The Columbus Blue Jackets, representing Ohio in the National Hockey League since 2000, have cultivated a loyal and energized fan base that packs Nationwide Arena each season. With a promising roster and fierce divisional rivalries in the Metropolitan Division, their games consistently deliver high-stakes action and passionate support from fans across the Midwest—and beyond.
The landscape of sports broadcasting is shifting rapidly. Fans want more control, more flexibility, and fewer obstacles when it comes to following their teams. Outdated cable setups and regional blackout restrictions no longer meet the expectations of NHL viewers who demand seamless, accessible coverage on their terms.
Choosing the right TV provider or streaming package isn’t just a matter of preference anymore—it determines how many games you can actually watch live, with the broadcasters you expect, and in the quality you want. This post outlines exactly how DirecTV and its compatible services can keep you connected to every puck drop, power play, and overtime thriller of the Columbus Blue Jackets' 2025–2026 season.
The Columbus Blue Jackets’ 2025–2026 schedule will follow the standard NHL format: exhibition games in the fall, a grueling 82-game regular season, and—if they qualify—a postseason push that starts in mid-April. Expect pre-season matchups to begin in late September, giving fans a first look at roster dynamics and emerging rookies. The regular season typically launches in early October and runs through mid-April 2026.
Each team faces divisional opponents multiple times, skates against those in the opposite conference twice (once home, once away), and navigates long road trips coupled with intense homestands. The Blue Jackets will play 41 games on home ice at Nationwide Arena and 41 away, forming a rhythm that's both predictable and worth planning for.
Certain games on the calendar consistently deliver higher stakes and unforgettable moments. The Battle of Ohio against the Pittsburgh Penguins never lacks intensity—expect physical play, sellout crowds, and national coverage. Another can't-miss event: matchups against the Washington Capitals, especially following any playoff history or contentious previous meetings.
Inter-conference clashes with Original Six teams like the Boston Bruins or Chicago Blackhawks add prestige and bring historic franchises to Columbus. The game against the reigning Stanley Cup champion (whoever that may be in 2025) always carries extra attention. Season finales and games scheduled near trade deadlines tend to generate unpredictable excitement and potential turning points in playoff seeding.
Weeknight games usually drop the puck at 7:00 or 7:30 p.m. ET, while weekend matchups vary—afternoon starts are common on Sundays, especially for national broadcasts. Road games on the West Coast push start times later, typically around 10:00 p.m. ET.
Fans planning to record games with their DirecTV DVR will need to check each game’s day and hour to avoid overlapping recordings. Knowing whether a game is on a regional or national feed also helps in setting correct channels and priorities. For back-to-back games or extended road trips, timing records ahead of time ensures uninterrupted coverage, even if you can't watch live.
Watch for the NHL’s annual Winter Classic and Stadium Series announcements—if the Blue Jackets are selected to participate, those game times shift to unique slots and rarely follow standard scheduling formats.
NHL games fall into two broadcast categories: nationally televised and regionally distributed. National games include marquee matchups, season openers, and all playoff games. These are available across the United States and aren't subject to regional blackouts. In contrast, regional broadcasts focus on specific teams—like the Columbus Blue Jackets—and are typically available only within the team's local market.
Regional games are produced and distributed by regional sports networks (RSNs), which acquire the rights directly from NHL franchises. For Columbus, this means most regular-season games air via Bally Sports Ohio. These broadcasts are intended for audiences inside the designated home viewing area (HVA), defined by zip code and proximity to the team’s home territory.
As of the current broadcasting deal signed in 2021, ESPN and Turner Sports (which operates TNT) hold the exclusive national broadcasting rights for the NHL through the 2027–2028 season. This agreement replaced NBC Sports and significantly reshaped hockey’s media landscape in the U.S.
Games shown on these national networks override regional broadcasts. When the Blue Jackets appear on ESPN or TNT, Bally Sports Ohio will not simulcast the game.
