There’s no better way to heat up in the dead of winter than watching two hockey players smash into the board while one of their teammates steals the puck and sinks into deep into the net. And we get plenty of that each year from October through June!
Here’s our daily guide to watching NHL games on TV in the 2024-2025 season. We’ll keep this page up to date each day, so you don’t miss any of the exciting NHL games today on TV. Will the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers pull of a repeat, or will another hopeful team challenge them for the crown?
For fans who are serious about sports, and only sports, get a channel lineup packed with the games you want – only from DIRECTV.
TUESDAY, APRIL 1
Florida Panthers at Montreal Canadiens – 7:00 PM – NHL Center Ice, FanDuel Sports Network Florida
The Florida Panthers (44-26-3) head north to face the Montreal Canadiens (34-30-9) in what promises to be a dynamic showdown. With a solid 62% win rate, the Panthers have shown their prowess on both ends of the ice, averaging a stout 3.2 goals per game while limiting opponents to just 2.7. Their formidable offense, supported by a striking 24% power play conversion, will look to capitalize on any defensive slip-ups from Montreal. The Canadiens, holding a 53% win rate, have been quite competitive as well, managing 3 goals per game. However, their defense has shown vulnerabilities, conceding 3.4 goals on average. Key to Montreal’s success will be their ability to tighten up defensively, particularly against Florida’s explosive offensive talents.
Washington Capitals at Boston Bruins – 7:00 PM – NESN, NHL Center Ice, Monumental Sports Network
The Washington Capitals (47-17-9) head into Boston with a dominant 71% win rate and a high-powered offense averaging 3.6 goals per game. Their defensive stability, allowing just 2.7 goals per game, is bolstered by a solid penalty kill at 82%. Meanwhile, the Boston Bruins (30-35-9) face a tough challenge, holding only a 47% win rate. The Bruins have struggled defensively, allowing 3.3 goals per game, which could be exploited by Washington’s potent attack. Boston will need a strong performance from their special teams, specifically their power play, if they hope to counter the Capitals’ dynamic play and snap their current losing streak.
Buffalo Sabres at Ottawa Senators – 7:00 PM – NHL Center Ice, Madison Square Garden Sports Network
The Buffalo Sabres (31-36-6) head into this matchup against the Ottawa Senators (39-28-6) looking to turn the tide as the season winds down. Despite their struggles, Buffalo’s offense has remained potent, averaging 3.3 goals per game, one of the higher scoring averages in the league. However, their defensive woes are evident, conceding 3.6 goals per game, which could be a significant challenge against Ottawa’s balanced style. The Senators have a sound defense and can capitalize on Buffalo’s lapses with their efficient 2.9 goals-per-game offense. For the Sabres to upset the Senators, they’ll need to tighten up defensively and capitalize on Ottawa’s occasional defensive hiccups, while Ottawa will aim to exploit Buffalo’s inconsistent play and solidify their playoff positioning.
Nashville Predators at Columbus Blue Jackets – 7:00 PM – NHL Center Ice, FanDuel Sports Network Southeast
The Nashville Predators (27-39-8) take on the Columbus Blue Jackets (33-30-9) in a battle of teams seeking late-season improvements. The Predators have endured a challenging season with a 42% win rate, primarily struggling on the defensive end as they allow 3.2 goals per game. Nashville’s offense, generating only 2.5 goals per game, will need to step up against a Blue Jackets squad whose games tend to be high-scoring affairs, as they both score and concede an average of 3.3 goals. Columbus, with a slightly better 52% win rate, will look to take advantage of Nashville’s defensive lapses. For the Predators, finding success on special teams will be vital; they have a respectable 21% power play, while Columbus’s penalty kill sits at 75%.
Tampa Bay Lightning at New York Islanders – 7:30 PM – ESPN+, ESPN+ for Business, Hulu, FanDuel Sports Network Sun
The Tampa Bay Lightning (43-25-5) head to face the New York Islanders (32-31-10) in what promises to be an intriguing Eastern Conference showdown. Tampa Bay, boasting a 62% win rate and averaging a robust 3.6 goals per game, come into this matchup as a potent offensive force. Their prowess in scoring is complemented by a formidable power play, converting 26% of their opportunities, which could spell trouble for the Islanders’ penalty kill sitting at just 72%. Meanwhile, the Islanders, despite their 51% win record, have the resilience to surprise stronger opponents, especially at home. They will need to sharpen their defensive effort, reducing the 3.1 goals against they currently allow on average, to contend with Tampa’s high-octane attack. For the Islanders to pull through, they’ll need to focus on disrupting Tampa Bay’s rhythm and take advantage of any openings on transitions.
