In case you haven’t been paying attention—and no shame if you’ve been sleeping on the upstart squad in Canada’s capital—the Ottawa Senators have quietly amassed some of the top young talent in the NHL today. With Tim Stützle’s dynamic playmaking, Brady Tkachuk’s gritty leadership, and Jake Sanderson’s poised two-way game, Ottawa is building a core that’s as exciting as it is promising.
The Senators put up a decent fight against the longtime rival Toronto Maple Leafs in the Stanley Cup Playoffs this past spring. Now, with veteran goaltender Linus Ullmark locked in and more comfortable entering his second season with the club, just making the postseason won’t be enough—Ottawa is aiming for a deeper run.
Whether you’re looking for every in-market broadcast, need a streaming solution for out-of-market games, or just want to catch marquee national matchups, this guide breaks down every way to follow the Sens from puck drop to the final horn.
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What channels have Ottawa Senators games?
In Canada, Ottawa Senators regional broadcasts are split between TSN and RDS. TSN holds the English-language regional rights, with most games airing on TSN5 for viewers in Eastern Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada. RDS provides Canadian French–language coverage for fans across Quebec and other French-speaking regions.
Nationally televised Senators games air on Sportsnet, Sportsnet ONE, CBC, and Citytv as part of the NHL’s national broadcast deal. Saturday night games on Hockey Night in Canada are available in both English (Sportsnet/CBC) and French (Ici Radio-Canada Télé).
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.
How to watch in the United States
In the U.S., most Senators games are considered out-of-market. To watch these, you have two main options: the ESPN+ streaming service or the NHL Center Ice add-on package for cable and satellite TV. Both will get you nearly every regular-season game.
The remaining games are national matchups, which you’ll find on channels like ABC, ESPN, TNT, and NHL Network. These games are typically available through any standard cable, satellite, or live TV streaming package.
2025–2026 Ottawa Senators TV schedule
With a young, fast, and fearless roster, the Ottawa Senators are must-watch hockey this season. Every game offers a chance to see Tim Stützle’s highlight-reel plays, Brady Tkachuk’s physical dominance, and Jake Sanderson’s steady presence on the blue line. Rivalry matchups with Toronto, Florida, and Montreal add extra intensity, making them must-see TV.
Keep this TV schedule handy so you know exactly when and where to catch the action all season long.
| Opponent | Day | Time (ET) | Canada channels | U.S. channels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
October |
||||
| At Tampa Bay Lightning | Thursday, Oct. 9 | 7:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| At Florida Panthers | Saturday, Oct. 11 | 7:00 p.m. | Sportsnet ONE | ESPN+ |
| Nashville Predators | Monday, Oct. 13 | 1:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| At Buffalo Sabres | Wednesday, Oct. 15 | 7:00 p.m. | Sportsnet ONE | ESPN+ |
| Seattle Kraken | Thursday, Oct. 16 | 7:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| New York Islanders | Saturday, Oct. 18 | 3:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| Edmonton Oilers | Tuesday, Oct. 21 | 7:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| Philadelphia Flyers | Thursday, Oct. 23 | 7:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| At Washington Capitals | Saturday, Oct. 25 | 7:00 p.m. | Sportsnet 360 | ESPN+ |
| Boston Bruins | Monday, Oct. 27 | 7:30 p.m. | Prime Video Canada | ESPN+ |
| At Chicago Blackhawks | Tuesday, Oct. 28 | 8:45 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| Calgary Flames | Thursday, Oct. 30 | 7:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
|
November |
||||
| At Montreal Canadiens | Saturday, Nov. 1 | 7:00 p.m. | Sportsnet ONE | ESPN+ |
| At Boston Bruins | Thursday, Nov. 6 | 7:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| At Philadelphia Flyers | Saturday, Nov. 8 | 1:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| Utah Mammoth | Sunday, Nov. 9 | 7:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| Dallas Stars | Tuesday, Nov. 11 | 7:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| Boston Bruins | Thursday, Nov. 13 | 7:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| Los Angeles Kings | Saturday, Nov. 15 | 7:00 p.m. | Sportsnet ONE | ESPN+ |
| At Anaheim Ducks | Thursday, Nov. 20 | 10:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| At San Jose Sharks | Saturday, Nov. 22 | 7:00 p.m. | Sportsnet ONE | ESPN+ |
| At Los Angeles Kings | Monday, Nov. 24 | 9:00 p.m. | Prime Video Canada | ESPN+ |
| At Vegas Golden Knights | Wednesday, Nov. 26 | 10:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| At St. Louis Blues | Friday, Nov. 28 | 4:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| At Dallas Stars | Sunday, Nov. 30 | 6:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
|
December |
||||
| At Montreal Canadiens | Tuesday, Dec. 2 | 7:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| New York Rangers | Thursday, Dec. 4 | 7:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| St. Louis Blues | Saturday, Dec. 6 | 7:00 p.m. | Sportsnet ONE | ESPN+ |
