The Chicago Blackhawks remain in the thick of a rebuild, but they’re no longer just waiting for the future. Connor Bedard set career highs with 30 goals, 45 assists, and 75 points last season, while Frank Nazar, Oliver Moore, and Anton Frondell gave Chicago more of the young talent it’s been stockpiling. Each game offers another glimpse of this next generation of Blackhawks taking shape.
Chicago’s young core looks a little different in 2026–2027. Bedard underwent shoulder surgery before the season, Patrick Kane is back in Chicago, and Bowen Byram is another new piece on defense. That’s a lot of change for a team trying to turn growth into something closer to a playoff push.
Whether you’re in Illinois or watching from afar, there are several ways to follow the Blackhawks this season. Below, we’ll break down the local and national viewing setup, lay out the complete TV schedule, and recommend our best options for in-market and out-of-market fans.
What channels have Chicago Blackhawks games?
Most Blackhawks games air locally on Chicago Sports Network (CHSN). In-market fans can get CHSN through participating TV providers or subscribe directly through the CHSN app, with some games moving to CHSN+ during scheduling conflicts. Outside the Blackhawks’ broadcast territory, most CHSN broadcasts are available through NHL Power Play on the ESPN app (streaming) and NHL Center Ice (cable/satellite).
Chicago also has 17 nationally distributed games across ABC, ESPN, ESPN+, Disney+, Hulu, and TNT. Select Blackhawks matchups may also air on NHL Network in out-of-market territories.
Want radio coverage? WGN Radio 720 AM carries all 84 Blackhawks regular-season games, with John Wiedeman on play-by-play alongside Steve Konroyd. TuneIn Premium also offers live play-by-play of every NHL game with no blackouts.
2026–2027 Chicago Blackhawks TV schedule
The Blackhawks’ expanded 84-game schedule runs from September 29 through April 10. Schedule highlights include the season opener against Vegas on ESPN and two December NHL Global Series games against Ottawa in Düsseldorf, Germany. The schedule also features two seven-game homestands, giving the young Blackhawks plenty of extended time at United Center.
Scroll down for the complete game-by-game Blackhawks schedule with Eastern start times and U.S. TV or streaming information. We’ll keep it updated throughout the season as NHL Network selections and other broadcast details are announced.
NHL - Chicago Blackhawks Schedule
| Opponent | Date | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
Preseason | |||
Saturday, Sept. 19 | 8:00 p.m. | ESPN+, CHSN+ | |
Monday, Sept. 21 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
Thursday, Sept. 24 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Sept. 26 | 7:00 p.m. | NHL Network, CHSN+ | |
September | |||
Tuesday, Sept. 29 | 10:45 p.m. | ||
October | |||
At Utah Mammoth | Thursday, Oct. 1 | 9:30 p.m. | |
Saturday, Oct. 3 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Tuesday, Oct. 6 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
Thursday, Oct. 8 | 7:30 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Oct. 10 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Tuesday, Oct. 13 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
Thursday, Oct. 15 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Oct. 17 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Friday, Oct. 23 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
Sunday, Oct. 25 | 3:00 p.m. | ||
Tuesday, Oct. 27 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
Thursday, Oct. 29 | 7:30 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Oct. 31 | 1:00 p.m. | ||
November | |||
Monday, Nov. 2 | 8:00 p.m. | CHSN+ | |
Wednesday, Nov. 4 | 7:30 p.m. | ||
Thursday, Nov. 5 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Nov. 7 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
Thursday, Nov. 12 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Nov. 14 | 3:30 p.m. | ||
Tuesday, Nov. 17 | 7:30 p.m. | ||
Thursday, Nov. 19 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Nov. 21 | 3:30 p.m. | ||
Sunday, Nov. 22 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
Wednesday, Nov. 25 | 9:40 p.m. | ||
Friday, Nov. 27 | 5:30 p.m. | ||
Sunday, Nov. 29 | 2:00 p.m. | ||
Monday, Nov. 30 | 7:30 p.m. | ||
December | |||
Thursday, Dec. 3 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
Friday, Dec. 4 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
Sunday, Dec. 6 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Tuesday, Dec. 8 | 7:30 p.m. | ||
Thursday, Dec. 10 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Dec. 12 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
At Ottawa Senators (in Düsseldorf) | Friday, Dec. 18 | 1:00 p.m. | |
At Ottawa Senators (in Düsseldorf) | Sunday, Dec. 20 | 8:00 a.m. | TBD |
Sunday, Dec. 27 | 3:00 p.m. | ||
Tuesday, Dec. 29 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
January | |||
Friday, Jan. 1 | 3:00 p.m. | ||
At Dallas Stars | Saturday, Jan. 2 | 8:00 p.m. | |
Monday, Jan. 4 | 7:30 p.m. | ||
Thursday, Jan. 7 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Jan. 9 | Noon | ||
Sunday, Jan. 10 | 7:30 p.m. | ||
Tuesday, Jan. 12 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
Thursday, Jan. 14 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Jan. 16 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Monday, Jan. 18 | 8:30 p.m. | ||
Wednesday, Jan. 20 | 7:30 p.m. | ||
Friday, Jan. 22 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
Sunday, Jan. 24 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Tuesday, Jan. 26 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
