How to Watch Bruins vs. Stars on DIRECTV: ESPN Channel, Start Time and Streaming
The Boston Bruins visit the Dallas Stars on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. CT) at American Airlines Center in Dallas. The game is a national telecast on ESPN, DIRECTV channel 206, and it also streams in the ESPN app.
Boston is 5-2-0 and leads the Atlantic Division, while Dallas is 3-3-1 after a shootout win in Denver on October 14. Here's how to watch Bruins-Stars on DIRECTV, why NESN and Prime Video won't have this one, and what to watch for, as of October 15, 2026.
Bruins vs. Stars game details
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Date | Tuesday, October 20, 2026 |
| Start time | 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT / 6 p.m. MT / 5 p.m. PT |
| Arena | American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas |
| TV | ESPN (national telecast) |
| DIRECTV channel | 206 |
| Streaming | ESPN app (sign in with DIRECTV, or an ESPN Unlimited plan) |
| Records | Bruins 5-2-0 (10 points); Stars 3-3-1 (7 points), as of October 15 |
| Later on ESPN | Lightning at Golden Knights, 10:30 p.m. ET |
How to watch Bruins vs. Stars on DIRECTV
Tune to ESPN on channel 206. ESPN is included in every DIRECTV Signature package, and the MySports Genre Pack, DIRECTV's sports-focused streaming plan, carries it too. Our guide to what channel ESPN is on DIRECTV covers the HD channel and packages, and the MySports Genre Pack guide explains that option.
The NHL's schedule lists ESPN as the only U.S. broadcaster for this game, with no regional network. That means NESN, which carries most Bruins games, and Prime Video, home of most Stars local games this season, won't show it. Bruins fans can read more about NESN and NESN Nation, and our Dallas Stars viewing guide covers the team's regular channels.
| Your setup | How to watch Bruins-Stars |
|---|---|
| DIRECTV satellite (Signature package) | ESPN, channel 206 |
| DIRECTV streaming | ESPN in the guide or DIRECTV app |
| MySports Genre Pack | ESPN |
| On a phone, tablet or laptop | ESPN app, signed in with your DIRECTV account |
ESPN says all of its NHL games stream in the ESPN app for ESPN Unlimited plan subscribers, and DIRECTV customers whose package includes ESPN can sign in with their DIRECTV account instead. Not sure your package has ESPN? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Bruins and Stars results so far
Here's how each team has started the 2026-27 season, from the NHL's official schedule as of October 15, 2026:
| Game | Bruins | Stars |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | W 3-0 vs. Rangers (Sept. 29) | L 0-4 vs. Blues (Oct. 2) |
| 2 | W 4-3 (OT) at Jets (Oct. 2) | L 1-2 at Predators (Oct. 3) |
| 3 | L 1-4 at Wild (Oct. 3) | W 5-0 vs. Sharks (Oct. 5) |
| 4 | L 1-4 vs. Senators (Oct. 5) | W 4-0 at Sabres (Oct. 8) |
| 5 | W 6-1 vs. Mammoth (Oct. 8) | L 1-2 (SO) at Penguins (Oct. 10) |
| 6 | W 5-1 vs. Flyers (Oct. 10) | L 2-3 vs. Avalanche (Oct. 13) |
| 7 | W 6-3 at Sharks (Oct. 13) | W 3-2 (SO) at Avalanche (Oct. 14) |
Before October 20, the Bruins play at Anaheim on Friday, October 16, and at Los Angeles on Saturday, October 17. The Stars visit Chicago on Saturday, October 17.
Bruins vs. Stars storylines
- Boston arrives at the end of a four-game road trip that started in San Jose, and it has won three straight, scoring 17 goals in those games.
- David Pastrnak leads the Bruins with 8 points (2 goals, 6 assists), and Fraser Minten has a team-high 4 goals. Jeremy Swayman has played six games with a .930 save percentage.
- Mikko Rantanen leads Dallas with 7 points, and Miro Heiskanen has 3 goals from the blue line. Jake Oettinger has a .944 save percentage in five games, and Dallas has two shutouts this season.
- The teams split last season's series. Dallas won 6-2 at home on January 20, 2026, and Boston won 6-3 in Boston on March 31, 2026.
- After this game, the Bruins host Nashville on Thursday, October 22, and the Stars host Winnipeg that night on Dallas's FOX station and Prime Video.
More NHL on DIRECTV
ESPN has a doubleheader that night, with the Lightning at the Golden Knights following at 10:30 p.m. ET on channel 206. For the season's national schedule and channels, see our guide to watching the 2026-27 NHL season on DIRECTV and NHL channels on DIRECTV, including NHL Network. Dallas played two national games in two nights last week, covered in our Stars vs. Avalanche guide. Local channel help by state: DIRECTV channels for Texas and Massachusetts.
Compare DIRECTV packages at your address or call 1-855-690-9884.
Frequently asked questions
What channel is Bruins vs. Stars on DIRECTV?
It's on ESPN, DIRECTV channel 206. ESPN is included in every DIRECTV Signature package.
What time is the Bruins-Stars game on October 20?
The game starts at 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. CT) on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at American Airlines Center in Dallas.
Is Bruins vs. Stars on NESN or Prime Video?
No. The NHL lists ESPN as the only U.S. broadcaster, so NESN and the Stars' Prime Video package won't carry it.
Can I stream Bruins vs. Stars?
Yes. It streams in the ESPN app. DIRECTV customers with ESPN in their package can sign in with their DIRECTV account, and ESPN Unlimited plan subscribers can watch too.
Who won the last Bruins-Stars game?
The Bruins won the most recent meeting 6-3 in Boston on March 31, 2026. The Stars had won 6-2 in Dallas on January 20, 2026.
What else is on ESPN that night?
ESPN follows Bruins-Stars with the Lightning at the Golden Knights at 10:30 p.m. ET, also on channel 206.
Questions about ESPN or your DIRECTV package? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed October 15, 2026. Game times and networks are set by the NHL and ESPN and may change. Records and stats reflect games played through October 14, 2026. Player availability can change before the game. Prices, channel lineups and package availability vary by address and may change. NHL, ESPN, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.