The NHL typically releases its full regular season schedule in late June, shortly after the Stanley Cup Final concludes. For fans of the New Jersey Devils, that timeline remains consistent for the 2025–2026 campaign. As soon as the schedule drops, it kicks off the countdown to key matchups throughout the season and sets the stage for must-watch games.
This season, all eyes will be on classic showdowns against the New York Rangers, battles with the Philadelphia Flyers, and potential playoff-positioning clashes with the Carolina Hurricanes. Matchups in these longstanding rivalries often carry more intensity and viewership interest — especially when divisional standings are tight.
Knowing the start time and channel for each game isn’t just helpful — it’s the only way to ensure you never miss a face-off, a power play, or an overtime thriller. Whether you’re planning to watch from home through your DirecTV subscription or stream a road game while on the move, getting a clear view of the broadcast schedule lets you organize your evenings around Devils hockey without last-minute scrambling.
ESPN, ABC, and TNT will carry national broadcast rights for the NHL through the 2025-2026 season as part of the league’s seven-year media rights deal signed in 2021. Under this agreement, ESPN+ and Hulu also hold exclusive streaming rights for select games, integrating traditional television and digital streaming into a dual-distribution model.
Expect weekly national broadcasts on:
During the regular season, the New Jersey Devils will typically appear in national games when facing major market teams, participating in rivalry nights, or featuring high-profile players and narratives.
MSG Networks continues to serve as the Devils' primary regional sports network (RSN) for the 2025-2026 season. This partnership covers the majority of the team's games, especially matchups not selected for national broadcast. MSG's coverage includes pre-game shows, expert commentary, and team-centric production tailored for the New Jersey viewing audience.
Only viewers located within the designated Devils broadcast region (New Jersey, parts of New York, and areas of Pennsylvania) will have access to MSG’s live feeds through DirecTV or participating TV providers.
The NHL categorizes broadcasts as either national or regional. A game picked up by ESPN or TNT becomes nationally exclusive, meaning the regional broadcast is blacked out and unavailable. Conversely, if no national partner airs a Devils game, MSG Networks retains regional rights for distribution within its market footprint.
This dynamic impacts how and where fans can watch specific games. For instance, if TNT is televising a Devils–Penguins game nationally, MSG will not carry it live within the local market, and only TNT will have the rights to distribute that game across the U.S.
Approximately 75 regular-season games league-wide will appear exclusively on ESPN+ and Hulu, with no local or cable broadcast alternative. These streaming-only games, often scheduled mid-week, rotate across teams and markets. When the Devils are involved, their game will be available only via Hulu or ESPN+—not on MSG or DirecTV unless one of those platforms integrates streaming access into their package offering by then.
ABC, meanwhile, broadcasts a limited slate of high-impact weekend games and playoff matchups. These are aired nationwide and available over-the-air via your local ABC affiliate, including on DirecTV’s ABC channel in your market.
DirecTV continues to deliver one of the most complete sports offerings available in traditional satellite TV. NHL fans get access to national broadcasts and regional coverage through a wide selection of sports networks — all in HD and often with 4K availability for key matchups. During the 2025–2026 season, Devils fans will find no shortage of ways to follow every faceoff.
Game availability depends on national vs. regional broadcast rights, and DirecTV carries every major channel airing NHL games:
For fans in New Jersey and nearby areas, MSG and MSG+2 carry the majority of the Devils’ regional games. DirecTV includes these networks in many of its base and sports-centric packages, typically found on channels 634 (MSG) and 635 (MSG+2) depending on the region. Confirm current listings through the channel guide based on ZIP code.
Each game airs on a specific network based on its broadcasting rights, so keeping up with where to tune in on game night requires a little bit of planning. DirecTV’s interactive channel guide, accessible via satellite receiver, mobile app, or online account portal, makes this process seamless. Search by team name, date, or channel to see upcoming Devils broadcasts, complete with start times and network assignments.
