After reaching the playoffs in consecutive seasons, the Senators are no longer being graded on potential alone. The franchise has entered a new era, retooling the roster to prove it can maintain that momentum without the player who defined much of its recent rebuild. With Tim Stützle and Jake Sanderson carrying more of the load, and Linus Ullmark providing a veteran anchor in goal, Ottawa is focused on taking the next step in the Eastern Conference.
Expectations are rising in Canada’s capital, but following this new-look roster still depends heavily on which side of the border you call home. Canadian broadcasts are split between regional and national platforms, while American fans will primarily need an out-of-market solution.
Whether you’re tuning in from the team’s Canadian viewing region or following the Sens from the U.S., choosing the right setup will keep you covered throughout the season. Below, we break down the best ways to watch Ottawa Senators games while providing a complete look at the TV schedule.
What channels have Ottawa Senators games?
How to watch the Ottawa Senators in the U.S.
For U.S. fans, NHL Power Play on ESPN+ through ESPN Select or Unlimited is the primary option for Ottawa games, carrying most regional broadcasts outside the team’s local territory. Traditional cable and satellite subscribers can also get out-of-market coverage through NHL Center Ice.
NHL Network may pick up select Senators games throughout the season. Local blackouts also apply when Ottawa faces your in-market NHL team, requiring that team’s regional broadcaster or streaming service for those matchups.
How to watch the Ottawa Senators in Canada
In Canada, regional Senators games air on TSN5 in English and RDS in French, with streaming access through both networks’ digital platforms within Ottawa’s designated viewing territory. National games air across Sportsnet‘s NHL coverage, while Amazon Prime Video exclusively carries select Senators appearances on Wednesday Night Hockey.
If you live outside Ottawa’s regional territory in Canada, Sportsnet+ Premium provides out-of-market access to regional Senators broadcasts. Traditional TV subscribers can also get NHL Centre Ice through participating providers.
Want radio coverage? The Senators’ flagship radio station is TSN 1200 Ottawa, which carries live play-by-play of every regular-season and postseason game. Meanwhile, Canadian French–language broadcasts are available on 94.5 Unique FM in the Ottawa–Gatineau region.
2026–2027 Ottawa Senators TV schedule
Ottawa’s 84-game regular season runs from an October 3 visit to Toronto through an April 10 home finale against Montreal. The schedule takes an international detour in December, when the Senators face Chicago twice in Düsseldorf as part of the NHL Global Series Germany.
The Sens also play six straight home games from January 20 through February 9, with the NHL All-Star break interrupting that stretch. Keep scrolling for the complete Ottawa Senators TV schedule with Eastern start times and current broadcast information.
NHL - Ottawa Senators Schedule
| Opponent | Date | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
Preseason | |||
Monday, Sept. 21 | 7:00 p.m. | NHL Network | |
Wednesday, Sept. 23 | 7:00 p.m. | SN1 | |
Wednesday, Sept. 23 | 7:00 p.m. | NHL Network, TSN5 | |
Saturday, Sept. 26 | 7:00 p.m. | ESPN+, RDS | |
Saturday, Sept. 26 | 7:00 p.m. | — | |
October | |||
Saturday, Oct. 3 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Monday, Oct. 5 | 7:30 p.m. | ||
Tuesday, Oct. 6 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Thursday, Oct. 8 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Oct. 10 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Monday, Oct. 12 | 7:00 p.m. | NHL Network | |
Tuesday, Oct. 13 | 7:30 p.m. | ||
Thursday, Oct. 15 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Oct. 17 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Wednesday, Oct. 21 | 7:30 p.m. | ||
Thursday, Oct. 22 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Oct. 24 | 7:00 p.m. | NHL Network | |
Tuesday, Oct. 27 | 10:00 p.m. | ||
Thursday, Oct. 29 | 10:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Oct. 31 | 4:00 p.m. | ||
November | |||
Sunday, Nov. 1 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
Wednesday, Nov. 4 | 7:30 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Nov. 7 | 7:00 p.m. | NHL Network, Utah 16 | |
Tuesday, Nov. 10 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Thursday, Nov. 12 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Nov. 14 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Tuesday, Nov. 17 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
Thursday, Nov. 19 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Nov. 21 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Monday, Nov. 23 | 7:30 p.m. | ||
Wednesday, Nov. 25 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Friday, Nov. 27 | 3:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Nov. 28 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Monday, Nov. 30 | 1:00 p.m. | NHL Network | |
December | |||
Thursday, Dec. 3 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Saturday, Dec. 5 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Sunday, Dec. 6 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Tuesday, Dec. 8 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Thursday, Dec. 10 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Saturday, Dec. 12 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Monday, Dec. 14 | 2:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Chicago Blackhawks (in Düsseldorf) | Friday, Dec. 18 | 1:00 p.m. | TBD |
Chicago Blackhawks (in Düsseldorf) | Sunday, Dec. 20 | 8:00 a.m. | |
Sunday, Dec. 27 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Tuesday, Dec. 29 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Thursday, Dec. 31 | 2:00 p.m. | TBD | |
January | |||
