How to Watch NHL Games in the US in 2026–27: Channels, Streaming and Schedule Tips
Watching NHL games in the US in the 2026–27 season is straightforward once you know where each game lives: nationally televised games air on ESPN, ABC, TNT and NHL Network, out-of-market games stream on ESPN+, and your local team's regional broadcasts carry the rest of the schedule. The NHL regular season runs from September 29, 2026, to the spring of 2027, with most nights offering a full slate of games. This guide explains every legal way to watch, what each service costs you in practice, and how to catch the biggest games of the week.
NHL TV Channels in the US: ESPN, ABC, TNT and NHL Network
National NHL broadcasts in the US are split between the ESPN family and TNT. ESPN and ABC carry marquee games — including the season's biggest rivalry nights and the Stanley Cup Final — while TNT carries its own slate of national games, usually on Wednesday nights. NHL Network airs additional national games and nightly highlight and analysis shows. If you have cable or a live-TV streaming service that includes ESPN, TNT and NHL Network, you already have the national games covered.
Check your local listings each week: national games are usually announced well in advance, and the NHL's weekly schedule highlights the biggest matchups. For Sunday's finals, see our NHL scores from November 8, 2026.
How to Stream NHL Games: ESPN+, Hulu and Live TV Services
ESPN+ is the home of out-of-market NHL streaming in the US: it carries hundreds of games each season that are not on national TV, so it is the single most useful subscription for a fan who follows a team outside their local market. Hulu (with the ESPN+ bundle) and the ESPN app also stream ESPN's NHL games. TNT's national games stream on the Max streaming service and through the TNT app with a TV provider login.
For a cable-free setup, live-TV streaming services such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo and Sling TV carry ESPN, TNT and (depending on the package) NHL Network and your regional sports networks. Pick the one that carries your local team's regional channel — that is the deciding factor for most fans.
Watching Your Local Team: Regional Sports Networks
Most NHL games are regional broadcasts, not national ones — and they air on your team's regional sports network (RSN). If you live in your team's home market, the RSN is usually included in cable packages and in live-TV streaming services that carry it; some RSNs also offer direct streaming apps. If you live outside your team's market, those same games are available out-of-market on ESPN+ instead. Blackout rules apply: a game shown on your local RSN is generally blacked out on ESPN+ in that market, so the RSN is the way to watch it at home.
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Tips for Following the 2026–27 NHL Season
Plan around the big nights: national doubleheaders and rivalry games are the easiest way to catch the league's best teams — Boston (13–4–1) and Vegas (12–5–2) are among the hottest teams right now. Use the NHL app for scores, highlights and schedule alerts if you cannot watch live. Watch replays legally: ESPN+ and the league's official platforms offer full-game replays of out-of-market games. And remember: only use official broadcasts and licensed streaming services — unofficial streams are unreliable and often illegal. For the latest results every morning, check our NHL coverage on GameWire USA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What channel are NHL games on in the US?
National games air on ESPN, ABC, TNT and NHL Network. Regional games air on your local team's regional sports network.
Can I stream NHL games on ESPN+?
Yes. ESPN+ streams hundreds of out-of-market NHL games each season, plus select ESPN national broadcasts. Games shown on your local regional network are blacked out on ESPN+ in that market.
How can I watch NHL games without cable?
Use a live-TV streaming service such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV or Fubo, which carry ESPN, TNT and regional sports networks — plus an ESPN+ subscription for out-of-market games.
Where can I watch TNT's NHL games?
TNT's national NHL games stream on Max and through the TNT app with a TV provider login, and they air on the TNT cable channel.
When does the 2026–27 NHL season end?
The NHL 2026–27 regular season runs from September 29, 2026, into the spring of 2027, followed by the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
How do I know which games are on national TV each week?
The NHL publishes its national TV schedule weekly. ESPN, ABC, TNT and NHL Network list their games in advance — check the NHL app or your TV guide each Monday.
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