How to Watch Penguins vs. Capitals on DIRECTV: Puck Time, TNT Channel and Streaming
Alex Ovechkin's farewell season gets its first home game against his oldest rival. The Pittsburgh Penguins visit the Washington Capitals on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. ET at Capital One Arena, Washington's home opener. In the U.S., the game is on TNT, which is channel 245 on DIRECTV, and streams on HBO Max.
Ovechkin told his teammates on Monday that 2026-27 will be his final NHL season, so Wednesday is the first chance for Capitals fans to salute him at home. Here's how to watch on DIRECTV.
Penguins vs. Capitals game details
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Date | Wednesday, October 7, 2026 |
| Puck drop | 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT |
| Arena | Capital One Arena, Washington (Capitals' home opener) |
| U.S. TV | TNT (national) |
| DIRECTV channel | 245 |
| Streaming | HBO Max |
| Records | Penguins 2-1-0, Capitals 1-1-0 (through Oct. 6) |
What channel is Penguins vs. Capitals on DIRECTV?
Tune to TNT on channel 245. TNT comes with every DIRECTV package from ENTERTAINMENT up. See what channel TNT is on DIRECTV for more.
The NHL lists TNT and HBO Max as the U.S. broadcasters, so this one isn't listed on Monumental Sports Network or SportsNet Pittsburgh, where most Capitals and Penguins games air. Search "Capitals" or "Penguins" in your DIRECTV guide to jump to the TNT listing.
Missing TNT? Call 1-855-690-9884 and we'll check what your package includes.
How to stream Penguins vs. Capitals
- HBO Max: streams TNT's NHL games. HBO Max includes live sports with its Standard and Premium plans, not Basic With Ads. DIRECTV's PREMIER package includes HBO Max Standard; activate it in your DIRECTV account, then sign in to the HBO Max app. See HBO Max on DIRECTV.
- DIRECTV app: watch TNT live on your phone, tablet or streaming device with your DIRECTV login.
Penguins and Capitals channels on DIRECTV
| Network | DIRECTV channel | Who gets it |
|---|---|---|
| TNT (this game) | 245 | ENTERTAINMENT and higher |
| NHL Network (studio coverage and some games) | 215 | ULTIMATE and higher |
| Monumental Sports Network (most Capitals games) | 642 | CHOICE and higher, in the Capitals' market |
| SportsNet Pittsburgh (most Penguins games) | 659 | CHOICE and higher, in the Penguins' market |
What to know before puck drop
- Ovechkin's last ride: the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer, with 929 career goals, announced Monday that this 22nd season, all with Washington, will be his last. The 41-year-old had one assist in the Capitals' first two games, both on the road.
- Crosby vs. Ovechkin: the two stars have been rivals for more than 20 years, and TNT has the matchup again on Monday, January 18, at 4 p.m. ET in Pittsburgh.
- Capitals so far: Washington beat the defending Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes 5-2 on Friday, then lost 3-1 at Tampa Bay on Saturday. Offseason addition Alex Tuch scored twice in the opener.
- Penguins so far: Pittsburgh won its first two games, scoring 13 goals, then lost 3-2 to Winnipeg at home on Monday after the Jets scored three times in the third period. Teenager Ben Kindel has scored in back-to-back games.
What's next
The Capitals host the Rangers on Friday, October 9, at 7 p.m. ET on NHL Network (channel 215), with Monumental Sports Network and MSG carrying it locally. NHL Network games can be blacked out in the teams' home markets, where the local broadcast airs instead. Also on Wednesday, Avalanche at Jets is at 7:30 p.m. ET on Prime Video. For every national game and team-by-team local channels, see our guide to watching the NHL on DIRECTV and our 2026-27 NHL season guide.
Which DIRECTV package is best for Penguins and Capitals fans?
- ENTERTAINMENT: includes TNT (245) and ESPN (206) for national games like this one.
- CHOICE: adds Monumental Sports Network or SportsNet Pittsburgh in the teams' markets for most local games.
- ULTIMATE: adds NHL Network on channel 215.
Want TNT and your team's local channel on one plan? Check DIRECTV options at your address or call 1-855-690-9884.
Frequently asked questions
What time is Penguins vs. Capitals on October 7?
Puck drop is 7:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at Capital One Arena in Washington.
What channel is Penguins vs. Capitals on?
TNT has the game in the U.S., and it streams on HBO Max. On DIRECTV, TNT is channel 245, included with ENTERTAINMENT and higher.
Is Penguins vs. Capitals on Monumental Sports Network or SportsNet Pittsburgh?
No. The NHL lists TNT and HBO Max as the U.S. broadcasters for this game. Watch on TNT, channel 245.
Is this Ovechkin's last season?
Yes. Alex Ovechkin told his teammates on October 5 that 2026-27 will be his final NHL season. Wednesday is the Capitals' home opener.
When do the Penguins and Capitals play again on TNT?
TNT has the teams again on Monday, January 18, 2027, at 4 p.m. ET in Pittsburgh.
Questions about TNT or HBO Max on your plan? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed October 6, 2026. Game times and broadcast assignments are set by the NHL, its teams and their TV partners and may change. Records are as of October 6. NHL Network games may be blacked out in the teams' home markets. Regional network carriage, channel numbers and packages vary by address and are subject to change. NHL, TNT, HBO Max, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.