Well, the playoff-drought jokes can finally be retired. After an NHL-record 14 consecutive seasons on the outside, Buffalo didn’t just sneak back into the postseason in 2025–2026. The Sabres won the Atlantic Division, knocked out Boston in six games, and came within an overtime goal in Game 7 against Montreal of reaching the Eastern Conference Final.
As someone living just a short drive from Buffalo, I’ve seen how quickly the expectations around this team have changed. Tage Thompson, Rasmus Dahlin, and company aren’t trying to prove the Sabres are close anymore. After last spring’s breakthrough, the challenge is showing they can do it again.
The TV setup has changed, too. If you’re trying to watch Buffalo Sabres games this season, MSG still carries the regional broadcasts, but MSG+ now streams through DAZN instead of The Gotham Sports App. Add national exclusives to the mix, and Sabres fans still need a bit of a TV game plan to follow the full season.
What channels have Buffalo Sabres games?
In the U.S., most Buffalo Sabres games air on MSG Western New York (MSGB), which serves most of upstate New York and parts of Pennsylvania. You can get MSG through participating TV providers or stream regional Sabres games through MSG+ on DAZN. Out-of-market fans can stream most MSG broadcasts through NHL Power Play in the ESPN app.
Buffalo has 14 national-exclusive games in 2026–2027, with matchups airing on ABC, ESPN, and TNT, plus streaming exclusives on ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu. Select Sabres games may also appear on NHL Network for out-of-market viewers during the season.
Want radio coverage? WGR 550 AM in Buffalo remains the Sabres’ flagship station. You can also listen through the Sabres App or Audacy App, while WGR is available on SiriusXM for out-of-market listeners.
2026–2027 Buffalo Sabres TV schedule
Buffalo’s 2026–2027 schedule comes with a different kind of pressure: defending an Atlantic Division title. The NHL’s expanded 84-game format includes four meetings with each division rival, giving the Sabres four chances apiece against Toronto and Montreal — including a few opportunities to revisit the matchup that ended Buffalo’s 2026 playoff run.
Check the full table below for every matchup, start time, and broadcast assignment. We’ll keep this schedule updated as the season progresses.
NHL - Buffalo Sabres Schedule
| Opponent | Date | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
Preseason | |||
Monday, Sept. 21 | 7:00 p.m. | ESPN+, MSGB | |
Tuesday, Sept. 22 | 7:00 p.m. | Sabres.com | |
Thursday, Sept. 24 | 7:00 p.m. | ESPN+, MSGB | |
Saturday, Sept. 26 | 3:00 p.m. | NHL Network, MSGB | |
October | |||
Thursday, Oct. 1 | 7:00 p.m. | ESPN+, MSGB | |
Saturday, Oct. 3 | 7:00 p.m. | ESPN+, MSGB | |
Tuesday, Oct. 6 | 7:00 p.m. | ESPN+, MSGB | |
Thursday, Oct. 8 | 7:00 p.m. | ESPN+, MSGB | |
Saturday, Oct. 10 | 7:00 p.m. | ESPN+, MSGB | |
Monday, Oct. 12 | 1:00 p.m. | ESPN+, MSGB | |
Tuesday, Oct. 13 | 6:30 p.m. | ESPN+, MSGB | |
Thursday, Oct. 15 | 7:00 p.m. | ESPN+, MSGB | |
Saturday, Oct. 17 | 7:00 p.m. | NHL Network, MSGB | |
Wednesday, Oct. 21 | 7:30 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Oct. 24 | 7:00 p.m. | ESPN+, MSGB | |
Tuesday, Oct. 27 | 10:30 p.m. | ||
Thursday, Oct. 29 | 10:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Oct. 31 | 4:00 p.m. | ESPN+, MSGB | |
November | |||
Wednesday, Nov. 4 | 7:30 p.m. | MSGB | |
Friday, Nov. 6 | 7:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
Sunday, Nov. 8 | 3:30 p.m. | MSGB | |
Wednesday, Nov. 11 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Thursday, Nov. 12 | 8:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
At Dallas Stars | Saturday, Nov. 14 | 8:00 p.m. | MSGB |
Tuesday, Nov. 17 | 7:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
Thursday, Nov. 19 | 7:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
Saturday, Nov. 21 | 6:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
Sunday, Nov. 22 | 5:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
Wednesday, Nov. 25 | 7:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
Friday, Nov. 27 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
December | |||
Tuesday, Dec. 1 | 8:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
Thursday, Dec. 3 | 8:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
Friday, Dec. 4 | 9:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
Sunday, Dec. 6 | 8:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
Thursday, Dec. 10 | 7:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
Saturday, Dec. 12 | 7:00 p.m. | Amazon Prime Video, MSGB | |
Monday, Dec. 14 | 2:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
Tuesday, Dec. 15 | 7:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
Friday, Dec. 18 | 7:30 p.m. | ||
Sunday, Dec. 20 | 6:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
Tuesday, Dec. 22 | 7:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
Saturday, Dec. 26 | 7:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
Monday, Dec. 28 | 7:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
Wednesday, Dec. 30 | 7:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
January | |||
Saturday, Jan. 2 | 7:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
Monday, Jan. 4 | 7:30 p.m. | MSGB | |
Tuesday, Jan. 5 | 7:30 p.m. | ||
Friday, Jan. 8 | 7:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
Saturday, Jan. 9 | 7:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
Tuesday, Jan. 12 | 7:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
Thursday, Jan. 14 | 7:30 p.m. | MSGB | |
Saturday, Jan. 16 | 7:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
Monday, Jan. 18 | 2:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
Wednesday, Jan. 20 | 7:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
Thursday, Jan. 21 | 7:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
Sunday, Jan. 24 | 3:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
At Utah Mammoth | Wednesday, Jan. 27 | 9:00 p.m. | MSGB |
Thursday, Jan. 28 | 10:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
Saturday, Jan. 30 | 5:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
February | |||