Looking for a nationally televised rivalry game against the Rangers or Flyers? Filter by ESPN or TNT. Curious which MSG channel is showing a back-to-back with the Islanders? The guide adjusts based on regional availability and game scheduling. NHL game listings update daily, so checking the guide regularly ensures you always know where to find the puck drop.
DirecTV’s core packages come with a baseline set of national sports channels that cover a range of NHL broadcasts. All Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate, and Premier tiers include ESPN, TNT, and select regional sports networks (RSNs) depending on your location. These channels play a critical role in airing nationally televised Devils games throughout the season.
TNT and ESPN are central to the NHL’s U.S. broadcast strategy, airing exclusive national games on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. The Devils often appear in national matchups, especially during rivalry weeks or playoff pushes, and DirecTV ensures access to these through its standard channel lineup.
For deeper access to out-of-market regular season games, DirecTV offers NHL Center Ice as a premium add-on. This package delivers access to over 1,000 NHL games from across the league — including most Devils games for fans outside the New York metro area.
Beyond Center Ice, the Sports Pack add-on may appeal to viewers wanting even more comprehensive coverage. It includes additional regional sports networks and specialty sports channels that occasionally carry NHL-related content or analysis.
Only subscribers with the Choice package or higher gain access to regional sports networks — a necessary inclusion for fans in New Jersey or New York who want live broadcasts of every Devils home game.
Start with one question: Are you within the Devils’ local broadcast market? If the answer is yes, go with the Choice package or higher to access your regional sports network (likely MSG Network). If your location is out of market, add NHL Center Ice to any core package to watch the full spectrum of Devils games.
Compare the package contents not just by channel access, but by features — DVR storage, simultaneous streams, and device compatibility all enhance the viewing experience during the season’s busiest weeks.
Also consider seasonal deals. DirecTV routinely offers promotional pricing in September and October as part of NHL launch campaigns, especially for new customers bundling Center Ice with Choice or Ultimate.
NHL Center Ice gives subscribers access to out-of-market NHL games not televised on local or national networks. With this package, fans follow over 1,000 games each regular season, including action that doesn’t air in the local market. For Devils supporters living outside the New York metropolitan area, Center Ice becomes a primary resource for regular-season coverage.
DirecTV integrates NHL Center Ice directly into its satellite TV service. Games appear on dedicated channels, typically in the range of 769 to 785. Navigation remains seamless—once the package is activated, viewers can browse and record games just like they would with any other programming.
If a New Jersey Devils game isn’t broadcast on a regional sports network like MSG, and also falls outside the viewer’s local market, Center Ice will carry the feed. For example, if the Devils face the Anaheim Ducks in a late-night West Coast clash, a fan in Georgia or Illinois can tune in via Center Ice.
However, games broadcast nationally on ESPN, TNT, or ABC will not be available through Center Ice, since those matches fall under exclusive national rights.
During the 2024-2025 NHL season, NHL Center Ice on DirecTV cost $69.99 for the full season if purchased early, or spread into five monthly payments of $14.00. Prices for the 2025-2026 season are expected to remain similar unless the league or DirecTV announces pricing adjustments before the season starts.
For fans following a specific out-of-market team like the Devils, the package translates into direct value. It covers regular-season games from October through mid-April and provides multiple broadcasts most nights. In contrast, the national platforms rarely air more than a handful of Devils games per year, making Center Ice the only reliable way to watch the full out-of-market slate.
All NHL Center Ice games on DirecTV are available in high definition. Broadcasts typically use either the home or away feed, depending on availability, and viewers can switch between broadcasts when both feeds are televised.
Blackout restrictions affect only in-market games. For instance, fans located in New Jersey trying to watch a Devils home game through Center Ice won’t see it, because MSG owns local rights. In these cases, the blackout screen appears instead, directing the viewer to the correct regional channel.
DirecTV updates blackout zones through location data linked to the subscriber address. This means a Devils fan in Boston has unrestricted access to the Devils’ season via Center Ice, while a fan in Newark must rely on MSG and other RSNs included in their base package.