| New Jersey Devils | Tuesday, Dec. 9 | 7:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| At Columbus Blue Jackets | Thursday, Dec. 11 | 7:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| At Minnesota Wild | Saturday, Dec. 13 | 2:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| At Winnipeg Jets | Monday, Dec. 15 | 7:30 p.m. | Prime Video Canada | ESPN+ |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | Thursday, Dec. 18 | 7:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| Chicago Blackhawks | Saturday, Dec. 20 | 3:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| At Boston Bruins | Sunday, Dec. 21 | 7:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| Buffalo Sabres | Tuesday, Dec. 23 | 7:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| At Toronto Maple Leafs | Saturday, Dec. 27 | 7:00 p.m. | CBC, Citytv, Sportsnet Ontario | ESPN+ |
| Columbus Blue Jackets | Monday, Dec. 29 | 7:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
|
January |
||||
| Washington Capitals | Thursday, Jan. 1 | 1:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| Winnipeg Jets | Saturday, Jan. 3 | 7:00 p.m. | Sportsnet ONE | ESPN+, NHL Network |
| Detroit Red Wings | Monday, Jan. 5 | 7:30 p.m. | Prime Video Canada | ESPN+ |
| At Utah Mammoth | Wednesday, Jan. 7 | 9:30 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| At Colorado Avalanche | Thursday, Jan. 8 | 9:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| Florida Panthers | Saturday, Jan. 10 | 7:00 p.m. | Sportsnet ONE | NHL Network |
| Vancouver Canucks | Tuesday, Jan. 13 | 7:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| At New York Rangers | Wednesday, Jan. 14 | 7:30 p.m. | Sportsnet | ESPN+ |
| Montreal Canadiens | Saturday, Jan. 17 | 7:00 p.m. | Citytv, Sportsnet East | ESPN+ |
| At Detroit Red Wings | Sunday, Jan. 18 | 5:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| At Columbus Blue Jackets | Tuesday, Jan. 20 | 7:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| At Nashville Predators | Thursday, Jan. 22 | 8:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| Carolina Hurricanes | Saturday, Jan. 24 | 7:00 p.m. | Citytv, Sportsnet ONE | ESPN+ |
| Vegas Golden Knights | Sunday, Jan. 25 | 5:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| Colorado Avalanche | Wednesday, Jan. 28 | 7:30 p.m. | Sportsnet | ESPN+ |
| New Jersey Devils | Saturday, Jan. 31 | 7:00 p.m. | Sportsnet ONE | ESPN+ |
|
February |
||||
| At Pittsburgh Penguins | Monday, Feb. 2 | 7:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| At Carolina Hurricanes | Tuesday, Feb. 3 | 7:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| At Philadelphia Flyers | Thursday, Feb. 5 | 7:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| Detroit Red Wings | Thursday, Feb. 26 | 7:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| At Toronto Maple Leafs | Saturday, Feb. 28 | 7:00 p.m. | CBC, Sportsnet Ontario | ESPN+, NHL Network |
|
March |
||||
| At Edmonton Oilers | Tuesday, March 3 | 9:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| At Calgary Flames | Thursday, March 5 | 9:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| At Seattle Kraken | Saturday, March 7 | 10:00 p.m. | Sportsnet Ontario | ESPN+ |
| At Vancouver Canucks | Monday, March 9 | 9:00 p.m. | Prime Video Canada | ESPN+ |
| Montreal Canadiens | Wednesday, March 11 | 7:30 p.m. | Sportsnet | ESPN+ |
| Anaheim Ducks | Saturday, March 14 | 1:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| San Jose Sharks | Sunday, March 15 | 5:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| At Washington Capitals | Wednesday, March 18 | 7:30 p.m. | Sportsnet | ESPN+ |
| New York Islanders | Thursday, March 19 | 7:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | Saturday, March 21 | 7:00 p.m. | Sportsnet Ontario | ESPN+ |
| At New York Rangers | Monday, March 23 | 7:30 p.m. | Prime Video Canada | NHL Network |
| At Detroit Red Wings | Tuesday, March 24 | 7:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | Thursday, March 26 | 7:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| At Tampa Bay Lightning | Saturday, March 28 | 1:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| At Florida Panthers | Tuesday, March 31 | 7:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
|
April |
||||
| Buffalo Sabres | Thursday, April 2 | 7:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| Minnesota Wild | Saturday, April 4 | 1:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| Carolina Hurricanes | Sunday, April 5 | 5:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | Tuesday, April 7 | 7:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| Florida Panthers | Thursday, April 9 | 7:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| At New York Islanders | Saturday, April 11 | 1:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| At New Jersey Devils | Sunday, April 12 | 7:00 p.m. | TSN5, RDS | ESPN+ |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | Wednesday, April 15 | 7:30 p.m. | Sportsnet, TVA Sports | ESPN+ |
|
NHL Playoffs — Round 1 |
||||
| At Carolina Hurricanes | Saturday, April 18 | 3:00 p.m. | Sportsnet | ESPN |
| At Carolina Hurricanes | Monday, April 20 | 7:30 p.m. | CBC, Sportsnet Ontario | ESPN2 |
| Carolina Hurricanes | Thursday, April 23 | 7:30 p.m. | CBC, Sportsnet | TBS, HBO Max |
| Carolina Hurricanes | Saturday, April 25 | 3:00 p.m. | Sportsnet | TBS, truTV, HBO Max |
| At Carolina Hurricanes | Monday, April 27 | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Carolina Hurricanes | Thursday, April 30 | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| At Carolina Hurricanes | Saturday, May 2 | TBD | TBD | TBD |
Data effective as of post date.