Wednesday, Feb. 3 | 7:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
Saturday, Feb. 13 | 7:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
Monday, Feb. 15 | 6:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
Thursday, Feb. 18 | 7:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
Saturday, Feb. 20 | 1:30 p.m. | MSGB | |
Sunday, Feb. 21 | 3:30 p.m. | ||
Wednesday, Feb. 24 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Friday, Feb. 26 | 7:30 p.m. | MSGB | |
Saturday, Feb. 27 | 7:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
March | |||
Tuesday, March 2 | 7:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
Thursday, March 4 | 7:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
Saturday, March 6 | 3:00 p.m. | ||
Sunday, March 7 | 3:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
Tuesday, March 9 | 7:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
Friday, March 12 | 7:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
Sunday, March 14 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Monday, March 15 | 7:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
Thursday, March 18 | 7:30 p.m. | ||
Saturday, March 20 | 1:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
Sunday, March 21 | 3:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
Tuesday, March 23 | 7:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
Thursday, March 25 | 7:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
Sunday, March 28 | 8:30 p.m. | ||
Tuesday, March 30 | 8:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
April | |||
Thursday, April 1 | 7:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
Saturday, April 3 | 7:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
Monday, April 5 | 7:00 p.m. | MSGB | |
Wednesday, April 7 | 7:30 p.m. | ||
Saturday, April 10 | 6:00 p.m. | MSGB |
Best TV plans for watching the Buffalo Sabres
Buffalo is one of the trickier NHL teams to cover with a single service because its schedule is split between 70 regional MSG broadcasts and 14 national exclusives. Fortunately, the new MSG+ streaming setup and current TV packages give fans a few clearer paths than they had last season.
My recommendations depend heavily on where you’re watching. DIRECTV offers the strongest all-around setup for local fans who want traditional TV, MSG+ on DAZN is the easiest cable-free route to Buffalo’s regional broadcasts, and ESPN Unlimited makes the most sense if you live outside the Sabres’ territory.
Best Overall
DIRECTV gives local Sabres fans two strong ways to build around MSG. The CHOICE package includes regional sports networks in eligible markets alongside ESPN, TNT, and local ABC access, plus ESPN Unlimited. If you’re mainly after sports, the MySports Genre Pack is a leaner alternative with ESPN, TNT, NHL Network, and ESPN Unlimited; add MyHome Team for MSG where available.
Best for Local Streaming
If you’re in the Sabres’ broadcast territory and don’t want a traditional TV package, MSG+ on DAZN is the new direct streaming home for regional games. The service replaces The Gotham Sports App and carries Buffalo’s 70 MSG-produced regular-season broadcasts.
Current options include $19.99 for the first month and $29.99 per month afterward, a $249.99 annual plan, or $9.99 access to an individual Sabres game. Those subscriptions don’t include Buffalo’s 14 national exclusives, so you’ll still need the appropriate ESPN platform or TNT access on those nights.
Best for Out-of-Market Fans
For Sabres fans living outside the team’s broadcast territory, ESPN Unlimited combines NHL Power Play with the broader ESPN lineup. NHL Power Play in the ESPN app carries most regional MSG broadcasts out of market, while Unlimited also covers Buffalo’s ESPN and ABC national assignments.
You’ll still need TNT access for the Sabres’ TNT exclusives. If you already get ESPN, ABC, and TNT through another TV provider and primarily need NHL Power Play for out-of-market games, ESPN Select is the cheaper alternative and still includes Buffalo’s ESPN+ exclusives.
How to watch the Buffalo Sabres FAQ
How do I watch out-of-market Sabres games?
Most regional Sabres broadcasts are available out of market through NHL Power Play in the ESPN app with ESPN Select or ESPN Unlimited. NHL Center Ice offers another option through participating cable and satellite providers.
Who are the Buffalo Sabres TV commentators?
The Buffalo Sabres' local television broadcasts are currently led by play-by-play announcer Dan Dunleavy, with former Sabres enforcer Rob Ray as the color analyst. Brian Duff and Martin Biron provide studio coverage around MSG broadcasts.
How can I watch Buffalo Sabres games in Canada?
Sportsnet+ Premium is the main streaming option for out-of-market Sabres games in Canada, subject to regional blackouts. Fans in Niagara and parts of Southern Ontario can also get regional Buffalo coverage through Fubo Canada, while select national games may air on Sportsnet or stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.
Why you should trust us
CableTV.com Contributing Writer Ian McLaren is a longtime NHL writer and host of the daily “Locked On Bruins” podcast. Living just a short drive from Buffalo, he’s spent years following the Sabres and navigating the changing mix of regional TV, national broadcasts, and streaming options surrounding the team.
To build our NHL viewing guides, Ian reviews official team schedules, regional and national broadcast information, streaming access rules, and TV provider lineups. CableTV.com also revisits these pages as channel assignments, media rights, streaming services, and provider packages change. Learn more about our process on our How We Rank page.
More ways to watch NHL games
There are a lot of channels and services to keep tabs on this NHL season. But don't worry. Our guide gives you a complete rundown, highlighting the best TV providers so you don't miss a single body check.
NHL Center Ice is an out-of-market sports package for cable and satellite TV subscribers that gets you around 40 NHL games per week. It also includes NHL Network for around-the-clock hockey coverage.
Skate into endless hours of NHL action with ESPN+. Stream 1,050+ out-of-market games and 47 exclusive national matchups with ESPN Select or ESPN Unlimited.
