NHL opens in North America with three games: How to watch
The NHL has finished its overseas opening with the New Jersey Devils sweeping the two-game series against the Buffalo Sabres in Prague, Czechia.
Now the league will open in North America on Tuesday with a tripleheader on ESPN.
The Seattle Kraken, who played in last season’s opening night, will get it started with a home game against the St. Louis Blues.
In the second game, the Florida Panthers will raise their Stanley Cup banner before they face the Boston Bruins, the team they beat in the playoffs the past two seasons. The Panthers received their championship rings on Monday.
The Utah Hockey Club will make their debut in the late game, hosting Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks.
What to know about the NHL’s North American opening night:
What’s the NHL schedule for opening night in North America?
Times p.m. ET
- St. Louis Blues at Seattle Kraken, 4:30
- Boston Bruins at Florida Panthers, 7
- Chicago Blackhawks at Utah Hockey Club, 10
How do I watch NHL opening night in North America?
All three games will be broadcast on ESPN.
How do I live stream NHL opening night in North America?
Games can be live streamed on ESPN+ and Fubo.
St. Louis Blues at Seattle Kraken, 4:30
Both teams were aggressive in the offseason after missing the playoffs in 2023-24. The Kraken added Stanley Cup winners Brandon Montour, Chandler Stephenson and coach Dan Bylsma. The Blues added forward Dylan Holloway and defenseman Philip Broberg through offer sheets.
Boston Bruins at Florida Panthers, 7
The Panthers stunned the record-setting Bruins in the first round in 2023 and knocked them out in the second round last season. That series got feisty with Matthew Tkachuk and David Pastrnak fighting. Though goalie Jeremy Swayman didn’t sign until Sunday and missed training camp, Bruins coach Jim Montgomery said he looked sharp in Monday’s practice and the team hadn’t decided on a starter for Tuesday.
Chicago Blackhawks at Utah Hockey Club, 10
Utah makes its NHL debut at the Delta Center. Under new team owners Ryan and Ashley Smith, the former Arizona Coyotes beefed up their blue line with Mikhail Sergachev, John Marino and Ian Cole. The Blackhawks got help during the offseason for Bedard, signing Tyler Bertuzzi and Teuvo Teravainen.
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