Exciting NHL Season Ahead
The upcoming NHL season for 2025-26 promises to deliver exciting games, with a notable one-third of the matchups being broadcast solely through ESPN’s network and digital platforms. The season is slated to kick off on October 7, 2025, with a special tripleheader broadcast on ESPN, showcasing the reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers.
Opening Night Schedule
The Panthers will celebrate their 2024-25 championship title by unveiling their banner before competing against the Chicago Blackhawks, featuring rising star Connor Bedard in the opening game.
Following this, fans will see a showdown between the Pittsburgh Penguins, led by veteran star Sidney Crosby, and the New York Rangers, now coached by former Penguins coach Mike Sullivan. The evening will conclude with a match-up of new teammates Corey Perry and Anton Forsberg as they lead the Los Angeles Kings against the Colorado Avalanche.
The ESPN NHL studio program The Point will help set the stage before viewers dive into the games.
Opening Night Schedule (All Times Eastern)
- 4 p.m.: The Point
- 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
Additional Matchups
Fans eager to watch the games can do so through ESPN. Beyond the opening night, the 2025-26 NHL season on ESPN will showcase additional significant matchups, including:
- 7 p.m.: Tampa Bay Lightning at Washington Capitals
- 9:30 p.m.: Minnesota Wild at Dallas Stars
- 7:30 p.m.: Florida Panthers at Boston Bruins
- 10 p.m.: Colorado Avalanche at Utah Mammoth
NHL Frozen Frenzy
During the NHL Frozen Frenzy, there will also be a tripleheader featuring:
- 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
2026 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series
As part of the exciting 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series, the Boston Bruins will face the Tampa Bay Lightning at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, although the exact time for this matchup remains to be determined.
Highlighted Fixtures on ABC
Other highlighted fixtures airing on ABC include:
- 12 p.m.: Pittsburgh Penguins at Detroit Red Wings
- 1 p.m.: New York Rangers at Boston Bruins
- 3:30 p.m.: New York Rangers at Pittsburgh Penguins
- 8 p.m.: Boston Bruins at Detroit Red Wings
Stay Updated
For those interested in keeping up with more NHL action, the ESPN NHL hub page will provide updates on scores, schedules, standings, and statistics.
