Mon Jul 14 14:10:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The NHL announced its 2025-26 regular season opening night schedule. The season will begin on Tuesday, October 7, with a tripleheader broadcast on ESPN (US) and Sportsnet/TVA Sports (Canada). The Florida Panthers will host the Chicago Blackhawks, followed by the Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Rangers and Colorado Avalanche vs. Los Angeles Kings games. The full season schedule will be released on Wednesday, July 16, with a special NHL Network program covering the schedule release.

**News Article:**

**NHL Announces 2025-26 Season Opener: Panthers Begin Cup Defense Against Blackhawks**

NEW YORK – The NHL is gearing up for the 2025-26 season with a thrilling opening night lineup set for Tuesday, October 7. Hockey fans can tune in to ESPN in the US and Sportsnet/TVA Sports in Canada for a tripleheader kicking off the new campaign.

The action begins at 5 p.m. ET when the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers host the Chicago Blackhawks. The Panthers will raise their second consecutive championship banner at Amerant Bank Arena before the puck drops.

The evening continues with an 8 p.m. ET Metropolitan Division clash between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.

Rounding out the opening night festivities, the Colorado Avalanche will travel to Crypto.com Arena to face the Los Angeles Kings in a Western Conference showdown at 10:30 p.m. ET.

The complete 2025-26 NHL regular-season schedule will be unveiled on Wednesday, July 16, at 1 p.m. ET. NHL Network will air a special one-hour edition of “NHL Tonight” at the same time, hosted by Jamison Coyle, Mike Rupp, and E.J. Hradek, to break down the schedule. The special programming will also be available on NHL.com. NHL Network will continue its coverage with its regular “NHL Tonight” show at 6 p.m. ET.

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