How to Watch the 2026-27 NHL Season on DIRECTV: Channels, Dates and Packages
The puck drops on the 2026-27 NHL season on Tuesday, September 29, and this year is a big one. It is the league's first 84-game season in more than three decades, with a 1,344-game regular-season slate that runs through Saturday, April 10. Several teams also changed local TV homes over the summer, so it pays to double-check where your team plays before opening night.
Here is how to watch national games, local games and out-of-market games on DIRECTV, plus the channel numbers you will need.
Opening week schedule
Tuesday, September 29 (ESPN tripleheader):
- Florida Panthers at Carolina Hurricanes, 5 p.m. ET (the Hurricanes raise their Stanley Cup banner before puck drop)
- New York Rangers at Boston Bruins, 8 p.m. ET
- Chicago Blackhawks at Vegas Golden Knights, 10:30 p.m. ET
Wednesday, September 30 (TNT doubleheader):
- Pittsburgh Penguins at Philadelphia Flyers, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Los Angeles Kings at Colorado Avalanche, 10 p.m. ET
Thursday, October 1 (streaming): ESPN+, Disney+ and Hulu open their NHL slate with Philadelphia Flyers at New Jersey Devils and Chicago Blackhawks at Utah Mammoth.
National TV partners for 2026-27
The NHL's U.S. national partners are ESPN/ABC and TNT Sports:
- ESPN and ABC: 100 exclusive regular-season games, including the opening-night tripleheader, NHL Frozen Frenzy, ABC Hockey Saturday, the NHL All-Star Weekend and the NHL Stadium Series. Some of those games stream only on ESPN's streaming platforms, Disney+ and Hulu rather than on a TV channel.
- TNT: 72 regular-season games, headlined by Wednesday night doubleheaders, the Heritage Classic (Montreal at Winnipeg on October 25), the Thanksgiving Showdown and the Winter Classic. TNT games also stream on HBO Max.
- Stanley Cup Final: the 2027 Final airs exclusively on TNT in the U.S.
NHL channels on DIRECTV
| Network | DIRECTV channel | Included starting with |
|---|---|---|
| ESPN | 206 | ENTERTAINMENT |
| ESPN2 | 209 | ENTERTAINMENT |
| TNT | 245 | ENTERTAINMENT |
| truTV | 246 | ENTERTAINMENT |
| NHL Network | 215 | ULTIMATE |
| ABC | Local channel (varies by market) | All packages, where available |
Channel numbers above are for DIRECTV satellite. On DIRECTV streaming, find channels by name in the guide. Looking for TNT's sister networks? See what channel TNT is on DIRECTV and what channel TBS is on DIRECTV.
Don't miss ESPN's streaming-only games
Because a portion of ESPN's package streams only on ESPN's streaming platforms, Disney+ and Hulu, your ESPN app login matters this season. Many DIRECTV customers already have ESPN Unlimited at no extra cost, including satellite customers whose package includes ESPN, MySports Genre Pack customers and Signature customers streaming on a Gemini device. Activate it through your DIRECTV account to stream ESPN's full lineup in the ESPN app.
Local games and regional sports networks
Most of your team's games air on a local or regional sports network (RSN), and 2026-27 brings real changes. After FanDuel Sports Network's parent company shut down, seven NHL teams moved to new local homes: the Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Minnesota Wild, St. Louis Blues, Detroit Red Wings, Nashville Predators and Los Angeles Kings. Some of these new outlets, and several other teams, now air games free over the air on local broadcast stations.
DIRECTV includes available RSNs starting with the CHOICE package on satellite (the ENTERTAINMENT package does not include RSNs). Because carriage depends on your ZIP code and some of the new team networks are still finalizing distribution, check your address before the season starts. DIRECTV streaming customers can also look at the MySports Genre Pack, a sports-only plan that includes ESPN Unlimited.
Want help confirming your team's channel? Call American TV at 1-855-690-9884.
NHL Center Ice on DIRECTV
Following a team outside your home market? NHL Center Ice on DIRECTV satellite delivers up to 40 out-of-market games per week. A few things to know:
- DIRECTV has not published 2026-27 Center Ice pricing yet, so confirm the current price when you order.
- Games involving your local teams are blacked out; watch those on your local channel or RSN instead.
- Center Ice does not include ESPN's streaming-exclusive national games.
For more on blackouts, see our guide to watching blacked-out NHL games.
Which DIRECTV package is best for hockey fans?
- National games only: ENTERTAINMENT covers ESPN, ESPN2, TNT and truTV.
- National plus your local team: CHOICE adds RSNs where available.
- The full hockey experience: ULTIMATE adds NHL Network for highlights, analysis and bonus games, and you can layer NHL Center Ice on top.
- Streaming, sports only: the MySports Genre Pack with ESPN Unlimited included.
Ready for opening night? Compare DIRECTV packages at your address or call 1-855-690-9884 to get set up before puck drop.
Frequently asked questions
When does the 2026-27 NHL season start?
The regular season starts Tuesday, September 29, 2026, with an ESPN tripleheader, and ends Saturday, April 10, 2027.
What channel is the NHL on DIRECTV?
National games air on ESPN (206), ESPN2 (209), TNT (245), truTV (246) and your local ABC station. NHL Network is channel 215.
Who has the 2027 Stanley Cup Final?
TNT has exclusive U.S. coverage of the 2027 Stanley Cup Final.
How much is NHL Center Ice on DIRECTV for 2026-27?
DIRECTV has not published 2026-27 pricing. Check the current price when you order. It carries up to 40 out-of-market games per week.
Can I watch ESPN's streaming-only NHL games with DIRECTV?
Yes, if your plan includes ESPN Unlimited, which DIRECTV provides at no extra cost with eligible satellite packages that include ESPN, MySports and Signature with a Gemini device. Activate it through your DIRECTV account.
Hockey questions? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed September 28, 2026. Schedules, channel lineups, regional network carriage, blackout rules and package prices are subject to change. Taxes may apply. NHL, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.