Broadcasting rights directly influence where fans can watch a specific NHL game. For viewers using DirecTV, national games on TNT and ABC are available through the standard satellite lineup. ESPN is also accessible via most DirecTV channel packages, but ESPN+—which carries a large portion of exclusive NHL matchups—is not part of the DirecTV satellite offering, as it's a separate streaming service.
Additionally, regional broadcasts through Bally Sports Ohio are only available in-market and require a subscription to a DirecTV package that includes RSNs. Fans living outside the Blue Jackets’ viewing area won’t get access to these regional games unless they subscribe to NHL Center Ice or NHL.tv with proper out-of-market provisions.
Understanding these layered broadcasting rights is essential for building a viewing setup that covers every puck drop of the Blue Jackets’ 2025–2026 season.
For the 2025–2026 season, Columbus Blue Jackets games appear across multiple networks, depending on game rights and scheduling. DirecTV subscribers can count on three core channels to follow most of the action: Bally Sports Ohio, ESPN, and the NHL Network.
Fans looking to keep up with game broadcasts can use the on-screen program guide to filter by sports or by network. From the guide screen:
Alternatively, access the guide by channel number if you're looking for something specific—channel 660 for Bally Sports Ohio, 206 for ESPN, 215 for NHL Network.
DirecTV's voice-enabled remotes streamline game discovery. Holding down the microphone button and simply saying "Blue Jackets game" or "NHL on Bally Sports Ohio" pulls up current and upcoming broadcasts instantly. It's equally effective for finding replays and team coverage on NHL Network.
Frequent viewers can also create custom sports channels from the DirecTV interface, prioritizing Blue Jackets content and keeping game listings front and center throughout the season.
DirecTV offers a comprehensive lineup of sports packages designed to meet a wide range of viewer preferences. From league-specific subscriptions to general sports upgrades, these add-ons enable complete access to national and regional coverage.
The Sports Pack often comes bundled with higher-tier packages or can be added à la carte to any base plan. NHL Center Ice requires a separate subscription but integrates seamlessly with DirecTV’s platform and DVR service.
DirecTV’s basic entertainment packages include limited national sports content—primarily through channels like ESPN, TNT, and ABC. While these networks will carry some NHL coverage, they don’t guarantee access to every Columbus Blue Jackets game.
Premium sports packages—for example, the Choice, Ultimate, or Premier plans—expand coverage substantially. The Choice package includes regional sports networks (RSNs) depending on location, while Ultimate and Premier both open up access to the full DirecTV Sports Pack, with Premier adding premium channels like HBO and Showtime.
Adding NHL Center Ice to any of these packages bridges the coverage gap for out-of-market games.
For an NHL fan following the Blue Jackets throughout the 2025–2026 season, Choice is the service tier that hits the sweet spot. This plan includes access to Bally Sports Ohio—the RSN that broadcasts most of the team’s regular-season games—alongside national carriers.
Combine Choice with NHL Center Ice for extensive out-of-market coverage, or add the Sports Pack if you want access to additional RSNs and specialty sports programming. This setup ensures coverage of both home and away games, whether you live in Central Ohio or across the country.
Want to go deeper? Jump to the section on NHL Center Ice for more on what that package offers.
Regional Sports Networks, or RSNs, are television channels dedicated to covering local sports teams, targeting viewers within specific geographic areas. In the NHL's broadcasting structure, these networks hold exclusive rights to air most regular-season games for the home team in their designated region. This setup directly shapes which games fans can see on their local channels—especially critical for following teams like the Columbus Blue Jackets throughout the 2025–2026 season.
For fans located within the Blue Jackets' home broadcast territory, RSNs serve as the primary gateway for live game coverage. These networks often carry team-specific pregame and postgame shows, local commentary, and important insights unavailable on national broadcasts. However, those outside the region will typically not have access to these game feeds via RSNs due to NHL blackout rules.
Bally Sports Ohio holds the exclusive regional rights to air Columbus Blue Jackets games in the upcoming 2025–2026 NHL season. Headquartered in Cincinnati, this network covers a wide swath of Ohio and neighboring areas, ensuring in-market fans receive full live broadcasts for nearly every game not picked up by a national outlet like ESPN or TNT.
