It’s the Vancouver Canucks versus the Tampa Bay Lightning at Benchmark International Arena on October 17, 2026. Here’s how to watch live on TV.
- Time: 4:00 PM ET
- Location: Benchmark International Arena
- TV Channels: ESPN Unlimited and NHL Tampa Bay Lightning
- League Package: NHL® CENTER ICE®
How to Watch Vancouver Canucks vs. Tampa Bay Lightning on October 17, 2026
You can watch the Tampa Bay Lightning take on the Vancouver Canucks live on DIRECTV on ESPN Unlimited and NHL Tampa Bay Lightning on October 17, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET.
DIRECTV streaming subscriptions include access to all ESPN Unlimited content, which includes out of market NHL games. You can view games directly within the DIRECTV app. Satellite subscribers can view within the ESPN Unlimited app using their DIRECTV subscription.
Vancouver Canucks (2-6-1) at Tampa Bay Lightning (5-2-0) — Game Preview
The Vancouver Canucks (2-6-1) travel to Benchmark International Arena to face the Tampa Bay Lightning (5-2-0) on October 17.
Paul Cotter leads the Canucks with 4 goals and adds a power play goal, while Brandon Hagel paces the Lightning with 6 goals and 10 points. Elias Pettersson contributes to Vancouver’s efforts with 7 assists and 9 points, whereas Nikita Kucherov matches him with 7 assists of his own for Tampa Bay.
On the injury front, Vancouver enters shorthanded with Thatcher Demko sidelined following hip surgery, while Tampa Bay’s lineup is missing Yanni Gourde, also recovering from hip surgery. The Lightning look to maintain their strong start despite the absence.
Regional Coverage
NHL Tampa Bay Lightning
National TV
ESPN Unlimited
League Packages
NHL® CENTER ICE®
What Time is the Vancouver Canucks vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Game Today?
The Vancouver Canucks vs. Tampa Bay Lightning game starts at 4:00 PM ET.
Where Can I Watch Vancouver Canucks vs. Tampa Bay Lightning?
You can watch Vancouver Canucks vs. Tampa Bay Lightning on ESPN Unlimited, your local regional sports network, NHL Tampa Bay Lightning and NHL® CENTER ICE® .
Players to Watch: Vancouver Canucks vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
Vancouver Canucks
Paul Cotter — LW. From the left wing, Paul Cotter leads the Canucks with 4 goals, including 1 on the power play. He has taken 9 shots this season, showing efficiency in his scoring opportunities. His goal tally is a bright spot for Vancouver’s offense.
Elias Pettersson — C. Center Elias Pettersson directs the Canucks’ attack with 7 assists and 9 points, both team-highs. His plus/minus stands at 1, reflecting his balanced play on both ends of the ice. Pettersson’s ability to create plays is crucial for Vancouver.
Brock Boeser — RW. On the right wing, Brock Boeser has contributed 2 goals and 4 assists, totaling 6 points. Despite a minus-5 rating, his offensive production remains valuable. Boeser looks to improve his defensive impact while maintaining his scoring touch.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Brandon Hagel — LW. Brandon Hagel leads the Lightning from the left wing with 6 goals and 10 points. He has fired 33 shots on goal, demonstrating his aggressive approach. Hagel’s scoring prowess is a key component of Tampa Bay’s offensive strategy.
Nikita Kucherov — RW. Right winger Nikita Kucherov tops the Lightning with 7 assists, adding 2 on the power play. His plus/minus of 1 highlights his effectiveness on the ice. Kucherov’s playmaking ability is vital for Tampa Bay’s success.
Jake Guentzel — C. Center Jake Guentzel has recorded 3 goals and 4 assists, totaling 7 points with a plus/minus of 1. His points-per-game average of 1.00 underscores his consistent contribution. Guentzel’s presence bolsters the Lightning’s depth at center.
Watch NHL hockey Live on DIRECTV
You can watch NHL hockey games live every day right on DIRECTV. Get started today!
Interested in a service that lets you access live sports, and only live sports and includes ESPN Unlimited at no extra cost? Check out MySports® Genre Pack® today.
Statistics provided by ESPN and subject to change.
DIRECTV Insider brings you our views on what’s happening in streaming, t.v., movies and sports. Companies and persons mentioned are not necessarily associated with and do not necessarily endorse DIRECTV. We will disclose sponsored content on our site when we show it to you, and some of the links on the site may be ads or affiliate links which means DIRECTV may earn compensation from your purchases.
