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NHL Games on Today
All times ET
Thursday, Feb. 26
Tampa Bay Lightning at Carolina Hurricanes – 7:00 PM – NHL Center Ice, FanDuel Sports South, Scripps, Hulu
Tampa Bay enters this matchup relying on the high-end production of Nikita Kucherov to maintain their position atop the Atlantic Division. Carolina continues to lead the Metropolitan Division behind a structured defensive system and the offensive punch of Seth Jarvis and Sebastian Aho. The Hurricanes have been nearly unbeatable at home this season, but they must contend with a Lightning power play that remains among the league’s most efficient.
Detroit Red Wings at Ottawa Senators – 7:00 PM – NHL Center Ice, FanDuel Sports Detroit
Detroit looks to snap a pre-break slump that saw them struggle with offensive consistency despite the steady presence of Lucas Raymond and Dylan Larkin. The Senators have found recent success through a balanced attack led by Tim Stützle, significantly improving their goals-against average during a strong February run. Defensively, the Red Wings must prioritize gap control to limit Ottawa’s speed through the neutral zone, particularly when Moritz Seider is off the ice. Goaltending remains a focal point for both clubs as they fight for positioning in a crowded Eastern Conference wild-card race.
Columbus Blue Jackets at Boston Bruins – 7:00 PM – NHL Center Ice, NESN, FanDuel Sports Cincinnati, FanDuel Sport
The Columbus Blue Jackets travel to Boston carrying significant momentum from a seven-game winning streak fueled by the defensive play of Zach Werenski. Boston returns home seeking a reset after defensive lapses led to consecutive losses before the mid-season pause. David Pastrnak continues to lead the Bruins’ offense, but the team’s success tonight will depend on their ability to penetrate a Columbus forecheck that has become increasingly aggressive.
Toronto Maple Leafs at Florida Panthers – 7:00 PM – NHL Center Ice, Scripps
This Atlantic Division clash features a Toronto squad led by Auston Matthews facing a Florida team dealing with several key absences, including captain Aleksander Barkov. The Maple Leafs have recently struggled with defensive depth following injuries to Chris Tanev, placing more responsibility on Morgan Rielly and Jake McCabe. Florida’s aggressive forecheck and physical style under Paul Maurice will test Toronto’s breakout efficiency and secondary scoring. Sergey Bobrovsky is expected to start for the Panthers, providing a veteran edge against a Toronto offense that remains dangerous at even strength.
New Jersey Devils at Pittsburgh Penguins – 7:00 PM – NHL Center Ice, MSG Sports Network, SportsNet Pittsburgh
The Penguins return to action with a veteran group that has remained highly competitive at home this season. New Jersey arrives with a younger core but faces questions regarding defensive consistency and shot suppression. Pittsburgh’s penalty kill has been elite recently, which will be a critical factor against a Devils power play featuring Olympic hero Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt. The matchup in the crease will be pivotal, as the Penguins look to Egor Chinakhov’s recent scoring surge to pressure a New Jersey defense that has been prone to high-danger turnovers.
New York Islanders at Montreal Canadiens – 7:00 PM – NHL Center Ice, MSG Sports Network
The New York Islanders bring their trademark defensive structure to the Bell Centre, looking to stifle a Montreal offense that relies heavily on the transition play of Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki. Montreal has been favored at home, but their ability to crack the Islanders’ penalty kill will be a major narrative in this contest. New York continues to lean on its veteran leadership to navigate a tight playoff race, emphasizing a heavy cycles and low-risk play in the offensive zone.
Seattle Kraken at St. Louis Blues – 8:00 PM – NHL Center Ice, TEGNA, Amazon Prime Video, FanDuel Sports Mid
Seattle enters this Western Conference matchup looking to bounce back from a recent loss, relying on Jordan Eberle and Vince Dunn to drive their offensive generation. The Blues have struggled for consistency in February and will likely turn to Joel Hofer in net as they seek to stabilize their defensive zone coverage. Seattle’s depth across four lines typically allows them to maintain a high-pressure forecheck, which could expose a St. Louis defensive corps that has had difficulty with puck management this season.
Chicago Blackhawks at Nashville Predators – 8:00 PM – NHL Center Ice, NHL Network, Chicago Sports Network, FanDuel
The Nashville Predators look to leverage home-ice advantage to snap a two-game skid, anchored by the playmaking of Ryan O’Reilly and the veteran presence of Roman Josi. Chicago continues to build around Connor Bedard, who leads the team in points but faces a daunting task against a Predators defensive system that excels at limiting middle-ice access. Nashville’s Juuse Saros remains a focal point in goal, especially after a strong international showing that suggests he is found his top form.
Philadelphia Flyers at New York Rangers – 8:00 PM – ESPN, MSG Sports Network
This Metropolitan Division rivalry matchup features a Rangers team that remains one of the more balanced units in the league. The Flyers bring a high-energy style that often disrupts more skill-oriented opponents, but they will need a disciplined performance to stay out of the penalty box against New York’s elite power play. Igor Shesterkin provides a significant advantage in net for the Rangers, particularly if the Flyers can generate high-volume shots through their aggressive forecheck.
Minnesota Wild at Colorado Avalanche – 9:00 PM – NHL Center Ice, NHL Network, Altitude Sports and Entertainment
The Minnesota Wild face a difficult road test against a Colorado Avalanche team that leads the league in goals per game at home. Minnesota’s success is largely tied to their top-tier power play and the individual brilliance of Kirill Kaprizov, but they must find a way to slow down Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar at even strength. The Avalanche have utilized their speed to overwhelm opponents in transition, making gap control essential for the Wild’s defensive pairings. Goaltending form will be critical, as both teams look to re-establish their rhythm following the Olympic break in a matchup with major Central Division seeding implications.
Calgary Flames at San Jose Sharks – 10:00 PM – NHL Center Ice, NHL Network, NBC Sports California
The San Jose Sharks look to end a four-game losing streak as they host a Calgary Flames team that has struggled with offensive production throughout the campaign. San Jose’s young core, featuring Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith, will be tested by a veteran Calgary blue line that remains disciplined and effective at shot-blocking. The Flames rely on a heavy, cycle-based game to compensate for a lack of high-end scoring, which could prove effective against a Sharks defense that has allowed high volumes of shots.
Edmonton Oilers at Los Angeles Kings – 10:30 PM – ESPN, FanDuel Sports West
The Edmonton Oilers visit the Los Angeles Kings in a rematch of last season’s playoffs, highlighting a contrast between Edmonton’s high-octane offense and the Kings’ rigid defensive system. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl lead an Oilers power play that remains the league standard, while the Kings counter with a structured 1-3-1 neutral zone trap designed to frustrate elite speed. Los Angeles will need a standout performance from their goaltending to weather the inevitable surges from Edmonton’s top lines.
Where to Watch NHL Games
There are plenty of places to make sure you don’t miss a moment of your favorite NHL team’s season. Here’s where to watch NHL hockey games on TV today and all season long:
- REGIONAL SPORTS LINEUP (only available in some areas)
- TNT – 245
- ESPN – 206
- ABC –Check local listings
- NHL Network
- NHL® CENTER ICE®*
*currently available for satellite customers
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Frequently Asked Questions
When does the 2025-2026 NHL season start?
The NHL season begins on October 7, 2025.
When does the 2025-2026 NHL season end?
The NHL season ends on April 16, 2026.
Who won the NHL Stanley Cup Final last season?
The Florida Panthers won the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Final.
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