The coverage includes more than just the puck drop. Bally Sports Ohio produces Blue Jackets Live pregame and postgame segments, on-ice interviews, insider analysis, and in-depth team features that aren't available on national networks or out-of-market providers. For Columbus-area residents, Bally Sports Ohio remains the most consistent source for game-day content.
DirecTV maintains a carriage agreement with Bally Sports regional networks, including Bally Sports Ohio. As of the 2025–2026 NHL season, DirecTV's satellite service carries Bally Sports Ohio on its Choice package and above. Subscribers located within the Blue Jackets' media market will automatically receive the channel in their lineup, without the need to purchase any sports add-on tiers.
For those looking to follow every Blue Jackets faceoff and power play without relying on national broadcasts, access to Bally Sports Ohio through DirecTV remains one of the most consistent, regionally-focused viewing options available.
The NHL enforces blackout restrictions to protect local broadcasters' rights and ticket sales. When the Columbus Blue Jackets play at home, fans in Ohio—especially those in the Columbus and Cleveland markets—might see the game blacked out on certain channels, even with a comprehensive sports package. The same happens when national networks like TNT, ABC, or ESPN secure exclusive rights to broadcast a matchup.
Put simply, if you're watching from within the Blue Jackets' designated regional territory, you’ll often need access to Bally Sports Ohio—the exclusive regional network—to view live games. Without it, blackout restrictions on national or league-wide services like NHL Center Ice or ESPN+ will kick in, leaving a blank screen in place of live hockey.
Want to check if you're in a blackout zone? Enter your ZIP code on the NHL’s blackout search tool for a direct answer. Which method will you choose to stay in the action?
Subscribe to NHL Center Ice through DirecTV and gain access to up to 40 out-of-market games per week during the regular season. This package offers coverage that goes far beyond your local broadcasts, which means you won’t miss any Columbus Blue Jackets game that isn’t available in your area. Whether the Jackets are facing off against the Avalanche in Denver or battling the Kings in LA, NHL Center Ice puts it on your screen in high definition.
The package also includes dual-feed broadcasts when available. Choose between home and away commentary—perfect for fans who want to hear their familiar Blue Jackets announcers even during away games. Game coverage is presented in full 1080i HD, matching the quality you'd expect from national broadcasts. For fans tracking multiple teams, the multituner and Game Mix channels allow simultaneous streaming of up to eight matchups at once.
Activation happens through your DirecTV receiver, online account, or by calling customer support. Navigate to the “Sports” section under your on-screen guide, find NHL Center Ice, and follow the subscription prompts. You can also visit the official DirecTV website, log into your account, and add the package from there.
New subscribers can often follow on-screen activation instructions right from their remote without navigating away from the game they’re watching. Once approved, the games begin streaming immediately, subject to blackout rules and regional restrictions.
For the 2025–2026 NHL season, NHL Center Ice on DirecTV is priced at $69.99 for the full season (price subject to change closer to the start of the season). Payment can be broken into monthly installments, making access more flexible for budget-focused fans. The service does not count against your RSN coverage, and it operates separately from your base DirecTV package, requiring only a qualifying receiver or bundled tier.
If you're tracking out-of-market matchups or watching the Blue Jackets from outside Ohio, this package fills the gaps where Bally Sports Ohio coverage drops off. NHL Center Ice transforms your regular DirecTV subscription into a nationwide hockey pass.
DirecTV Stream offers a flexible solution for fans who want to follow the Columbus Blue Jackets without committing to a cable contract. As a live TV streaming service, it delivers access to the same regional and national sports networks found in traditional DirecTV packages—minus the satellite dish and annual agreement.
Subscribers can choose from several packages, but Blue Jackets fans should focus on the “Choice” plan and above. These tiers include Bally Sports Ohio, which airs regional broadcasts of Blue Jackets games, along with ESPN, TNT, and ABC—all of which balance national NHL coverage throughout the regular season and playoffs.
