NHL Games schedule: Opening night tripleheader and DAZN TV coverage explained

The 2025–26 NHL season begins Tuesday, Oct. 7, with a highly anticipated tripleheader. Defending champions Florida Panthers host the Chicago Blackhawks in the opener before the Pittsburgh Penguins meet the New York Rangers and the Colorado Avalanche visit the Los Angeles Kings. Every game is available internationally on NHL.TV through DAZN, except in the United States and Canada.

This season includes an Olympic break in February for Milano-Cortina 2026, making the schedule slightly more compact before and after the Winter Games. The opening week features blockbuster rivalries and the debut of Utah’s rebranded team, the Mammoth.

Full NHL games schedule for opening week

Tuesday, Oct. 7 (ET): 5:00 PM – Blackhawks @ Panthers 8:00 PM – Penguins @ Rangers 10:30 PM – Avalanche @ Kings

Wednesday, Oct. 8: 12:00 AM – Canadiens @ Maple Leafs 12:30 AM – Bruins @ Capitals 3:00 AM – Flames @ Oilers 3:00 AM – Kings @ Golden Knights

Thursday, Oct. 9: 12:00 AM – Blackhawks @ Bruins 12:00 AM – Islanders @ Sabres 12:00 AM – Canadiens @ Red Wings 12:00 AM – Senators @ Lightning 12:00 AM – Flyers @ Panthers 12:30 AM – Devils @ Hurricanes 1:00 AM – Wild @ Blues 1:00 AM – Blue Jackets @ Predators 1:00 AM – Stars @ Jets 2:00 AM – Mammoth @ Avalanche 3:00 AM – Flames @ Canucks 3:00 AM – Golden Knights @ Sharks 3:00 AM – Ducks @ Kraken

Saturday, Oct. 11: 1:30 PM – Kings @ Jets 4:00 PM – Blues @ Flames 7:00 PM – Flyers @ Hurricanes 7:00 PM – Maple Leafs @ Red Wings 7:00 PM – Devils @ Lightning 7:00 PM – Rangers @ Penguins 7:00 PM – Sabres @ Bruins 7:00 PM – Senators @ Panthers 7:00 PM – Capitals @ Islanders 7:00 PM – Canadiens @ Blackhawks 8:00 PM – Mammoth @ Predators 8:00 PM – Blue Jackets @ Wild 9:00 PM – Stars @ Avalanche 10:00 PM – Canucks @ Oilers 10:00 PM – Golden Knights @ Kraken 10:00 PM – Ducks @ Sharks

Sunday, Oct. 12: 7:00 PM – Capitals @ Rangers

Monday, Oct. 13: 12:30 PM – Avalanche @ Sabres 1:00 PM – Jets @ Islanders 1:00 PM – Predators @ Senators 1:00 PM – Lightning @ Bruins 4:00 PM – Red Wings @ Maple Leafs 7:00 PM – Panthers @ Flyers 7:00 PM – Devils @ Blue Jackets 7:30 PM – Blues @ Canucks 8:00 PM – Kings @ Wild 8:30 PM – Mammoth @ Blackhawks

How to watch the NHL on DAZN

All regular-season and Stanley Cup Playoff games stream live* and on demand on NHL.TV via DAZN outside the U.S. and Canada. Fans can choose between the Standard and Ultimate subscription tiers. The Ultimate plan includes Multiview (watch up to four games on one screen), more simultaneous device streams, and the option to watch in two locations at once.

Example season-upfront prices: UK – £109.99 (Standard) / £124.99 (Ultimate) Ireland – €119.99 / €139.99 Germany – €119.99 / €139.99 Japan – ¥15,500 / ¥18,000 Spain – €119.99 / €139.00 France – €119.99 / €139.99 Italy – €119.99 / €139.99

Monthly “Flex” options are also available, letting fans cancel anytime. Prices vary by country.

Key storylines to follow

Florida starts its quest for a historic three-peat after winning the Stanley Cup in back-to-back seasons. Utah debuts its Mammoth identity with early road tests against Colorado and Chicago. The February Olympic break adds urgency, as players push to secure national-team spots ahead of Milano-Cortina 2026.

The bottom line: The NHL schedule opens with big matchups and nonstop action, and DAZN’s NHL.TV platform makes following every game simple for fans worldwide.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Can I watch every NHL game on DAZN?

Yes. Outside the U.S. and Canada, DAZN offers every regular-season and playoff game live* and on demand through NHL.TV.

Q2: What are the opening night games?

Blackhawks vs. Panthers, Penguins vs. Rangers, and Avalanche vs. Kings on Oct. 7.

Q3: Does the schedule include an Olympic break?

Yes. The NHL will pause in February for the Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina 2026.

Q4: What’s included in the Ultimate plan on DAZN?

Features include Multiview to watch four games at once, more simultaneous streams, and the ability to watch in two different locations.

Q5: How much does NHL.TV cost?

Pricing varies by country. In the UK it’s £109.99 Standard or £124.99 Ultimate. Other countries have similar tiered pricing.