Saturday, Jan. 2 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
At Utah Mammoth | Tuesday, Jan. 5 | 9:00 p.m. | TBD |
Wednesday, Jan. 6 | 9:30 p.m. | TBD | |
Friday, Jan. 8 | 8:00 p.m. | TBD | |
At Dallas Stars | Tuesday, Jan. 12 | 8:00 p.m. | |
Thursday, Jan. 14 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Saturday, Jan. 16 | 3:30 p.m. | TBD | |
Monday, Jan. 18 | 7:30 p.m. | TBD | |
Wednesday, Jan. 20 | 7:30 p.m. | TBD | |
Saturday, Jan. 23 | 3:30 p.m. | TBD | |
Monday, Jan. 25 | 7:30 p.m. | TBD | |
Thursday, Jan. 28 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Saturday, Jan. 30 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
February | |||
Tuesday, Feb. 9 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Thursday, Feb. 11 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Saturday, Feb. 13 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Monday, Feb. 15 | 7:30 p.m. | TBD | |
Wednesday, Feb. 17 | 9:40 p.m. | TBD | |
Thursday, Feb. 18 | 9:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Sunday, Feb. 21 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Monday, Feb. 22 | 7:30 p.m. | TBD | |
Thursday, Feb. 25 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Friday, Feb. 26 | 7:30 p.m. | TBD | |
March | |||
Tuesday, March 2 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Thursday, March 4 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Saturday, March 6 | 3:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Sunday, March 7 | 3:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Tuesday, March 9 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Thursday, March 11 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Saturday, March 13 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Sunday, March 14 | 5:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Tuesday, March 16 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Thursday, March 18 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Saturday, March 20 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Wednesday, March 24 | 7:30 p.m. | TBD | |
Thursday, March 25 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Saturday, March 27 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Tuesday, March 30 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
April | |||
Friday, April 2 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Sunday, April 4 | 3:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Wednesday, April 7 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Thursday, April 8 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Saturday, April 10 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD |
Best U.S. TV plans for Ottawa Senators fans
Following Ottawa from the U.S. doesn’t require an especially complicated setup this season. NHL Power Play handles most out-of-market Senators games, so the main decision is whether you want a lean streaming option or a broader NHL package that can also cover NHL Network pickups and local-market blackouts.
We like DIRECTV’s MySports Genre Pack because it offers the more complete hockey lineup, with NHL Network alongside ESPN Unlimited access. But ESPN Select is also an option if you prefer a leaner and more cost-effective subscription for watching the Sens’ out-of-market broadcasts.
Best Overall
The MySports Genre Pack from DIRECTV is our top all-around option for U.S. Senators fans who want the widest range of NHL coverage. The package includes ESPN Unlimited for full ESPN and ESPN+ access, plus NHL Network for potential national pickups. You can also tack on the MyHome Team add-on in eligible markets for access to your local regional sports network when Ottawa faces the NHL club in your area.
Best for Out-of-Market Fans
ESPN Select is the most budget-friendly choice if you’re only interested in Ottawa’s matchups. The service includes NHL Power Play, giving you access to most regional Senators broadcasts outside the team’s market. You’ll even get nationally exclusive NHL games on ESPN+. Just note that local blackout rules still apply, and NHL Network broadcasts still require another service.
How to watch the Ottawa Senators FAQ
Can I watch the Ottawa Senators for free?
Not for the entire season. Most Senators broadcasts require a paid streaming or TV service, though occasional free trials or promotions can provide short-term access. We prefer DIRECTV and YouTube TV's free trials because of their included ESPN Unlimited access.
How can I watch out-of-market Ottawa Senators games?
U.S. fans can watch most out-of-market Senators broadcasts through NHL Power Play with ESPN Select or ESPN Unlimited. NHL Center Ice is the cable and satellite alternative. In Canada, viewers outside Ottawa's regional territory can use Sportsnet+ Premium or NHL Centre Ice.
What is the Ottawa Senators broadcast region?
Ottawa's regional English-language territory covers Eastern Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada. TSN5 carries regional Senators broadcasts within that area, while RDS provides French-language coverage.
Which Senators games are on Prime Video?
Prime Video exclusively carries four Ottawa games in Canada on Wednesday Night Hockey: Florida at Ottawa on October 21, Ottawa at Buffalo on November 4, Toronto at Ottawa on January 20, and Ottawa at Montreal on March 24. The broadcasts are available in English and French to Canadian Prime Video members.
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 also grew up in Ottawa, giving him firsthand knowledge of the city’s hockey culture and the viewing quirks that come with following the Senators in Eastern Ontario.
For this guide, Ian reviewed current information from the Senators, NHL, Canadian broadcasters, and U.S. TV providers to sort through Ottawa’s viewing options on both sides of the border. CableTV.com also reviews channel assignments and streaming access as they 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.
