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NHL Games on Today
THURSDAY, DEC. 4
New York Rangers at Ottawa Senators – 7:00 PM
Watch on: ESPN Unlimited, NHL Center Ice, Madison Square Garden
The New York Rangers (14-12) head into this matchup with a somewhat uneven performance record, delivering a respectable 54% win rate. New York has showcased a defensively sound approach, allowing just 2.6 average points against, a metric they’ll look to capitalize on as they face the Ottawa Senators. The Senators (13-9) have been slightly more consistent, with a 58% win percentage and a dynamic offense that puts up an average of 3.2 points per game. Ottawa’s balanced attack and sharper power play at 21% efficiency could prove challenging for the Rangers, who need to leverage their resilience in limiting scoring opportunities.
St. Louis Blues at Boston Bruins – 7:00 PM
Watch on: ESPN Unlimited, NESN+, NHL Center Ice, FanDuel Sports Network Midwest
The St. Louis Blues (9-11-7) head to Boston to face off against the Bruins, in a matchup where the Blues will need to tighten up their defense, given their average of 3.5 goals allowed per game. Despite their struggles, St. Louis brings a persistent offensive threat that can keep any opponent on their toes. The Boston Bruins (15-13-0), with a solid 83% penalty kill, will be confident in cutting down those chances, especially at home with supportive crowd energy. With the Bruins’ dynamic power play currently converting at 25%, the Blues will need a composed defensive performance to keep this game close.
Colorado Avalanche at New York Islanders – 7:00 PM
Watch on: ESPN Unlimited, NHL Center Ice, Altitude Sports
The Colorado Avalanche (19-1-6) come into this matchup with impressive momentum, riding high atop the league standings thanks to their prolific offense, which averages 4.1 goals per game. With an 85% win percentage, the Avalanche’s potent attack and solid 87% penalty kill make them a formidable opponent for anyone. The New York Islanders (14-10-3) will have their hands full, but their balanced play and 57% win percentage highlight their ability to handle tough challenges. A solid defensive showing and their capability to keep games close will be crucial if the Islanders hope to keep pace with Colorado’s offensive firepower and pull off a win at home.
Pittsburgh Penguins at Tampa Bay Lightning – 7:00 PM
Watch on: ESPN Unlimited, NHL Center Ice, SportsNet Pittsburgh
The Pittsburgh Penguins (13-7-5) roll into Tampa Bay with momentum on their side, having shown a knack for explosive offense with a league-leading 33% success on the power play. As they lace up against the Tampa Bay Lightning (16-8-2), the Penguins will need to be at their best, especially facing a Lightning team known for a formidable 89% penalty kill rate. Tampa Bay, buoyed by their consistent home performance and tight defense—allowing just 2.6 goals on average—will look to stifle Pittsburgh’s attack.
Nashville Predators at Florida Panthers – 7:00 PM
Watch on: ESPN Unlimited, NHL Center Ice, FanDuel Sports Network Southeast
The Nashville Predators (9-13) are traveling south to take on the Florida Panthers (12-12) in a matchup that could be pivotal for both teams looking to climb the rankings. With the Predators relying on their modest offense averaging 2.7 goals per game, they will need to tighten up defensively against a Panthers squad that has been balanced, despite their win-loss record. Florida’s 3.0 goals per game average highlights their potential to exploit any defensive lapses by Nashville.
Toronto Maple Leafs at Carolina Hurricanes – 7:30 PM
Watch on: NHL Center Ice, FanDuel Sports
The Toronto Maple Leafs travel to face the Carolina Hurricanes, hoping to build momentum and tighten their defensive play. The Maple Leafs have struggled lately with consistency, as their 81% penalty kill might be tested by the Hurricanes’ growing offensive prowess. Carolina, currently boasting a 68% win percentage, will look to exploit Toronto’s defensive lapses, especially given their ability to limit opponents to 2.8 goals per game. With the Maple Leafs aiming to end their recent skid, special teams could play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of this matchup.
Detroit Red Wings at Columbus Blue Jackets – 7:30 PM
Watch on: ESPN Unlimited, ESPN+, ESPN+ for Business, Hulu, FanDuel Sports Network
The Detroit Red Wings (14-11-2) face off against the Blue Jackets. The Jackets, sitting at a 12-9-5 record, have demonstrated an ability to push games into overtimes, which has contributed to their solid 56% win rate. The Red Wings’ offense, averaging three goals a game, will look to break through a Columbus defense that’s prone to allowing over three goals on average. While Detroit boasts a slight edge in power play execution, Columbus will be eager to capitalize on home ice and leverage their penalty kill, which stands at 74%.
Seattle Kraken at Edmonton Oilers – 9:00 PM
Watch on: ESPN Unlimited, NHL Center Ice
The Seattle Kraken (11-7-6) sail north to clash with the Edmonton Oilers in a matchup of teams with identical .500 records. The Kraken, boasting a strong collective effort, however, face challenges with scoring, averaging just 2.5 goals per game. Edmonton (11-11-5), meanwhile, will rely on their high-octane offense powered by a 29% power play success rate to outscore their defensive woes, as they allow 3.6 goals per game.
Minnesota Wild at Calgary Flames – 9:00 PM
Watch on: ESPN Unlimited, NHL Center Ice, FanDuel Sports Network North
The Minnesota Wild (15-7-5) head to Alberta to face the Calgary Flames (9-15-4) in a matchup that highlights the contrasts between the two teams’ performances this season. With a solid road record and a knack for close games, the Wild’s balanced attack, averaging 2.9 goals per game, could test Calgary’s defense, which has struggled to maintain a tight game, allowing 3.1 goals on average. Despite their record, the Flames hope to leverage the energy of the home crowd and improve their 14% power play efficiency, aiming to exploit any potential lapses in the Wild’s 80% penalty kill.
Chicago Blackhawks at Los Angeles Kings – 10:00 PM
Watch on: ESPN Unlimited, ESPN+ for Business, Hulu, Marquee Sports Network, NBC Sports Chicago
The Chicago Blackhawks (11-9) find themselves on a modest winning path, wielding a strong power play converting 23% of their opportunities. However, their defense will be tested as they travel to face the LA Kings (12-7), who have cultivated a stout defensive structure and boast a penalty kill of 80%. The Kings are riding the momentum of a promising season, supported at home by a defense that allows just 2.8 goals per game.
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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