The 2026–27 NHL season begins Tuesday, September 29, with an evening of hockey stretching from an early Eastern Time start into the late-night window. ESPN carries a three-game U.S. showcase, while Sportsnet opens its Canadian national coverage with two Canadian matchups.
Here is the announced opening-night broadcast lineup. All times below are Eastern; U.S. and Canadian listings are separated because viewing rights differ by country.
NHL Opening Night Schedule: Tuesday, September 29
| Matchup | Time (ET) | Confirmed broadcast |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Panthers at Carolina Hurricanes | 5 p.m. | ESPN — United States |
| Montreal Canadiens vs. Toronto Maple Leafs | 7 p.m. | Sportsnet / Sportsnet+ — Canada |
| New York Rangers at Boston Bruins | 8 p.m. | ESPN — United States |
| Vancouver Canucks vs. Edmonton Oilers | 10 p.m. | Sportsnet / Sportsnet+ — Canada |
| Chicago Blackhawks at Vegas Golden Knights | 10:30 p.m. | ESPN — United States |
The table combines ESPN’s opening-night announcement and Sportsnet’s Canadian broadcast schedule. A network listed for one country should not be assumed to carry that game in the other.
How to Watch NHL Opening Night in the United States
ESPN begins with Panthers–Hurricanes at 5 p.m. ET, followed by Rangers–Bruins at 8 and Blackhawks–Golden Knights at 10:30. Carolina’s opener includes the Hurricanes’ championship banner ceremony.
According to ESPN’s season broadcast announcement, its games are available through the ESPN App with an ESPN Unlimited subscription or eligible pay-TV authentication. Confirm that your subscription includes the live ESPN channel.
Pregame coverage starts earlier: The Point is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN+. The studio show’s availability on ESPN+ does not by itself establish access to every game on the linear ESPN channel.
How to Watch in Canada
Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ carry Canadiens–Maple Leafs at 7 p.m. ET, followed by Canucks–Oilers at 10. Hockey Central begins at 6:30 p.m. ET.
Those are confirmed Canadian listings. U.S. viewing details for the two Canadian matchups, and Canadian outlets for the ESPN tripleheader, are not established by the announcements used here. Check the game-specific listing in your market before subscribing.
More Opening Night Viewing Guides
For a closer look at individual matchups, read our Panthers–Hurricanes TV guide and Canadiens–Maple Leafs viewing guide.
Follow Full Press Coverage’s NHL coverage for opening-week news, team updates and additional viewing information.
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