The crisp scent of autumn air is a clear signal: hockey is back! The National Hockey League is set to ignite its 2025-26 regular season, promising an exhilarating 100 matchups exclusively broadcast across ESPN’s diverse family of networks and digital platforms. Fans across North America are poised for another year of breathtaking plays, dramatic comebacks, and the relentless pursuit of the coveted Stanley Cup.
The grand curtain-raiser is scheduled for Tuesday, October 7th, with an electrifying opening night tripleheader on ESPN that promises to set the tone for the entire season. And what a start it is!
A Champion`s Defense, A Star`s Evolution, and New Beginnings
The night kicks off with a moment steeped in hockey history: the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers will raise their 2024-25 banner to the rafters. Few teams achieve a dynasty, and the Panthers, fresh off back-to-back triumphs, embark on a quest for an elusive third consecutive championship. Their first test? None other than Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks. Bedard, now entering his anticipated sophomore year, will be eager to prove his superstar potential against the reigning champions, offering a compelling narrative of established greatness versus rising talent.
Following this high-stakes opener, the legendary Sidney Crosby leads his Pittsburgh Penguins into battle against the New York Rangers. This isn`t just any game; it`s a reunion of sorts. The Rangers, now under the stewardship of former Penguins coach Mike Sullivan, will face their old bench boss in what promises to be a strategic and emotionally charged encounter. Crosby, ever the master craftsman, will look to extend his formidable legacy, while Sullivan aims to imprint his disciplined system on his new club right from the start.
The night culminates with a tantalizing Western Conference clash: the Los Angeles Kings, featuring veteran presence Corey Perry and goaltender Anton Forsberg, will square off against the formidable Colorado Avalanche. This matchup promises speed, skill, and grit, as both teams look to lay down an early marker in a fiercely competitive conference.
Before the puck even drops, ESPN`s dedicated NHL studio show, `The Point,` will provide comprehensive analysis, expert predictions, and a deep dive into the storylines that will define the season. Consider it your essential pre-game primer, ensuring you don`t miss a beat.
Beyond Opening Night: A Season Packed with Must-See Hockey
While opening night grabs the headlines, the 2025-26 NHL season is a marathon, not a sprint, packed with an array of captivating matchups on both ESPN and ABC. Fans can anticipate regular Tuesday night showdowns on ESPN, featuring teams like the Tampa Bay Lightning, Washington Capitals, Minnesota Wild, Dallas Stars, Boston Bruins, and Colorado Avalanche.
One particular highlight to circle on your calendar is the `NHL Frozen Frenzy` tripleheader on Tuesday, October 28th. Imagine a full evening dedicated to hockey, featuring fierce rivalries such as the Pittsburgh Penguins at Philadelphia Flyers, Washington Capitals at Dallas Stars, and Los Angeles Kings at San Jose Sharks. It’s a hockey enthusiast`s dream, a veritable smorgasbord of ice action.
The season also features marquee events, including the 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series on Sunday, February 1st. This epic outdoor spectacle will see the Boston Bruins take on the Tampa Bay Lightning at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida – a unique setting for a heated rivalry.
ABC will also serve as a vital hub for weekend hockey, offering a robust schedule of Saturday afternoon games throughout January, February, March, and April. Expect to see classic matchups like Pittsburgh Penguins at Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers at Boston Bruins, and Colorado Avalanche at Dallas Stars, bringing the excitement of the NHL to a broad audience.
Key Early Season Matchups on ESPN (All times Eastern)
| Date | Time | Matchup |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, Oct. 7 | 5 p.m. | Chicago Blackhawks at Florida Panthers |
| Tuesday, Oct. 7 | 8 p.m. | Pittsburgh Penguins at New York Rangers |
| Tuesday, Oct. 7 | 10:30 p.m. | Colorado Avalanche at Los Angeles Kings |
| Tuesday, Oct. 14 | 7 p.m. | Tampa Bay Lightning at Washington Capitals |
| Tuesday, Oct. 14 | 9:30 p.m. | Minnesota Wild at Dallas Stars |
| Tuesday, Oct. 21 | 7:30 p.m. | Florida Panthers at Boston Bruins |
| Tuesday, Oct. 28 (Frozen Frenzy) | 6 p.m. | Pittsburgh Penguins at Philadelphia Flyers |
| Tuesday, Oct. 28 (Frozen Frenzy) | 8:30 p.m. | Washington Capitals at Dallas Stars |
| Tuesday, Oct. 28 (Frozen Frenzy) | 11 p.m. | Los Angeles Kings at San Jose Sharks |
From the first face-off in October to the dramatic conclusion in April, ESPN and ABC are once again the stewards of this epic journey. So, prepare your preferred viewing spot, grab your snacks, and get ready. The 2025-26 NHL season promises to be a riveting spectacle, delivering all the speed, power, and passion that makes hockey truly unparalleled. Don`t miss a moment.
