How to Watch Sabres vs. Canadiens on DIRECTV: Puck Drop Time, NHL Network Channel and Streaming
The Buffalo Sabres visit the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. ET on NHL Network, which is channel 215 on DIRECTV. NHL Network starts with the ULTIMATE package; CHOICE does not include it. Local and Canadian feeds listed with the national window are MSG-B (Sabres), TVAS and Sportsnet East (SNE), per NHL.com’s nationally televised games list for the week of October 12.
Both clubs sit at 3-3-1 with 7 points through seven games as of October 15, 2026. Montreal took the first meeting of the week 4-3 in a shootout at Bell Centre on October 13, then lost 5-4 at Washington on October 14. Here’s how to watch Sabres-Canadiens on DIRECTV, as of October 15, 2026.
Sabres vs. Canadiens: date, time and channel
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, October 17, 2026 |
| Puck drop | 7:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. CT) |
| Arena | Bell Centre, Montreal |
| National TV | NHL Network |
| DIRECTV channel | 215 (NHL Network) |
| Starting package | ULTIMATE (CHOICE does not include NHL Network) |
| Local / Canada TV | MSG-B (BUF); TVAS, SNE (Canada) |
| Streaming | DIRECTV app where NHL Network is in your package; team apps / out-of-market packages where rights apply |
| Records | Both 3-3-1 (7 points, 7 GP) as of Oct. 15, 2026; MTL won the Oct. 13 rematch 4-3 SO |
What channel is Sabres vs. Canadiens on DIRECTV?
The national feed is on NHL Network, channel 215. NHL Network is included starting with ULTIMATE. It is not in CHOICE. If you are in a home market, NHL Network blackout rules can apply and you may need the local regional sports network instead.
| Network | DIRECTV channel | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NHL Network | 215 | Starts with ULTIMATE; not on CHOICE |
| MSG-B | Varies by market | Sabres local; often needs CHOICE+ where available |
| TVAS / SNE | Canada | Canadian windows listed with NHLN on NHL.com |
Our guides to what channel NHL Network is on DIRECTV and NHL on DIRECTV cover 215 and the package ladder. Compare tiers in our DIRECTV package channel comparison, or call 1-855-690-9884 and we’ll confirm NHL Network or MSG-B at your address.
How to stream Sabres vs. Canadiens
- DIRECTV app: if NHL Network is in your package, watch channel 215 live on a phone, tablet or streaming device with your DIRECTV login.
- Local apps: Sabres viewers may use MSG apps where authenticated and available for MSG-B.
- Out-of-market: ESPN+ / NHL rights packages can carry games when you are outside local blackout zones. National NHL Network windows still follow package and blackout rules.
How the Sabres and Canadiens got here
Early-season notes as of October 15, 2026:
- Canadiens (3-3-1): Montreal beat Buffalo 4-3 in a shootout on October 13 at Bell Centre. Zachary Bolduc scored the deciding shootout goal for the second straight game; Lane Hutson and Cole Caufield each had a goal and an assist, per NHL.com. The Canadiens then lost 5-4 at Washington on October 14. Defenseman Mike Matheson was day to day with a lower-body injury and did not play October 13.
- Sabres (3-3-1): Buffalo won 5-3 against Florida on October 12, then dropped the October 13 shootout in Montreal despite Olen Zellweger’s two goals and 35 saves from Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. Captain Rasmus Dahlin did not make the October 13 trip after leaving the Florida game with an upper-body injury and was listed day to day. Buffalo’s October 15 game at Toronto was not final when this page was written.
Local help: DIRECTV channels for New York.
Sabres vs. Canadiens storylines
- Quick rematch on NHL Network: Saturday’s 7 p.m. ET national window is the second Buffalo–Montreal meeting in five days after the October 13 shootout at Bell Centre.
- Playoff hangover energy: Kevin Weekes noted on October 12 that Montreal knocked Buffalo out of the playoffs last season and that this week’s two-game set mattered early for both clubs.
- Injury watch: Dahlin (BUF) and Matheson (MTL) were both day to day after the October 13 game; confirm lineup news closer to puck drop.
- Blackout reminder: home-market fans should confirm whether NHL Network or MSG-B carries the game at their address before puck drop.
Other NHL on DIRECTV this weekend
Saturday’s national slate also includes Devils at Capitals earlier on NHL Network and Islanders at Maple Leafs on Canadian Sportsnet windows, per NHL.com’s nationally televised games list for the week of October 12. Our Flyers vs. Sabres on DIRECTV guide covers another early-season Sabres national TV peek.
Want NHL Network, your locals and the rest of the hockey lineup on one bill? Check DIRECTV options at your address or call 1-855-690-9884.
Frequently asked questions
What channel is Sabres vs. Canadiens on DIRECTV?
The national feed is on NHL Network, DIRECTV channel 215. NHL Network starts with ULTIMATE and is not included in CHOICE. Sabres local is MSG-B; Canadian windows include TVAS and Sportsnet East (SNE).
What time does Sabres vs. Canadiens start?
Puck drop is 7:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Bell Centre in Montreal.
Does CHOICE include NHL Network?
No. NHL Network starts with ULTIMATE on DIRECTV. CHOICE does not include channel 215.
Can I stream Sabres vs. Canadiens?
If NHL Network is in your DIRECTV package, you can watch in the DIRECTV app. Local RSN apps and out-of-market packages may also apply depending on your address and blackouts.
What are the Sabres’ and Canadiens’ records?
As of October 15, 2026, both clubs are 3-3-1 (7 points in 7 games). Montreal beat Buffalo 4-3 in a shootout at Bell Centre on October 13; the Canadiens then lost 5-4 at Washington on October 14.
Will NHL Network black out the game in home markets?
Home-market blackouts can apply on NHL Network. Sabres territory fans should confirm MSG-B availability, often with CHOICE+ where offered. Canadian viewers should check TVAS and Sportsnet East listings.
Need help confirming NHL Network (215) or MSG-B before puck drop? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed October 15, 2026 from NHL.com nationally televised games for the week of October 12, 2026 (Kevin Weekes), the NHL.com Sabres-Canadiens game recap (October 13/14, 2026), the NHL club schedule and standings APIs for Buffalo and Montreal, and live AmericanTV.com channel guides. Records are through games completed before Buffalo’s October 15 game at Toronto. Channel lineups, package contents, blackouts, offers and prices vary by address and may change. Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens, NHL, NHL Network, MSG-B, TVAS, Sportsnet, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.