The 2026–27 NHL season is underway, and hockey fans already have plenty of exciting matchups to put on their calendars. From divisional rivalries to nationally televised showdowns, the opening weeks offer plenty of opportunities to watch some of the league’s biggest teams.
If you’re wondering which games are worth watching and where you can stream them, here’s a look at five must-watch NHL matchups, along with their dates, start times, and available streaming options.
For the latest changes and the complete season calendar, fans can check the official 2026–27 NHL regular-season schedule.
1. Philadelphia Flyers vs. New Jersey Devils
Date: Thursday, October 1, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Streaming: ESPN+, Disney+, Hulu
The Philadelphia Flyers and New Jersey Devils meet on October 1 in one of the week’s notable Metropolitan Division matchups.
The game is part of ESPN’s 2026–27 NHL schedule and is available through ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu in the United States. ESPN’s national package includes 100 exclusive NHL games across its television and streaming platforms this season.
Fans can also check the ESPN NHL schedule for additional games and streaming information throughout the season.
Why Watch?
- Metropolitan Division matchup
- Early-season test for both teams
- Available across multiple streaming platforms
- A chance to see both teams early in the new campaign
2. New York Rangers vs. Detroit Red Wings
Date: Friday, October 2, 2026
Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
Streaming: TNT Sports / Max
The New York Rangers travel to Detroit to face the Red Wings in a nationally televised Friday-night matchup.
The game is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET and is part of TNT Sports’ 2026–27 NHL coverage. Detroit is scheduled to appear on national broadcasts 17 times during the season, including this matchup with New York.
You can check the TNT Sports NHL schedule for the network’s complete slate of games.
Why Watch?
- Two historic NHL franchises
- Nationally televised Friday-night game
- Early-season matchup between Eastern Conference teams
- Convenient evening start for U.S. viewers
3. St. Louis Blues vs. Dallas Stars
Date: Friday, October 2, 2026
Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
Streaming: TNT Sports / Max
Hockey fans looking for a later game on Friday can turn to the St. Louis Blues’ visit to the Dallas Stars.
The matchup begins at 9:00 p.m. ET, following the Rangers-Red Wings game as part of TNT Sports’ Friday-night doubleheader.
For viewers planning their Friday night around hockey, the TNT Sports 2026–27 NHL schedule provides the full list of nationally televised games.
Why Watch?
- Western Conference matchup
- National TNT Sports coverage
- Late-night option for hockey fans
- Part of TNT Sports’ opening-week doubleheader
4. New York Islanders vs. New York Rangers
Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Streaming: ESPN
The New York Islanders and New York Rangers renew their rivalry on October 6 at Madison Square Garden.
The game is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET and will be carried nationally by ESPN. The NHL subsequently confirmed the start-time adjustment from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET.
Before the puck drops, fans can check the ESPN NHL schedule and streaming guide for the latest broadcast information.
Why Watch?
- New York rivalry
- Metropolitan Division matchup
- National ESPN coverage
- Prime-time start
5. Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Washington Capitals
Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Streaming: TNT Sports / Max
The Pittsburgh Penguins visit the Washington Capitals on October 7 for another nationally televised rivalry game.
The matchup is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET and is part of TNT Sports’ 72-game regular-season package. The Penguins are scheduled for 10 TNT Sports appearances during the 2026–27 regular season.
The game is also one of the early-season matchups that brings together two of the NHL’s most recognizable stars, Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin.
For the latest broadcast details, visit the official NHL national TV schedule.
Why Watch?
- Long-running Penguins-Capitals rivalry
- Crosby vs. Ovechkin storyline
- National TNT Sports coverage
- Metropolitan Division matchup
Where Can You Stream NHL Games This Week?
NHL fans in the United States have several options for watching nationally televised games during the 2026–27 season.
ESPN has 100 exclusive NHL games across ESPN, ABC, ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu. The package also includes additional coverage throughout the season and NHL Power Play for out-of-market games.
TNT Sports has 72 regular-season NHL games scheduled for the 2026–27 season, including major rivalry games, the Heritage Classic, and the Discover NHL Winter Classic.
For a broader overview, fans can use the NHL’s official guide to watching and streaming NHL games.
NHL Streaming Options at a Glance
| Game | Date | Time (ET) | U.S. Broadcast/Streaming |
| Flyers vs. Devils | Oct. 1 | 7:00 p.m. | ESPN+, Disney+, Hulu |
| Rangers vs. Red Wings | Oct. 2 | 6:30 p.m. | TNT Sports / Max |
| Blues vs. Stars | Oct. 2 | 9:00 p.m. | TNT Sports / Max |
| Islanders vs. Rangers | Oct. 6 | 8:00 p.m. | ESPN |
| Penguins vs. Capitals | Oct. 7 | 7:30 p.m. | TNT Sports / Max |
Broadcast and streaming availability can vary by location and subscription.
What Else Should NHL Fans Watch This Week?
The five games above are only part of the early-season NHL schedule.
The opening weeks are a good time for fans to follow new line combinations, offseason additions, young players, and developing divisional storylines. As teams settle into the regular season, individual matchups can also become important for the standings.
One major date to circle is October 13, when the NHL’s Frozen Frenzy puts all 32 teams into action. ESPN’s national schedule includes three featured games that night.
Later in the season, fans can also look forward to the 2026 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic on October 25 and the 2027 Discover NHL Winter Classic on December 31. Both events are included in TNT Sports’ national schedule.
Get Ready for This Week’s NHL Action
The opening weeks of the 2026–27 NHL season already feature several games worth adding to your calendar.
From the Flyers-Devils matchup and the Rangers-Red Wings game to the Islanders-Rangers rivalry and Penguins-Capitals showdown, fans have plenty of nationally available hockey to watch.
Whether you follow one team closely or simply want to catch the biggest games of the week, checking the official NHL schedule and the latest ESPN NHL broadcast information before game time can help you find the correct start time and streaming option.
The 2026–27 season is just getting started, and there are plenty more rivalry games, national broadcasts, and major NHL events still ahead.