Detroit Red Wings at St. Louis Blues – 8:00 PM – NHL Center Ice, NHL Network, FanDuel Sports Network Detroit
The Detroit Red Wings (34-33-6) hit the road to face the St. Louis Blues (40-28-7) in a contest between two teams fighting for momentum as the season progresses. Detroit has shown flashes of offensive capability this season with an average of 2.9 goals per game, powered by an impressive power play percentage of 29%. However, their defense has been inconsistent, allowing 3.2 goals per game, which could pose a challenge against the Blues’ balanced attack. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Blues, boasting a win percentage of 58%, have been stronger offensively, averaging 3.1 goals per game, while maintaining a solid penalty kill. The key to this matchup will be whether the Red Wings can exploit their power play opportunities against a resilient Blues defense.
Calgary Flames at Utah Hockey Club – 9:00 PM – NHL Center Ice, NHL Network,
The Calgary Flames (35-26-12) head into this matchup against the Utah Hockey Club (33-29-12) looking to solidify their spot in the standings. With a win percentage of 56% and an average of 2.6 goals per game, the Flames rely heavily on their defensive structure, allowing just 3 goals against on average. Their power play, though not stellar at 21%, will need to capitalize on opportunities against Utah’s penalty kill, which stands at 81%. Utah, with a 53% win rate, counters with an average of 2.8 goals for and against per game, indicating relatively balanced play. With both teams nearly even in terms of head-to-head capability, this matchup might hinge on which team can make the most of special teams play to break the deadlock.
Edmonton Oilers at Vegas Golden Knights – 10:00 PM – NHL Center Ice, NHL Network,
The Edmonton Oilers (42-26-5) face off against the Vegas Golden Knights (45-20-8) in a highly anticipated matchup that could have playoff implications. The Oilers have been formidable offensively, averaging 3.2 goals per game, backed by their lethal power play operating at 25%. However, their relatively average defense, allowing 2.9 goals per game, might struggle against the Golden Knights’ relentless attack. Vegas, boasting an impressive 67% win rate and averaging 3.4 goals per game, has been a powerhouse this season. Their impeccable balance of a 31% power play efficiency and a stingy defense that allows just 2.7 goals per game makes them a tough opponent to crack. This heavyweight clash will test the Oilers’ resilience and require them to keep up defensively if they hope to steal a win on the road.
San Jose Sharks at Anaheim Ducks – 10:00 PM – NHL Center Ice, Victory+, NBC Sports California Plus
The San Jose Sharks (20-44-9) travel to face the Anaheim Ducks (32-33-8) in a matchup of two teams looking to finish their seasons on a positive note. The Sharks have struggled mightily this season, with only a 34% win percentage, exacerbated by their defensive woes, allowing 3.8 goals per game—the highest in the league. Their power play sits at a decent 19%, but they’ll need more than that to penetrate Anaheim’s defense consistently. Meanwhile, the Ducks maintain a slim 49% win rate and an offensive output of 2.8 goals per game, slightly below average. However, with the Sharks’ leaky defense, Anaheim will be aiming to exploit these weaknesses, especially targeting the penalty kill rated at just 74%, the third worst in the league. To swing the game in their favor, the Ducks need to capitalize on San Jose’s lapses and intensify their offensive aggression.
Winnipeg Jets at Los Angeles Kings – 10:30 PM – NHL Center Ice, FanDuel Sports Network West
The Winnipeg Jets head to the City of Angels to take on the LA Kings. The Jets, boasting an impressive 72% win rate, have been flying high atop the standings, primarily with their potent offense averaging 3.5 goals per game and a rock-solid defense that allows just 2.3 goals per game. Their stellar power play, converting at an impressive 30%, will be a significant test for the Kings. Los Angeles, holding a solid 62% win rate, has leaned on a strong defensive effort, allowing only 2.5 goals per game, supported by a reliable penalty kill that operates at 82%. For the Kings to challenge the high-flying Jets, they’ll need to exploit any rare defensive missteps by Winnipeg while keeping their own defensive structure firm to withstand the Jets’ scoring threats.
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 2024-2025 NHL season start?
The NHL season begins on October 4, 2024.
When does the 2024-2025 NHL season end?
The NHL season ends on April 17, 2025.
Who won the NHL Stanley Cup Final last season?
The Florida Panthers won the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Final.
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