NHL 2026-27 Season Schedule Unveiled The National Hockey League (NHL) has officially announced the schedule for its 2026-27 season, marking the start of its first 84-game season in over three decades. The league’s opening night will feature a tripleheader on ESPN on Tuesday, September 29, kicking off the new campaign with high-profile matchups. The season’s first action begins at 5 p.m. Eastern Time with the Florida Panthers hosting the Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes, who will raise their 2025-26 championship banner before the puck drops. The Hurricanes’ presence adds anticipation, as they aim to defend their title. Following the Panthers-Hurricanes game, the New York Rangers will take on the Boston Bruins in an Original Six matchup at 8 p.m. This rivalry, a staple of NHL history, promises to draw significant attention. The night will conclude with the Chicago Blackhawks, led by three-time Stanley Cup winner Patrick Kane, facing the Vegas Golden Knights at 10:30 p.m. Kane’s return to Chicago, where he previously played, is expected to generate excitement among fans. The NHL’s Frozen Frenzy, a special event featuring all 32 teams in action, returns on October 13. ESPN will broadcast a tripleheader starting at 6 p.m., with the New Jersey Devils vs. Detroit Red Wings, Colorado Avalanche vs. Dallas Stars, and Boston Bruins vs. San Jose Sharks matches. Additional games will be streamed on the NHL Power Play platform via the ESPN App, with staggered start times beginning at 7 p.m. This setup ensures continuous coverage throughout the night. ESPN2 will also provide a whip-around show, highlighting the best plays, hits, and goals from the night’s action. The 2027 Honda NHL All-Star Weekend will take place at UBS Arena in Long Island, New York, from February 5-6.#new_york_rangers #boston_bruins #chicago_blackhawks #nhl #stanley_cup_champion_carolina_hurricanes