Blackout rules are enforced by the NHL to protect the regional broadcasting rights of local networks. If you're in the Devils' home broadcasting territory—primarily New Jersey, parts of New York, and eastern Pennsylvania—you won’t be able to watch certain games on national networks like ESPN or TNT when those games are simultaneously produced by your local RSN. These matchups will be blacked out nationally but still air on your regional sports network.
Say the Devils face off against the Flyers on an ESPN broadcast—if you're watching from Hoboken or Morristown, that feed might be blacked out. In that case, MSG Networks, the local RSN partner for the Devils, will have rights to air the game in your region. DirecTV automatically routes viewers to the appropriate RSN when a national blackout occurs, ensuring continued access to all in-market matchups.
DirecTV uses your ZIP code to determine your RSN zone and automatically provides access to MSG or MSG+. When a blackout occurs on ESPN, NHL Network, or TNT, the system redirects you to the local broadcast, if available, on your RSN channels. This switch happens without manual intervention, maintaining viewing continuity. Subscribers can also use the on-screen guide to quickly confirm which version of a broadcast is available.
Watching Devils games from outside their home region changes the equation. Out-of-market fans will not have access to MSG Network through standard DirecTV packages. Instead, they must rely on NHL Center Ice or ESPN+ to follow the full season. Blackout rules still apply—for example, a Devils game viewed from Buffalo may be blacked out on ESPN+ if the Sabres' regional RSN holds rights to that matchup.
DirecTV Stream offers a streaming-based solution for fans looking to follow the New Jersey Devils throughout the 2025-2026 NHL season. Unlike traditional DirecTV satellite service, DirecTV Stream operates entirely via an internet connection, delivering regional, national, and select out-of-market NHL broadcasts directly to compatible devices. With no long-term contracts or equipment installations, this platform provides a more flexible approach to watching Devils games live.
Devils coverage will air across several key networks, most of which are included in DirecTV Stream's channel lineup. Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) like MSG Networks—if available in your market—will carry the majority of local game broadcasts. In addition, nationally televised games will stream on:
Subscribers located in or near the New Jersey market gain access to MSG's live Devils broadcasts through the "Choice" package or higher, as DirecTV Stream is one of the few services that offers regional sports networks in select markets without additional fees.
DirecTV Stream supports a wide array of devices, so users can watch live games from virtually anywhere. Compatible platforms include:
This device flexibility ensures fans never miss a Devils faceoff, even when they're away from the living room.
To access regional sports networks like MSG, the "Choice" package—priced at approximately $108.99/month—serves as the minimum tier. This plan also includes national sports channels like ESPN and TNT. For viewers seeking additional sports content, higher tiers such as "Ultimate" and "Premier" bundle in more movie channels and niche networks. The "Entertainment" tier, the service’s base package, typically excludes RSNs and therefore doesn’t carry Devils regional broadcasts.
When matched against cable and satellite services, DirecTV Stream eliminates hardware requirements, contract obligations, and installation frustration. It mirrors DirecTV’s channel lineup in digital form but allows for easier cancellation and portability. Users looking for a live TV experience with the benefits of a digital service will find this setup caters well to both cord-cutters and longtime satellite customers looking to transition.
During the 2025–2026 NHL season, several marquee New Jersey Devils matchups will air on ABC as part of the league’s national broadcast agreement with The Walt Disney Company. These games typically anchor premium weekend slots and feature high-profile opponents or key rivalry moments.
ABC games are accessible on DirecTV for subscribers with access to local channels, usually included in the Entertainment package or higher. These broadcasts do not fall under regional blackout rules, providing coast-to-coast access without restrictions.
Some of the nationally televised Devils games on ABC will also be simulcast on Hulu and ESPN+. These platforms often carry the same feed as ABC, giving additional streaming avenues to those preferring digital access or those using devices not connected to a satellite feed.
DirecTV viewers won’t see these simulcasts reflected in their guide or channel lineup. Instead, fans must log in separately via Hulu or ESPN+, depending on the game’s streaming partner designation.
