The 2025-26 NHL regular season has commenced! A total of 100 thrilling matchups will be broadcast exclusively across ESPN`s family of networks and digital platforms, bringing all the ice action directly to fans.
Opening Night Tripleheader: October 7, 2025
The new season kicks off on Tuesday, October 7, with a special opening night tripleheader on ESPN. Highlighting the evening are the two-time reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, who will raise their 2024-25 championship banner before facing Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks. Following this, Sidney Crosby`s Pittsburgh Penguins will challenge their former coach Mike Sullivan and his new team, the New York Rangers. The inaugural night concludes with the Los Angeles Kings, featuring new additions Corey Perry and Anton Forsberg, taking on the Colorado Avalanche.
Prior to the games, ESPN`s NHL studio program, `The Point,` will provide comprehensive pre-game analysis and insights.
Opening Night Schedule (Tuesday, October 7, all times Eastern):
- 4:00 PM: `The Point` studio show
- 5:00 PM: Chicago Blackhawks vs. Florida Panthers
- 8:00 PM: Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Rangers
- 10:30 PM: Colorado Avalanche vs. Los Angeles Kings
All these exciting matches will be available for viewing on ESPN.
Other Notable 2025-26 NHL Matchups on ESPN
(All times Eastern)
- Tuesday, October 14:
- 7:00 PM: Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Washington Capitals
- 9:30 PM: Minnesota Wild vs. Dallas Stars
- Tuesday, October 21:
- 7:30 PM: Florida Panthers vs. Boston Bruins
- 10:00 PM: Colorado Avalanche vs. Utah Mammoth
- Tuesday, October 28: NHL Frozen Frenzy Tripleheader
- 6:00 PM: Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Philadelphia Flyers
- 8:30 PM: Washington Capitals vs. Dallas Stars
- 11:00 PM: Los Angeles Kings vs. San Jose Sharks
- Thursday, December 11:
- 9:00 PM: Florida Panthers vs. Colorado Avalanche
- Thursday, January 15:
- 7:00 PM: Philadelphia Flyers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
- 9:30 PM: Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Vegas Golden Knights
- Sunday, February 1: 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series
- Time TBD: Boston Bruins vs. Tampa Bay Lightning at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida
Notable 2025-26 NHL Matchups on ABC
(All times Eastern)
- Saturday, January 3:
- 12:00 PM: Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Detroit Red Wings
- Saturday, January 10:
- 1:00 PM: New York Rangers vs. Boston Bruins
- Saturday, January 31:
- 1:00 PM: Colorado Avalanche vs. Detroit Red Wings
- 3:30 PM: New York Rangers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
- Saturday, February 28:
- 12:30 PM: Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Rangers
- 3:00 PM: Boston Bruins vs. Philadelphia Flyers
- Saturday, March 7:
- 12:30 PM: Washington Capitals vs. Boston Bruins
- 3:00 PM: New York Rangers vs. New Jersey Devils
- Saturday, March 14:
- 3:00 PM: Boston Bruins vs. Washington Capitals
- Saturday, March 21:
- 8:00 PM: Boston Bruins vs. Detroit Red Wings
- Saturday, March 28:
- 8:00 PM: Philadelphia Flyers vs. Detroit Red Wings
- Saturday, April 4:
- 12:30 PM: Detroit Red Wings vs. New York Rangers
- 3:00 PM: Colorado Avalanche vs. Dallas Stars
- Saturday, April 11:
- 12:30 PM: Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Boston Bruins
- 3:00 PM: Washington Capitals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
- 8:00 PM: Vegas Golden Knights vs. Colorado Avalanche