Thursday, Jan. 28 | 10:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Jan. 30 | 4:00 p.m. | ||
February | |||
Wednesday, Feb. 10 | 10:00 p.m. | ||
Thursday, Feb. 11 | 10:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Feb. 13 | 6:00 p.m. | ||
Wednesday, Feb. 17 | 7:30 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Feb. 20 | 3:00 p.m. | ||
Sunday, Feb. 21 | 6:00 p.m. | ||
Tuesday, Feb. 23 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
Friday, Feb. 26 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
Sunday, Feb. 28 | 6:30 p.m. | ||
March | |||
Monday, March 1 | 8:30 p.m. | ||
Wednesday, March 3 | 10:00 p.m. | ||
Friday, March 5 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, March 6 | 10:00 p.m. | ||
Monday, March 8 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
Wednesday, March 10 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, March 13 | 6:00 p.m. | ||
Sunday, March 14 | 4:30 p.m. | ||
Tuesday, March 16 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
At Utah Mammoth | Friday, March 19 | 10:00 p.m. | |
Sunday, March 21 | 5:00 p.m. | ||
Tuesday, March 23 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
Thursday, March 25 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Friday, March 26 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
Sunday, March 28 | 2:00 p.m. | ||
Tuesday, March 30 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
April | |||
Thursday, April 1 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
At Dallas Stars | Saturday, April 3 | 6:00 p.m. | |
Tuesday, April 6 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
Thursday, April 8 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, April 10 | 6:00 p.m. |
Best TV plans for watching the Chicago Blackhawks
Watching the Blackhawks depends heavily on where you live. Chicago-area fans need CHSN for most of the schedule, plus separate access to nationally distributed games. Fans outside the Blackhawks’ territory can skip the local-network problem and rely primarily on NHL Power Play via the ESPN app.
If you’re choosing a TV plan, our three picks cover distinctly different needs. They range from broad local and national coverage to straightforward CHSN streaming and out-of-market access.
Best Overall
DIRECTV offers the broadest setup for Chicago-area Blackhawks fans. The MySports Genre Pack combines ESPN Unlimited with the major national NHL channels, while the MyHome Team add-on brings CHSN to eligible subscribers. Together, they cover the major local and national pieces of Chicago’s schedule in one service.
Best for Local Streaming
If you mainly care about local Blackhawks games, CHSN is the simpler option. Its Blackhawks-only streaming plan costs $19.99 per month and includes live CHSN games, team programming, and full-game replays through CHSN.com and supported apps. You can also subscribe to CHSN through Amazon Prime Video within the network’s regional territory.
Just remember that CHSN doesn’t carry nationally exclusive games, so you’ll need separate access for those broadcasts.
Best for Out-of-Market Fans
ESPN Unlimited is the leaner option for Blackhawks fans outside the team’s broadcast territory. The plan includes NHL Power Play, ESPN’s branded hub for out-of-market NHL games, along with ESPN and ABC coverage. You’ll still need separate access for TNT, NHL Network, and any game controlled by the NHL team in your local market.
How to watch the Chicago Blackhawks FAQ
Can I watch Chicago Blackhawks games for free?
Yes, you can watch occasional Blackhawks games for free using an over-the-air antenna when they appear on ABC or if CHSN is available over the air in your market. Free trials from services like DIRECTV and Fubo can also provide temporary access, but location restrictions still apply.
How do I watch out-of-market Blackhawks games?
If you live outside the Blackhawks' broadcast territory, NHL Power Play on the ESPN app carries most CHSN broadcasts with an ESPN Select or Unlimited plan. NHL Center Ice offers similar out-of-market access through participating cable and satellite providers.
Can I stream CHSN without cable?
Yes. In-market fans can subscribe directly to CHSN without a traditional TV package, while out-of-market fans can stream most CHSN broadcasts through NHL Power Play on the ESPN app. National games are also available through live TV streaming services or standalone streaming options like ESPN Unlimited and HBO Max.
Who are the TV announcers for the Chicago Blackhawks?
Rick Ball handles play-by-play for Blackhawks games on CHSN alongside color analyst Darren Pang. Pat Boyle hosts "Blackhawks Countdown Live," with Tony Granato and Caley Chelios contributing to CHSN's pregame, intermission, and postgame coverage.
Can I watch the Chicago Blackhawks in Canada?
Yes, Sportsnet+ Premium is the main streaming option for broad out-of-market NHL coverage in Canada. But some Blackhawks games may fall under Canada's national Sportsnet or Prime Video rights, so the exact service can vary by matchup.
Why you should trust us
CableTV.com Contributing Writer Ian McLaren has covered the NHL for nearly two decades and hosts the daily “Locked On Bruins” podcast. He’s tracked the Blackhawks from their Stanley Cup dynasty years — including the painful 2013 Final against his Bruins — through the current rebuild around Connor Bedard and Chicago’s next generation.
For this guide, Ian reviewed the complete 2026-2027 NHL schedule along with current information from the Blackhawks, CHSN, national broadcasters, and TV providers. CableTV.com also updates viewing details as schedules and broadcast assignments change. Learn more about our process on our How We Rank page.
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