New 2026-27 TV Schedule
NHL Releases 2026-27 National TV Schedule Featuring Bruins, Panthers, and Sabres
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Key Points
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Panthers will distribute 15 national games as 5 on ESPN, 6 on TNT, 3 on ESPN+, and 1 on ABC, with four Atlantic Division games including cross-state clashes with the Tampa Bay Lightning on Feb. 16 and March 23.
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Sabres will have 14 national telecasts broken down as 8 on TNT/HBO Max, 3 on ESPN/ABC, and 3 on ESPN+/Hulu; in-market coverage is on MSG networks (with MSG+ streaming via DAZN) and ESPN+ will carry out-of-market streams; a Jan. 14 game was moved to accommodate the Hall of Fame induction.
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ESPN/TNT's 2026-27 national package includes 100 exclusive games (53 on ESPN/ABC and 47 on ESPN+/Disney+/Hulu), plus Frozen Frenzy on Oct. 13, the 2027 All-Star Weekend at UBS Arena, and the 2027 Stadium Series; ESPN will carry the first three rounds of the playoffs, while TNT features its own marquee dates (including a Sept. 30 doubleheader and major events such as the Heritage Classic and a Salt Lake City Winter Classic).
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Bruins specifics not highlighted in the summary include their first TNT appearance on Nov. 18 vs Detroit, and a slate of five ABC Saturday games: Jan. 16 at the New York Rangers, Feb. 27 vs Detroit, Mar. 6 vs Pittsburgh, Apr. 3 vs Tampa Bay, and Apr. 10 at Tampa Bay.
The NHL's 2026-27 national TV schedule is here, and the Boston Bruins will be front and center with 20 national game appearances across ESPN, ABC, and TNT. NHL.com reports the season opens with the Bruins facing the New York Rangers, and the schedule includes a special December 1 retirement ceremony for franchise legend Patrice Bergeron. The Bruins' heavy national presence reflects their star power in a marquee lineup that will draw six time changes to accommodate prime-time slots.
Bruins Dominate National Broadcast Slate
Boston's 20 national games rank among the NHL's highest, with six appearances on ABC Saturday broadcasts. ESPN highlights that the Bruins will play five Saturday matinees: January 16 at the Rangers, February 27 against Detroit, March 6 versus Pittsburgh, April 3 against Tampa Bay, and April 10 at Tampa Bay. Half of the Bruins' national games pit them against Atlantic Division rivals, underscoring the league's focus on in-division matchups.
The Bruins' first TNT appearance comes November 18 against Detroit. TNT and ESPN will share most broadcasts, with continued regional coverage on NESN for non-national games. The December 1 ceremony honoring Bergeron's retirement adds an emotional centerpiece to the schedule, drawing national attention to a singular moment in franchise history.
Panthers Split 15 Games Across Three Networks
The Florida Panthers will appear in 15 national telecasts across ESPN, TNT, ESPN+, and ABC. According to NHL Reports, that breaks down as five games on ESPN, six on TNT, three on ESPN+, and one on ABC. The Panthers' season opens September 29 on ESPN. Four Atlantic Division games dominate the slate, including cross-state rivalry clashes against Tampa Bay on February 16 and March 23.
Sabres Land 14 National Games With Strategic Scheduling
The Buffalo Sabres secured 14 national telecasts split across TNT/HBO Max (eight games), ESPN/ABC (three), and ESPN+/Hulu (three). WIVB reports in-market coverage runs on MSG networks, with MSG+ streaming available via DAZN. One game was moved from its original January 14 date to accommodate a Hall of Fame induction event, reflecting the league's effort to balance multiple marquee occasions.
ESPN and TNT Expand Programming Beyond Regular Season
The national broadcast partnership delivers 100 exclusive games for 2026-27: 53 on ESPN/ABC and 47 on ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu. ESPN will carry the NHL Frozen Frenzy on October 13, the 2027 All-Star Weekend at UBS Arena, the 2027 Stadium Series, and the first three rounds of playoffs. TNT counters with its own marquee slate, including a September 30 doubleheader and heritage events like the Heritage Classic and a Salt Lake City Winter Classic.
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