2025-26 NHL schedule: How to watch games on ESPN networks - ESPN

The 2025-26 NHL regular season has arrived! 100 exciting matchups will air exclusively on ESPN's family of networks and digital platforms.

The puck drops on the new campaign on Tuesday, Oct. 7, with an opening night tripleheader on ESPN featuring the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers. The Panthers will raise their 2024-25 championship banner before taking on Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks in the first game. Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins will face their former coach Mike Sullivan and his new club, the New York Rangers, in the second showdown. The opening night culminates with new teammates Corey Perry and Anton Forsberg leading the Los Angeles Kings against the Colorado Avalanche.

ESPN's NHL studio show, «The Point,» will set the table before the action gets underway.

Here are key facts about ESPN's coverage of the NHL's 2025-26 opening night tripleheader:

What is the opening night schedule?

*All times Eastern

Tuesday, Oct. 7

4 p.m.: «The Point»

5 p.m.: Chicago Blackhawks at Florida Panthers

8 p.m.: Pittsburgh Penguins at New York Rangers

10:30 p.m.: Colorado Avalanche at Los Angeles Kings

How can fans watch?

Fans can catch all the action on ESPN.

Other notable 2025-26 NHL matchups on ESPN

*All times Eastern

Tuesday, Oct 14

7 p.m.: Tampa Bay Lightning at Washington Capitals

9:30 p.m.: Minnesota Wild at Dallas Stars

Tuesday, Oct. 21

7:30 p.m.: Florida Panthers at Boston Bruins

10 p.m.: Colorado Avalanche at Utah Mammoth

Tuesday, Oct. 28

NHL Frozen Frenzy tripleheader

6 p.m.: Pittsburgh Penguins at Philadelphia Flyers

8:30 p.m.: Washington Capitals at Dallas Stars

11 p.m.: Los Angeles Kings at San Jose Sharks

Thursday, Dec. 11

9 p.m.: Florida Panthers at Colorado