How to Watch Blackhawks vs. Red Wings: ESPN+, Disney+ and Hulu Exclusive, Thursday, Oct. 29
The Chicago Blackhawks play at the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. ET in an Original Six matchup. ESPN lists it as an exclusive game on ESPN+, Disney+ and Hulu, so it's a streaming game rather than a regular TV channel.
Use the NHL on DIRECTV hub for other game windows, the ESPN channel guide for regular TV coverage, and the Disney+ bundle guide for app-access options. This matchup is a streaming exclusive.
Blackhawks vs. Red Wings at a glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Date | Thursday, October 29, 2026 |
| Puck drop | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| Location | Detroit |
| Where to watch | ESPN+, Disney+, Hulu (exclusive) |
| Broadcast team | Check the network listing closer to puck drop |
Is Blackhawks vs. Red Wings on DIRECTV?
This is an ESPN streaming-exclusive broadcast rather than a regular ESPN or ESPN2 telecast. ESPN calls this an exclusive game on ESPN+, Disney+ and Hulu, which require eligible streaming access. It isn't listed for ESPN, ESPN2 or any TV channel. Because it's exclusive, it isn't expected on the teams' local channels either, such as Detroit Sportsnet or Chicago Sports Network.
DIRECTV also offers select ESPN Unlimited events in its own guide: satellite customers can check channels 210-1 through 210-7, and streaming customers can check Sports Central. That does not confirm this particular game on an overflow channel; verify the event listing for your account.
How to stream it
Use the ESPN app or an eligible Disney+ or Hulu plan that carries the game. Eligible DIRECTV customers may have ESPN Unlimited access after activation; confirm your account entitlement before buying a separate subscription. If you have a DIRECTV Gemini device, you can use streaming apps on the same box as your DIRECTV channels.
Also on ESPN+ that night
At 10 p.m. ET, the Buffalo Sabres play at the Anaheim Ducks, also exclusive to ESPN+, Disney+ and Hulu. Earlier in the week, ESPN (DIRECTV channel 206) has Bruins at Hurricanes at 8 p.m. ET and Sabres at Sharks at 10:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, October 27.
Questions about your DIRECTV package? Call 1-855-690-9884 to check options at your address.
Details reviewed October 26, 2026 from ESPN's October 25, 2026 NHL schedule release and live AmericanTV.com channel guides. Start times, broadcast assignments, prices and package contents can change and vary by account, device and address. Team, league, network and service names, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.