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.
THURSDAY, APR 3
Tampa Bay Lightning at Ottawa Senators – 7:00 PM – MLB Network, NHL Center Ice, FanDuel Sports Network Sun
The Tampa Bay Lightning (44-25-5) roll into the Canadian Tire Centre to face the Ottawa Senators (39-29-6) in a matchup that pits two high-scoring teams against each other. Tampa Bay’s impressive 63% win rate, bolstered by their potent offense averaging 3.6 goals per game, sets them up as formidable opponents. Their power play, clicking at a 25% success rate, could prove crucial against an Ottawa team known for solid special teams. The Senators, with a 57% win rate and scoring an average of 2.9 goals per game, will need to rely on their balanced play and disciplined penalty killing, which has been successful 77% of the time. If the Senators aim to topple the Lightning, they’ll have to exploit Tampa Bay’s occasional defensive lapses and maintain a high tempo to keep pace with the visitors’ relentless attack.
Boston Bruins at Montreal Canadiens – 7:00 PM – NESN, NHL Center Ice, NBC Sports Boston, NESN
The Boston Bruins (30-36-9) head into this matchup against the Montreal Canadiens (35-30-9) in a clash of Original Six teams that have seen better days. The Bruins have struggled this season, managing only a 46% win rate and allowing an average of 3.3 goals per game, exposing vulnerabilities that the Canadiens could exploit. Despite Montreal’s 53% win rate, they have faced challenges of their own, with a defense yielding 3.4 goals per game. However, their slightly higher offensive output at an average of 3 goals per game provides them a slight edge in this matchup. The Canadiens will look to capitalize on Boston’s inconsistent penalty kill, which sits at 76%, while the Bruins need to tighten their defense to contain Montreal’s scoring threat. This game could be a tightly contested affair, where special teams play might tip the scales.
Colorado Avalanche at Columbus Blue Jackets – 7:30 PM – NHL Center Ice, Altitude Sports
The Colorado Avalanche (46-26-4) head to Columbus to face the Blue Jackets (34-30-9) in what promises to be an intriguing matchup. Colorado boasts a potent offense, averaging 3.3 goals per game, which is supported by a solid power play that converts 25% of the time. Their defensive stability, allowing only 2.8 goals per game, presents a tough challenge for the Blue Jackets. Meanwhile, Columbus has displayed resilience this season, playing to a modest 53% win rate with a matching scoring prowess of 3.3 goals per game. However, they struggle defensively, conceding 3.4 goals per game, which could play into Colorado’s hands if they don’t tighten their back end. Both teams possess high stakes, as Columbus aims to leverage home ice to contain the Avalanche’s firepower and secure a crucial victory.
Pittsburgh Penguins at St. Louis Blues – 8:00 PM – NHL Center Ice, SportsNet Pittsburgh
The Pittsburgh Penguins (30-34-11) will aim to reverse their fortunes as they face off against the St. Louis Blues (41-28-7) in what promises to be an intriguing matchup. The Penguins have endured a challenging season, with a win percentage of just 47% and finding themselves conceding an average of 3.7 goals per game. This defensive frailty could be a significant liability against a St. Louis team that not only boasts a healthier 59% win rate but also produces a solid 3 goals per game. The Blues, backed by their effective penalty kill unit at 74%, might find their power play opportunities limited against Pittsburgh’s penalty kill of 78%. For the Penguins to compete, containing the Blues’ balanced attack will be crucial, while they must capitalize on St. Louis’s average defense that allows 2.8 goals per game. It’s a contest where Pittsburgh needs a strong defensive show to stand a chance against the Blues’ impressive offensive lineup.
Nashville Predators at Dallas Stars – 8:00 PM – NHL Center Ice, Victory+, FanDuel Sports Network Southeast
The Nashville Predators (27-40-8) are facing a challenging visit to the Dallas Stars (49-21-4) in a matchup underscored by stark contrasts in form and defense. Nashville, with a 41% win rate, has been struggling this season, allowing 3.3 goals per game and looking particularly vulnerable on defense. Against Dallas’ high-powered offense, which averages 3.4 goals per game, the Predators’ shaky defense could be exposed once again. The Stars, boasting a formidable 69% win percentage, have been a dominant force, especially in their defensive zone, allowing just 2.6 goals per game. For Nashville to stand a chance, they’ll need to tighten their defense and find ways to breach Dallas’ solid backline.
Los Angeles Kings at Utah Hockey Club – 9:00 PM – NHL Center Ice, FanDuel Sports Network West
The LA Kings (42-23-9) head to Utah to take on the Utah Hockey Club (34-29-12) in what promises to be an intriguing battle. The Kings have been a model of defensive stability this season, conceding only 2.5 goals per game and showcasing a disciplined penalty kill at 82%. This robust defense will be crucial against a Utah side that, while not overly prolific, has been stubbornly competitive with a 53% win percentage. Utah’s power play, successful 21% of the time, might struggle to break through the Kings’ defensive setups. For Los Angeles, capitalizing on their offensive chances and maintaining their defensive integrity could guide them to a road victory, while Utah will aim to exploit any cracks in the Kings’ armor to maintain their competitive edge.
Anaheim Ducks at Calgary Flames – 09:30 PM – NHL Center Ice, Victory+, FanDuel Sports Network SoCal
The Anaheim Ducks (33-33-8) head into this matchup looking to stabilize a season marked by inconsistency. With a balanced .500 record and a defense that allows 3.1 goals per game, the Ducks will need to tighten up against a formidable Calgary Flames team. The Flames (35-27-12) have shown strength, boasting a 55% win rate and a penalty kill that sits at 75%. Calgary’s ability to suppress opponents’ scoring chances might prove too challenging for Anaheim’s offense, which averages 2.8 goals per game. If the Ducks hope to compete, they’ll need to capitalize on power-play opportunities and focus on shutting down the Flames’ opportunistic scoring.
Winnipeg Jets at Vegas Golden Knights – 10:00 PM – NHL Center Ice
The Winnipeg Jets (51-20-4) take on the Vegas Golden Knights (45-21-8) in a matchup featuring two of the Western Conference’s most formidable teams. The Jets have been outstanding this season with a remarkable 71% win rate and the best defense in the league, allowing only 2.4 goals per game. Their offensive firepower, averaging 3.4 goals per game, is balanced by a potent power play converting at a 29% rate. On the other side, the Golden Knights also boast strong performances, maintaining a 66% win rate, with a similarly strong offense and a power play success of 31%, the league’s highest. This game promises to be a thrilling clash of titans where defensive discipline and capitalizing on special teams opportunities may tip the balance.
Edmonton Oilers at San Jose Sharks – 10:30 PM – ESPN+, Hulu, NBC Sports California Plus
The Edmonton Oilers (43-26-5) are set to face the San Jose Sharks (20-44-10) in what appears to be a lopsided matchup judging by current season records. The Oilers have played strong throughout the season, touting a 61% win rate, supported by a robust offense that averages 3.2 goals per game and an equally reliable defense allowing just 2.9 goals per game. On the other hand, the Sharks have had a challenging year, with the lowest win percentage in the league at 34%, struggling defensively with an average of 3.8 goals against per game. Edmonton’s potent power play, capitalizing 25% of the time, could make it an arduous night for the Sharks’ defense. The Oilers will aim to exploit San Jose’s weaknesses and continue their push towards the playoffs, while the Sharks need to tighten up defensively to stand a chance of pulling off an upset.
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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