The 2025-26 NHL regular season is officially underway! Fans can look forward to 100 thrilling matchups airing exclusively across ESPN networks and digital platforms, promising an action-packed season of ice hockey.
Opening Night Tripleheader on ESPN
The new campaign officially kicks off with an exciting tripleheader on Tuesday, October 7, featured prominently on ESPN. This special evening will highlight the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, in a series of highly anticipated games.
- The Panthers will proudly raise their 2024-25 championship banner before facing off against Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks in the season`s inaugural game.
- The second matchup pits Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins against their former coach Mike Sullivan, now leading the New York Rangers, in a compelling showdown.
- Opening night culminates with new teammates Corey Perry and Anton Forsberg leading the Los Angeles Kings against the Colorado Avalanche, promising an intense Western Conference battle.
Prior to the games, ESPN`s dedicated NHL studio show, `The Point,` will provide comprehensive pre-game analysis and set the stage for all the thrilling action.
Key Details for ESPN`s Opening Night Coverage:
What is the opening night schedule?
*All times Eastern
Tuesday, Oct. 7
- 4 p.m.: `The Point` (Pre-game show)
- 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?
All opening night action will be broadcast live on ESPN.
Other Notable 2025-26 NHL Matchups on ESPN
*All times Eastern
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Tuesday, Oct 14
- 7 p.m.: Tampa Bay Lightning at Washington Capitals
- 9:30 p.m.: Minnesota Wild at Dallas Stars
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Tuesday, Oct. 21
- 7:30 p.m.: Florida Panthers at Boston Bruins
- 10 p.m.: Colorado Avalanche at Utah Mammoth
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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
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Thursday, Dec. 11
- 9 p.m.: Florida Panthers at Colorado Avalanche
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Thursday, Jan. 15
- 7 p.m.: Philadelphia Flyers at Pittsburgh Penguins
- 9:30 p.m.: Toronto Maple Leafs at Vegas Golden Knights
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Sunday, Feb. 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
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Saturday, Jan. 3
- Noon: Pittsburgh Penguins at Detroit Red Wings
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Saturday, Jan. 10
- 1 p.m.: New York Rangers at Boston Bruins
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Saturday, Jan. 31
- 1 p.m.: Colorado Avalanche at Detroit Red Wings
- 3:30 p.m.: New York Rangers at Pittsburgh Penguins
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Saturday, Feb. 28
- 12:30 p.m.: Pittsburgh Penguins at New York Rangers
- 3 p.m.: Boston Bruins at Philadelphia Flyers
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Saturday, March 7
- 12:30 p.m.: Washington Capitals at Boston Bruins
- 3 p.m.: New York Rangers at New Jersey Devils
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Saturday, March 14
- 3 p.m.: Boston Bruins at Washington Capitals
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Saturday, March 21
- 8 p.m.: Boston Bruins at Detroit Red Wings
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Saturday, March 28
- 8 p.m.: Philadelphia Flyers at Detroit Red Wings
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Saturday, April 4
- 12:30 p.m.: Detroit Red Wings at New York Rangers
- 3 p.m.: Colorado Avalanche at Dallas Stars
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Saturday, April 11
- 12:30 p.m.: Tampa Bay Lightning at Boston Bruins
- 3 p.m.: Washington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins
- 8 p.m.: Vegas Golden Knights at Colorado Avalanche
For additional NHL content, including the latest scores, comprehensive schedules, current standings, and up-to-date statistics, please refer to official NHL sources or reputable sports news outlets.
Duncan Priestley