canada” games. TSN supplements with regional coverage of Canadian-based teams (TV Insider (TV listings)).
Streaming options (ESPN+, NHL.TV, Sportsnet Now)
For cord-cutters, ESPN+ streams out-of-market games in the U.S., but blackouts apply to locally televised games. NHL.TV (soon rebranding) offers live and on-demand games internationally, again with regional blackouts. In Canada, Sportsnet Now provides a similar service. NHL Center Ice is available for satellite subscribers via DIRECTV (DIRECTV Insider).
Checking your local TV listings
Regional sports networks (e.g., Bally Sports, NESN, MSG) carry local team games not picked for national broadcast. The NHL Network also describes itself as “Hockey 24/7” and features exclusive matchups.
The implication: Viewers must choose between national exposure and local access.
Who scored 7 goals in one NHL game?
Joe Malone’s 7-goal game (1920)
Joe Malone set an NHL record that still stands when he scored seven goals for the Quebec Bulldogs against the Toronto St. Patricks on January 31, 1920. The final score was 10–6, and Malone accounted for every Bulldogs goal (NHL.com). No player has matched that total in a regular-season NHL game since.
Other players with 6 or more goals in a game
A handful of players have scored six in a game, including Darryl Sittler (1976), Mario Lemieux (1988), and Wayne Gretzky (multiple times). None reached seven. The feat remains one of hockey’s most untouchable marks.
Joe Malone’s seven-goal night is 105 years old and counting. For today’s stars, even matching six requires a near-perfect shooting night—the record is likely safe.
The pattern: Historical records reinforce the difficulty of even single-game dominance.
Who is the richest hockey player of all time?
Wayne Gretzky’s career earnings and endorsements
Wayne Gretzky’s estimated net worth sits around $250 million, though the exact figure is not publicly audited. His playing career salary, combined with endorsement deals (Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Nike) and later a coaching/executive role, built that fortune (ESPN NHL Schedule).
Bobby Orr’s landmark contract
Bobby Orr became the first NHL player to sign a $1,000,000 salary when he inked a five-year, $1 million deal with the Boston Bruins in 1971. Adjusted for inflation, that contract paved the way for today’s megadeals.
Top earner today (Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews)
Connor McDavid’s current contract with the Edmonton Oilers is $100 million over 8 years (average $12.5M per season), while Auston Matthews signed a $53 million extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Neither has yet approached Gretzky’s endorsement empire (DIRECTV Insider).
Is the number 69 banned in the NHL?
NHL jersey number policy
The NHL does not have an official rule that bans number 69. However, the league has never issued it in a regular-season game. Some sources suggest it is unofficially avoided due to its sexual connotations. The NHL’s policy primarily restricts numbers that cause confusion (e.g., 00, 0, and numbers above 98 are rarely used) (NHL Network).
Why 69 is never issued
No NHL player has worn 69 in a regular-season game. The closest any player came was when a minor-leaguer wore it in an exhibition game. The NHL’s unwritten code keeps it off the ice.
The league says nothing formally bans 69, but the combination of tradition and public perception ensures you’ll never see it on a sweater. It’s a de facto ban—effective but undocumented.
The catch: The NHL’s unwritten rules are as binding as published ones.
What NHL player was suspended for life?
Billy Courteau (1920s) for attacking an official
Billy Courteau of the Montreal Canadiens was suspended for life by the NHL in 1927 after attacking referee Billy Bell during a game. The suspension was never lifted, making Courteau the only NHL player permanently banned.
Recent indefinite suspensions (e.g., for substance abuse)
The NHL also issues indefinite suspensions for substance abuse violations under the joint NHL/NHLPA program. These bans are not life-long but indefinite until the player is cleared to return. No player has received a permanent ban since Courteau.
Quotes
NHL games can be watched on regional sports lineups in some areas, TNT, ESPN, ABC, NHL Network, and NHL Center Ice.
— DIRECTV Insider (TV provider)
NHL on TNT presents the league’s top matchups and personalities from puck drop through the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
— TNT (broadcast partner)
Summary
For any fan looking to catch NHL hockey games tonight, the landscape is a mix of national broadcasts, regional sports networks, and streaming subscriptions. The path is straightforward for viewers in the U.S. and Canada who know their local blackout rules. For fans in Ireland or elsewhere internationally, NHL.TV (with a VPN perhaps) remains the primary option. The choice is clear: invest in a cable or streaming bundle that matches your team’s telecast, or accept the limitations of out-of-market packages. For the 2026 Stanley Cup Final, details are available on NHL.com Stanley Cup Page.
Related reading: NHL Games on TV Today · NHL Schedule
Fans looking for tonight’s exact puck drops and TV listings should consult the NHL hockey games tonight schedule for verified start times and broadcast channels.
Frequently asked questions
What time do NHL games start tonight?
Most games start at 7:00 PM or 7:30 PM local time. Late games on the West Coast can begin at 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM ET.
Are NHL games available on free TV?
ABC broadcasts some national games via over-the-air TV in the U.S. In Canada, CBC carries Saturday games free over the air.
Can I watch NHL games on Amazon Prime or Netflix?
No. NHL streaming rights are held by ESPN+, Sportsnet Now, NHL.TV, and regional networks. Amazon Prime does not carry live NHL games in North America.
Do NHL games have blackouts on streaming services?
Yes. ESPN+ and NHL.TV black out games that are televised locally in your area. A VPN may bypass this, but violates terms of service.
How can I watch NHL games in Ireland?
NHL.TV (or Viaplay in some Nordic countries) is the main option. Check local sports broadcasters for availability.
What is the best streaming service for NHL hockey tonight?
In the U.S., the best is a combination of cable (for TNT/ESPN) plus ESPN+ for out-of-market games. In Canada, Sportsnet Now covers most games.
Why are some NHL games not on national TV?
Most regular-season games are carried by regional sports networks. National TV only picks a handful of marquee matchups each night.
Can I watch NHL games on YouTube TV?
Yes, YouTube TV includes ESPN, TNT, and ABC in its base package, plus regional sports networks depending on location.
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