For nearly two decades, Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang made playoff hockey feel routine in Pittsburgh. After three straight seasons on the outside, last year’s return to the postseason showed this era still had something left, even if Philadelphia ended the run in six games. Now, the trio embarks on a 21st season together, with Malkin back on a one-year deal and the sense that this remarkable chapter is getting awfully close to its final pages.
The viewing setup is more of an evolution than an overhaul. SportsNet Pittsburgh returns for a fourth season as the local home, but the Penguins’ national slate grows from 16 games last season to 20 in 2026–2027, meaning more nights when national broadcasters take over.
Where you live still determines the simplest way to watch Pittsburgh Penguins games, but there are more national exceptions to track this season. Below, we’ll break down the viewing setup, complete TV schedule, and best options for in-market and out-of-market fans.
What channels have Pittsburgh Penguins games?
Most Pittsburgh Penguins games air on SportsNet Pittsburgh (SNP), the team’s regional sports network available across Western Pennsylvania and parts of surrounding states. Outside that broadcast territory, most SNP broadcasts stream on ESPN+ through NHL Power Play in the ESPN app or are available through NHL Center Ice.
Nationally televised matchups will appear on ABC, ESPN, and TNT throughout the season. These games are usually blacked out on SportsNet Pittsburgh in the local market. Additional games are exclusive to ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu under the NHL’s national broadcast deal.
Want radio coverage? 105.9 The X (WXDX-FM) is the Penguins’ flagship radio station. Joe Brand handles play-by-play alongside color analyst Phil Bourque, with games also available across the Penguins Radio Network.
2026–2027 Pittsburgh Penguins TV schedule
The Penguins’ expanded 84-game schedule runs from September 30 through April 10. Highlights include a September 30 playoff rematch at Philadelphia on TNT, the October 3 home opener against Montreal, and a season-long six-game road trip from February 13 to 23. Pittsburgh also finishes the regular season with four straight road matchups.
Keep scrolling for the complete game-by-game Penguins schedule with Eastern start times and available U.S. TV or streaming information. We’ll update the table throughout the season as additional broadcast details become available.
NHL - Pittsburgh Penguins Schedule
| Opponent | Date | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
Preseason | |||
Monday, Sept. 21 | 7:00 p.m. | ESPN+, SNP | |
Tuesday, Sept. 22 | 7:00 p.m. | ESPN+, SportsNet PIT+, Delmarva Sports Network, SNP+ | |
Thursday, Sept. 24 | 7:00 p.m. | — | |
Saturday, Sept. 26 | 3:00 p.m. | NHL Network, SportsNet PIT+, SNP+ | |
September | |||
Wednesday, Sept. 30 | 7:30 p.m. | ||
October | |||
Saturday, Oct. 3 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Monday, Oct. 5 | 7:30 p.m. | ||
Wednesday, Oct. 7 | 7:30 p.m. | ||
Friday, Oct. 9 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Oct. 10 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Tuesday, Oct. 13 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
Friday, Oct. 16 | 9:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Oct. 17 | 10:00 p.m. | ||
At Utah Mammoth | Monday, Oct. 19 | 9:00 p.m. | |
Thursday, Oct. 22 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Oct. 24 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Thursday, Oct. 29 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Oct. 31 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
November | |||
Tuesday, Nov. 3 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Thursday, Nov. 5 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Nov. 7 | 9:00 p.m. | ||
Sunday, Nov. 8 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
Wednesday, Nov. 11 | 10:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Nov. 14 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Thursday, Nov. 19 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Nov. 21 | 6:00 p.m. | ||
At Dallas Stars | Sunday, Nov. 22 | 7:00 p.m. | |
Wednesday, Nov. 25 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Friday, Nov. 27 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Nov. 28 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Monday, Nov. 30 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
December | |||
Wednesday, Dec. 2 | 8:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Saturday, Dec. 5 | 3:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Sunday, Dec. 6 | 3:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Tuesday, Dec. 8 | 7:30 p.m. | ||
Thursday, Dec. 10 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Dec. 12 | 3:30 p.m. | TBD | |
Tuesday, Dec. 15 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Thursday, Dec. 17 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Friday, Dec. 18 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Tuesday, Dec. 22 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Saturday, Dec. 26 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Tuesday, Dec. 29 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Thursday, Dec. 31 | 2:00 p.m. | TBD | |
January | |||
