How To Watch the Boston Bruins: 2025–2026 Season TV Guide

The 2024–2025 season was one Boston Bruins fans would rather forget.

After years of steady contention, the Bruins found themselves near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings—an unfamiliar and uncomfortable position for a franchise so used to winning. A lack of offensive depth, instability behind the bench, and the loss of key veterans (due to injury or trade) all contributed to a season that never quite got off the ground.

But resilience is part of the Bruins’ DNA—and bounce-backs are more common than rebuilds in Boston.

Heading into 2025–2026, there’s genuine reason for optimism. With a healthy defense corps in front of him, Jeremy Swayman is poised to bounce back and solidify his status as the team’s undisputed number-one goalie. David Pastrnak remains one of the league’s most electrifying scorers, while Charlie McAvoy continues to anchor the blue line with leadership and edge.

To address last year’s shortcomings, the front office brought in battle-tested players like Viktor Arvidsson and Tanner Jeannot—both physical, experienced forwards with something to prove. They’re the kind of additions that can help reset the team’s identity without blowing it up.

Meanwhile, young talent like Mason Lohrei and Matt Poitras are pushing for expanded roles, bringing much-needed energy and upside to the lineup.

It’s not a full rebuild—but a reset with intent. The Bruins may not enter the season as Cup favorites, but they look deeper, tougher, and more motivated than they did a year ago. And in Boston, that’s often the first step toward something special.

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to tune back in, this season just might be it.

Jump to:

• Boston Bruins channels
• Boston Bruins TV schedule
• Best Boston Bruins TV plans
• Watch Boston Bruins for free

What channels have Boston Bruins games?

Most Boston Bruins games air on NESN (New England Sports Network), the team’s long-time regional broadcaster. NESN is available across much of New England through cable providers and live TV streaming services like Fubo and Stream with DIRECTV.

Nationally televised Bruins games typically appear on ESPN, TNT, ABC, and NHL Network. Some of these games may also stream on platforms like ESPN+ or HBO Max.

If you’re outside NESN’s broadcast region in the U.S., your best option is ESPN+, which offers access to over 1,000 out-of-market NHL games each season. Just keep in mind that games airing exclusively on ABC, TNT, or NHL Network aren’t available on ESPN+. You’ll need a live TV service for those matchups.

Bruins channels for Canadian fans

In Canada, Bruins games are regularly featured on Sportsnet, TSN, and CBC, depending on the matchup and night. These networks share national NHL broadcast rights and often air Boston games—especially marquee matchups and rivalry nights. You can stream them through Sportsnet NOW, TSN+, or CBC Gem, particularly on Saturday nights as part of Hockey Night in Canada.

2025 Boston Bruins TV schedule

Whether it’s an Original Six clash with the Montreal Canadiens, a divisional showdown with the Toronto Maple Leafs, or a grudge match against the Florida Panthers, the Bruins never lack drama. The annual Black Friday matinee returns as always, offering a uniquely Boston tradition for hockey fans to look forward to.

And don’t forget—this year’s schedule also includes a marquee outdoor game against the Tampa Bay Lightning in February, set to deliver one of the season’s most memorable moments.

Here’s the full 2025–2026 Bruins TV schedule, complete with start times and channel listings.

Data effective as of post date.

Best TV plans for watching the Boston Bruins

The best way to watch the Bruins depends on where you’re tuning in from.

If you’re located in New England, you’ll need a provider that carries NESN, which airs the majority of Bruins regular-season games. NESN is available through most regional cable packages, as well as live TV streaming services like Fubo and Stream with DIRECTV. These platforms also include national sports channels like ESPN and TNT, so you won’t miss a beat when the Bruins appear on major network broadcasts.

If you’re outside New England in the United States, ESPN+ is your go-to for out-of-market Bruins games. It gives you access to over 1,000 NHL matchups each season—including most regular-season Bruins games that aren’t nationally televised.

For games airing exclusively on ABC, TNT, or NHL Network, you’ll need a live TV streaming service such as Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, or YouTube TV. These services help round out your coverage so you don’t miss marquee matchups or playoff previews.

Canadian TV and streaming options

In Canada, Bruins games are frequently broadcast on Sportsnet, TSN, and CBC, depending on the day and opponent. You can stream those games through Sportsnet+, TSN+, or CBC Gem—especially during high-profile rivalry games and Hockey Night in Canada broadcasts.

How to watch the Boston Bruins for free

There’s no guaranteed way to watch the Bruins for free all season, but with a little strategy, you can catch several games without opening your wallet—at least for a while.

In the U.S., the most effective option is to sign up for a free trial with a live TV streaming service like DIRECTV, Fubo, or YouTube TV. These platforms carry channels such as ESPN, ABC, and TNT, giving you access to nationally televised Bruins games during the trial window.

Most free trials last between five and seven days, which is enough to catch a few key matchups if you plan ahead. ESPN+ also occasionally has promotions, especially within the Disney Bundle, making it another solid option for streaming out-of-market games.

Of course, once your trial period ends, a paid plan will be necessary to keep watching. But if you time it right, you can still enjoy several games for free throughout the season.

If you’re in Canada, keep an eye on CBC, which airs select Bruins games as part of Hockey Night in Canada. These Saturday night matchups are free to stream via CBC Gem, no subscription required.

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