Not every nationally broadcast Devils game will appear on DirecTV. ESPN and its digital platforms hold rights to stream exclusive regular-season games—meaning they're not available on local RSNs, ABC, or ESPN’s cable network. If the Devils are playing in one of these ESPN+ or Hulu-exclusive games, the matchup won’t appear anywhere on DirecTV’s platform.
To prevent blackout frustrations or missed games, many Devils fans with DirecTV supplement their setup by subscribing to Hulu. Hulu’s Live TV service includes channels like ESPN and ABC, and it also grants access to Hulu-exclusive NHL broadcasts. The standalone Hulu plan (with or without ads) won’t be sufficient—you’ll need the Hulu + Live TV package or access to streaming games through ESPN+.
Here's a strategic path:
To watch Hulu-exclusive Devils games, activate one of the following plans:
Combining DirecTV for regional and standard national coverage with Hulu for exclusives creates full-season access no matter where the Devils play.
Mobility doesn’t have to mean missing the action. The DirecTV app offers full mobile access to live NHL games, including every matchup of the New Jersey Devils’ 2025–2026 season. Once your account is active, download the app on your iOS or Android device and unlock instant access to regional broadcasts, NHL Center Ice content (if subscribed), and national games from ESPN networks.
Users can stream games live, replay recorded content, or even set their DVR remotely from the app interface. Built-in casting support allows projection to larger devices from a smartphone or tablet, giving even more flexibility when traveling or away from home.
Expanded access to national broadcasts becomes seamless when using DirecTV as your TV provider login. Here's how it works:
This authentication method offers flexibility without additional charges when your package already includes those channels or NHL Center Ice.
Whether you're commuting, working late, or miles from your living room, Devils games stay within reach. Mobile streaming functions on both Wi-Fi and 5G/4G LTE connections, so long as you remain within U.S. territory. Picture quality adjusts dynamically based on bandwidth, so a stable connection keeps gameplay smooth and uninterrupted.
For the 2025–2026 NHL season, expect consistent availability of in-market and out-of-market Devils games through verified DirecTV logins, provided blackout or national exclusivity restrictions don’t apply to the specific matchup.
Watching from a bigger screen without a cable box is straightforward. DirecTV Stream comes pre-installed on many Samsung, LG, and Android TV-powered Smart TVs. If not, it’s easily downloadable from the device’s app store. Once installed, logging in with your DirecTV credentials replicates the live TV experience of the satellite service, including access to RSNs and national broadcasts.
For wider access, pair the DirecTV Stream app with NHL or ESPN apps directly on your Smart TV. Authenticate using your DirecTV details and gain instant live game access without needing additional hardware.
For the 2025–2026 NHL season, DirecTV's traditional satellite service continues to offer several base packages—but not all of them include regional sports channels by default.
Each of these packages requires a two-year contract commitment. Equipment fees typically start at $15/month per receiver, while RSN fees vary by ZIP code—expect anywhere from $13.99 to $15.99 monthly depending on your location.
NHL Center Ice remains a separate subscription, available to add-on to any core DirecTV package. For the 2025–2026 season:
This package delivers up to 40 out-of-market games weekly, which benefits fans living outside of the Devils’ local viewing area. It does not bypass blackout restrictions for nationally televised or in-market games.
DirecTV Stream's offerings went live for the season with a slightly different pricing structure and added flexibility—no contract, internet-based delivery, and simultaneous streaming on up to 20 devices at home.
One immediate difference: RSN fees are rolled into the advertised price for DirecTV Stream in most areas, making the total monthly cost more predictable. However, if you want NHL Center Ice on DirecTV Stream, you'll need to authenticate a separate NHL.tv account, as Center Ice doesn’t integrate directly with the streaming interface.
Digging into the fine print reveals a few additional costs that shift the equation between satellite and streaming:
Price-conscious fans should map out these variables based on their viewing habits and zip code. Want MSG Network but not live in the New York media market? You'll need to verify zip code eligibility before purchase—regional access can vary more than expected.
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