Best TV plans for watching the Ottawa Senators
When it comes to watching the Senators on TV, there are two completely different sets of rules: one for fans in Canada and another for fans in the U.S. To make it simple, I’ve broken down my top viewing recommendations for each country below.
Senators coverage in Canada
In my experience, the best all-around setup for Senators fans in Canada is to pair a TSN subscription with access to Sportsnet for national games. That way, you’re covered for every regular-season matchup without having to hunt for streams or deal with blackout headaches.
If you prefer streaming, TSN+ offers a monthly or annual subscription for English-language regional broadcasts, while RDS Direct provides the same games in French. Both services work on most devices, and getting a Sportsnet+ subscription means you’ll be fully covered for Hockey Night in Canada and other national broadcasts.
It’s a simple, reliable combo that makes it easy to flip on the TV—or open the app—knowing you won’t miss a shift.
Senators channels for American fans
For U.S.-based Sens fans, the best all-in-one option is Hulu + Live TV. It includes ESPN+ for those out-of-market Senators games, plus TNT, ABC, and ESPN for nationally televised matchups. This bundled approach saves you from juggling multiple subscriptions and makes sure you won’t miss a game.
If you’re a multi-sport fan wanting a more cable-like channel lineup, DIRECTV is an excellent alternative. It carries the same national NHL channels as Hulu + Live TV, but with stronger regional sports coverage for in-market MLB, NBA, and NHL games. DIRECTV regularly offers free streaming trials, which is a nice perk for testing the service before committing.
How to watch the Ottawa Senators for free
If you’re hoping to catch the Sens without opening your wallet, there are a few options worth trying. In Canada, your best bet is to sign up for a TSN+ or Sportsnet+ free trial when available. Some nationally televised games on CBC and Citytv can also be streamed for free through their websites or apps.
In the U.S., services like Hulu + Live TV and DIRECTV occasionally offer free trials, giving you temporary access to national broadcasts on ESPN, TNT, ABC, and NHL Network. You can also stream out-of-market games for free if they happen to be featured on ESPN’s promotional nights or during special events like the NHL Global Series.
Free viewing options are usually limited and short-lived, but they’re a handy way to sample different services before committing for the season. Just don’t expect to rely on them to follow the Sens all year long.
How to watch the Ottawa Senators FAQ
How can I watch the Ottawa Senators if I don’t live in Ontario?
If you live outside the Senators’ regional broadcast zone, the easiest way to watch most games is with a Sportsnet+ Premium subscription in Canada. National games also air on Sportsnet, CBC, or Citytv. For fans in the U.S., the go-to service for out-of-market NHL games is ESPN+, with national matchups appearing on ABC, ESPN, and TNT.
Can I stream Senators games without cable?
Yes, you can stream regional Senators games through TSN+ or RDS Direct in Canada. Meanwhile, national matchups are on Sportsnet+ or CBC Gem. In the U.S., an ESPN+ subscription is your key to streaming nearly every out-of-market Senators game.
Why is the Senators game blacked out?
A TV blackout means the Senators game is airing exclusively on another channel in your area. It usually happens for one of three reasons:
- You live in the Senators’ region: The game is on the team’s local channel (TSN5).
- The Senators are playing your local team: The game is on your local team’s regional sports network (e.g., NESN in Boston, MSG in New York).
- You live out-of-market: The game was picked up for an exclusive national broadcast on a channel like TNT (in the U.S.) or Sportsnet (in Canada).
Are the Ottawa Senators a good team?
The Ottawa Senators aren’t just promising anymore—they’re proven. After years of building, the 2024–2025 squad broke through to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, finishing 45–30–7 and just one point behind the eventual back-to-back champion Florida Panthers. That kind of season fuels confidence, and GM Steve Staios has every reason to believe his roster is close to complete. Deadline additions Dylan Cozens and Fabian Zetterlund, plus Jordan Spence from the draft, helped spark a 14–5–2 run to close the season—the NHL’s second-best record over that stretch. That locked up the final Eastern Conference wild card spot with ease. So, if last spring was a test drive, this season could be when Ottawa finally takes the wheel—and floors it.
Why you should trust us
This guide comes from the firsthand experience of CableTV.com contributor Ian McLaren. As an Ontario-based hockey writer who grew up in Ottawa, he knows the challenges of following a small-market team nestled between Toronto and Montreal.
To create this guide, Ian compared TV and streaming platforms to help fans find the most consistent and affordable ways to follow their team. Before publishing, he carefully reviewed the 2025–2026 NHL broadcast lineup to ensure Sens fans get the most accurate viewing info available.
Our entire team is committed to this level of detail, and you can learn more about our methods on our How We Rank page.
