How to Watch NHL Hockey with DISH
Hockey fans, this is your year.
The 2026–27 NHL season launches with an expanded 84-game regular season schedule—the league's first since 1993–94. The offseason delivered monumental storylines, headlined by the Toronto Maple Leafs executing a dramatic makeover under new GM John Chayka by drafting Gavin McKenna first overall and signing veteran netminder Sergei Bobrovsky. Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers created a formidable brotherly duo by acquiring Brady Tkachuk to pair with Matthew, while the Winnipeg Jets suspended star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck following a training camp holdout.
Heading into the season, projections point to a tight race among top contenders. The Florida Panthers (+700) and Colorado Avalanche (+700) share top Stanley Cup betting odds following Florida's blockbuster trade, while NHL.com’s Dan Rosen surprisingly projected the Montreal Canadiens as his top Cup favorite, citing their deep core led by Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. Other powerhouses like the Dallas Stars and Vegas Golden Knights remain firmly embedded in the championship conversation.
All eyes remain on the Carolina Hurricanes as they attempt to repeat after defeating Vegas in the 2026 Stanley Cup Final. Sitting atop NHL.com's preseason Super 16 power rankings and holding +750 Cup odds, Carolina features enviable depth and organizational continuity. To complete a back-to-back title run, the Canes must manage early hurdles, including forward Seth Jarvis recovering from offseason shoulder surgery and ongoing contract talks with unsigned RFA defenseman Alexander Nikishin. However, with young goaltender Brandon Bussi in net and top prospect Bradly Nadeau stepping into an expanded offensive role, Carolina possesses every key ingredient to defend its crown.
Who will come out on top of the new supersized season? We’ll start to get answers when the NHL season tips off on Tuesday, September 29. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the 2026-27 NHL season, including how to watch all of the action with DISH.
Watch NHL Hockey with DISH
If you’re a hockey diehard, your best option is to subscribe to NHL Center Ice. For just $80 per season (which can be paid in two installments of $40), you will get access to every out-of-market NHL game. And if you’re out of your own home market on a business trip or vacation, you can still watch all of the action with the DISH Anywhere app. Order NHL Center Ice today and never miss a minute of the action.
If you’re more of a casual fan, nationally-televised NHL games during the regular season are split between three broadcasters: TNT, ESPN/ABC, and NHL Network. TNT has the rights to 72 regular season games, most of which air during a Wednesday night doubleheader; TNT will also air a Black Friday double-header, and the Winter Classic on New Year's Eve, and the 2027 Stanley Cup Final. ESPN games will mostly air on Tuesdays. Some of the weekend ESPN broadcasts are elevated to ABC. ESPN will also broadcast this year’s All-Star Weekend on February 5-6. TBS and ESPN are included in most DISH packages; to watch NHL Network, add the Multi-Sport Pack to your DISH subscription.
Local NHL Teams and Blackouts: Navigating RSNs on DISH
To keep our prices as low as possible, DISH does not carry any Regional Sports Networks (or RSNs), so if your local team plays games on one of those channels, you will only get their ESPN and TNT with DISH. However, if you live in a different market than your favorite team, you can watch their games by adding NHL Center Ice to your subscription.
Best DISH Features for Hockey Fans
DISH has a number of great features that hockey fans will love. If you're not able to watch live, you can record games with the Hopper DVR. Or if you're out-of-town, you can use DISH Anywhere to stream games no matter where you are. And if you want to create a shortcut to watch your favorite teams, you can favorite them in GameFinder, and you'll always see their upcoming games and scores first.
How to Watch the Stanley Cup Playoffs
The Stanley Cup playoffs will air on TNT and ESPN. with select first round games airing on NHL Network. TNT and ESPN alternate years for the Stanley Cup Final; this year, it's TNT's turn.
When are the Outdoor Games and All-Star Break?
There are three outdoor games scheduled for the 2026-27 season. The 2026 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic takes place October 25, with the Winnipeg Jets hosting the Montreal Canadiens at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg (TNT). Next up is the 2027 Discover NHL Winter Classic, which features the Colorado Avalanche traveling to the home of the Utah Utes, Rice–Eccles Stadium, to take on the Utah Mammoth on New Year's Eve (TNT). Finally, the Dallas Stars host the Vegas Golden Knights at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on February 20 for the 2027 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series (ABC).
The NHL will also continue its Global Series international games. The defending champion Carolina Hurricanes will visit Helsinki, Finland on November 12 and 14 to take on the Seattle Kraken. Then the Chicago Blackhawks and Ottawa Senators get their passports stamped as they head to Düsseldorf, Germany for a pair of games on December 18 and 20.
As for All-Star Weekend, that will take place at UBS Arena in Elmont, NY (located at Belmont Park, home of the New York Islanders on February 5 (All-Star Skills Competition on ESPN) and February 6 (All-Star Game on ABC).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can You Watch NHL Games for Free?
No. While select games me air on ABC, which can be accessed for free with an over-the-air antenna, you'll need a subscription to see games on ESPN and TNT.
Does DISH have NHL Network?
Yes! NHL Network is included in America's Top 200 and up, or by adding the Multi-Sport pack to your DISH subscription. Browse DISH packages to find the right package for you.