DirecTV Stream mirrors almost every key sports channel from the satellite subscription, meaning fans won’t miss out on action. Bally Sports Ohio remains available in-market, while ESPN’s family of networks and TNT maintain coverage rights secured under the NHL’s U.S. broadcast deal through 2028–2029.
National matchups that would air on ESPN+ or ABC also come included in DirecTV Stream packages with corresponding channels, creating a seamless viewing experience for those switching away from satellite or cable platforms.
Considering the trade-offs, DirecTV Stream provides a straightforward way to follow the Columbus Blue Jackets throughout the 2025–2026 season, especially for viewers within the team’s home broadcast region. Want instant access on game night without a cable box? DirecTV Stream handles that with one app.
DirecTV Stream supports a wide range of devices, allowing fans to follow every shift, goal, and power play of the Columbus Blue Jackets no matter where they are. Whether you’re settled on the couch or on the move, the platform delivers consistent streaming across multiple operating systems and smart devices.
Device support alone doesn’t guarantee a smooth experience—it’s the setup that determines playback quality. Network speed plays a critical role. For stable HD streaming of NHL games, a connection of at least 25 Mbps is required. Dual-band Wi-Fi routers (offering both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies) reduce buffering when multiple devices are connected.
Check for updates regularly. The DirecTV Stream app pushes performance improvements, bug fixes, and compatibility patches on a rolling basis. Enabling automatic updates ensures uninterrupted streaming as the Blue Jackets charge through the 2025–2026 season.
Life doesn’t stop for the puck drop. DirecTV Stream supports simultaneous streaming on multiple devices under the same household account. Watch the game live on your TV while following stats and replays on your tablet or smartphone. With up to 20 devices per account and unlimited in-home streams, juggling errands, family time, and face-offs becomes manageable.
Switching between home and mobile viewing is seamless—pause the game in the living room and resume from the same moment on your tablet. Multi-device functionality turns any space into your personal Blue Jackets command center.
Different fans follow the game in different ways. Some stay rooted in Ohio, others catch every puck drop on the road, and a few don’t miss a second of any NHL action nationwide. Choosing how to watch the Columbus Blue Jackets during the 2025–2026 season depends on what kind of fan experience you’re after.
If you're based in or near Columbus and prefer a traditional setup, Bally Sports Ohio through DirecTV satellite service remains the core broadcast option. Most regular season games will appear on this RSN, included in the Choice package and above. For consistency, no buffering, and live access without delay, satellite service beats streaming in this case. Pair it with DVR and you won’t miss a third period again.
Watching on-the-go or away from home? DirecTV Stream with the Choice or Ultimate package includes access to Bally Sports Ohio as well. Stream games live across devices—phones, tablets, smart TVs. The experience supports multi-device connection, cloud DVR, and eliminates the need for a satellite dish.
Need to catch every Blue Jackets game, home and away—plus games across the league? Adding NHL Center Ice to your DirecTV package delivers out-of-market matchups, perfect for deep coverage. Pair it with local Bally access and the full season comes into view, including teams you’ll face down the playoff stretch.
Whether you're at home, on your laptop during a layover, or tracking the playoff push game by game, each setup has a clear fit. Identify your fan type, match it to the right package, and follow the entire Blue Jackets campaign from October to spring. How are you watching opener night?
©2025 American TV. All Rights Reserved
Disclaimer: All rights reserved. AmericanTV.com is a website for research and comparison as such, falls under "Fair Use". AmericanTV.com does not provide directly phone, TV, and internet service. All trademarks, logos, etc. remain the property of their respective owners and are used by AmericanTV.com only to describe products and services offered by each respective trademark holder. The use of any third party trademarks on this site in no way indicates any relationship between AmericanTV.com and the holders of said trademarks, nor any endorsement of AmericanTV.com by the holders of said trademarks.
We are here 24/7 to answer all of your TV + Internet Questions:
1-855-690-9884
1-855-690-9884