Knowing where to watch is only half the story; you also need to know when. Here are the national game nights of the 2026/27 season, the usual start times and the easiest way to check what is on tonight.
- The weekly national game nights
- Start times by time zone
- How to check tonight’s games
- Special dates to mark
The Weekly Game Nights in the U.S.
| Night | National TV | Streaming |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | ESPN (all of October, plus other dates) | ESPN app |
| Wednesday | TNT (throughout the regular season) | HBO Max |
| Thursday | ESPN on selected dates later in the season | ESPN app |
| Saturday | ABC Hockey Saturday on selected weekends | ESPN app |
| Any night | Your team’s local games on regional networks | Regional network app or provider |
National games are announced in advance, but dates and times can change. The official NHL schedule always has the latest information.
Typical Start Times
Most NHL games start in the evening, and national broadcasts often run as doubleheaders, with an East Coast game first and a West Coast game later.
| Usual start (ET) | Central (CT) | Mountain (MT) | Pacific (PT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00 PM | 6:00 PM | 5:00 PM | 4:00 PM |
| 7:30 PM | 6:30 PM | 5:30 PM | 4:30 PM |
| 10:00 PM | 9:00 PM | 8:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
| 10:30 PM | 9:30 PM | 8:30 PM | 7:30 PM |
Weekend games can start earlier in the afternoon. The schedule in the NHL app shows the time in your own time zone automatically.
How to Check Tonight’s Games in 30 Seconds
- Open the NHL app and go to the scores or schedule tab for today.
- Tap a game to see the start time and where it is streaming or on TV.
- Follow your team to get an alert when the game starts.
- Need the right app? Our guide on how to watch NHL live on your phone explains each service.
In Canada
Sportsnet is the national home of the NHL in Canada, on TV and on Sportsnet+, and Saturday night is the traditional big hockey night across the country. Check the schedule for your team’s regional broadcasts.
Special Dates to Mark
- November 12 and 14: NHL Global Series in Helsinki, Carolina Hurricanes vs. Seattle Kraken.
- Thanksgiving week: a busy holiday slate of games, perfect for family viewing.
- December 31: the Winter Classic outdoors in Salt Lake City, Colorado Avalanche vs. Utah Mammoth, on TNT.
- April 10, 2027: the last day of the regular season, before the playoffs begin.
- June 2027: the Stanley Cup Final, exclusively on TNT in the U.S. and on Sportsnet in Canada.
Tips to Never Miss Puck Drop
- Add your team’s schedule to your phone calendar from the team or league app.
- Turn on game start alerts in the NHL app.
- Sign in to your streaming app a few minutes early; logins and updates take time.
- Remember that late West Coast games end close to midnight on the East Coast; plan the kids’ bedtime accordingly.
Planning a game night with friends? See our hockey watch party guide.
Planning Your Week of Hockey
- Sunday: look at the week’s schedule and mark your team’s games and the national games you want to see.
- Midweek: Wednesday is TNT night all season, a good fixed date for family hockey night.
- Weekend: check for afternoon games, which are easier to watch with kids.
Watching Late Games
If you live on the East Coast, West Coast games can end after midnight. Many fans watch the first period live and catch the rest the next morning with highlights in the app, which also keeps the score hidden until you open the game.
Following More Than One Game
- Use the scores tab to keep an eye on every game of the night.
- Turn on goal alerts only for your team, so your phone does not buzz all night.
- Some streaming services offer multiview during select events, which lets you watch more than one game at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do NHL games usually start?
Most evening games start around 7:00 PM local time; national doubleheaders often add a late game around 10:00 PM ET.
Which nights have national NHL games?
In 2026/27, ESPN has Tuesday games in October and other dates, TNT has Wednesday games all season and ABC has selected Saturday games.
Where do I find tonight’s games?
In the official NHL schedule or the NHL app, which shows times in your time zone and where each game airs.