Friday, Jan. 1 | 6:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Sunday, Jan. 3 | 3:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Thursday, Jan. 7 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Saturday, Jan. 9 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Tuesday, Jan. 12 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Wednesday, Jan. 13 | 7:30 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Jan. 16 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Monday, Jan. 18 | 4:00 p.m. | ||
Thursday, Jan. 21 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Jan. 23 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Monday, Jan. 25 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Tuesday, Jan. 26 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Friday, Jan. 29 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Sunday, Jan. 31 | Noon | ||
February | |||
Tuesday, Feb. 2 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Saturday, Feb. 13 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Monday, Feb. 15 | 4:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Tuesday, Feb. 16 | 9:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Friday, Feb. 19 | 8:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Sunday, Feb. 21 | 6:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Tuesday, Feb. 23 | 8:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Thursday, Feb. 25 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Sunday, Feb. 28 | 1:00 p.m. | ||
March | |||
Tuesday, March 2 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Thursday, March 4 | 8:30 p.m. | ||
Saturday, March 6 | 12:30 p.m. | ||
Sunday, March 7 | 1:00 p.m. | ||
Tuesday, March 9 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Thursday, March 11 | 7:30 p.m. | ||
Saturday, March 13 | 3:00 p.m. | ||
Sunday, March 14 | 2:00 p.m. | ||
Tuesday, March 16 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Thursday, March 18 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Saturday, March 20 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
Monday, March 22 | 7:00 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 | |||
Thursday, April 1 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Saturday, April 3 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
Sunday, April 4 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Tuesday, April 6 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Friday, April 9 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Saturday, April 10 | 6:00 p.m. | TBD |
Best TV plans for watching the Pittsburgh Penguins
The right Penguins TV setup depends heavily on where you live. Pittsburgh-area fans need SportsNet Pittsburgh for most of the schedule, plus access to nationally distributed games. Fans outside the Penguins’ territory can skip the local-network problem and rely primarily on NHL Power Play through the ESPN app.
Our three picks cover those different viewing needs. They range from broad local and national coverage to simpler options for streaming SportsNet Pittsburgh and accessing out-of-market games.
Best Overall
DIRECTV offers one of the broadest setups for Pittsburgh-area Penguins fans. Its MySports Genre Pack includes ESPN Unlimited along with ESPN, TNT, NHL Network, and ABC in eligible markets, while the MyHome Team add-on can provide your local regional sports network where available. For eligible Pittsburgh-area subscribers, that makes SportsNet Pittsburgh and most national Penguins coverage easier to combine in one service.
Best for Local Streaming
If local Penguins games are your priority, SNP 360 is the simplest standalone option. Fans in the SportsNet Pittsburgh territory can subscribe directly to the network without a traditional TV package for $21.99 per month. A season pass is also available early in the season and can lower the overall cost for those who plan to stick around. Just remember that SNP 360 doesn’t replace national coverage from ESPN and TNT Sports.
Best for Out-of-Market Fans
ESPN Unlimited is the more straightforward option for Penguins fans outside the team’s broadcast territory. It includes NHL Power Play through the ESPN app, as well as ESPN, ESPN+, and ABC coverage. That said, you’ll still need separate access for TNT, NHL Network, and games controlled by your local NHL team’s broadcast partner.
How to watch the Pittsburgh Penguins FAQ
Can I watch Pittsburgh Penguins games for free?
Yes, but only occasionally. Penguins games on ABC are free to watch with an over-the-air antenna in markets with a nearby ABC affiliate. Free trials from services such as DIRECTV or Fubo may also provide temporary access to SportsNet Pittsburgh or national NHL channels, depending on your location and the current trial offer.
How do I watch out-of-market Penguins games?
If you live outside the Penguins' broadcast territory, most SportsNet Pittsburgh games stream on ESPN+ through NHL Power Play in the ESPN app. NHL Center Ice is the traditional alternative for cable and satellite subscribers.
Who are the TV announcers for the Pittsburgh Penguins?
Josh Getzoff handles play-by-play on SportsNet Pittsburgh, with Colby Armstrong and Phil Bourque rotating as game analysts during the 2026–2027 season.
Can I watch the Pittsburgh Penguins in Canada?
Yes, Sportsnet+ Premium is the main streaming option for broad out-of-market Penguins coverage in Canada. Regional blackout rules can still affect individual games, while nationally selected matchups may be part of Sportsnet and Prime Video's nationwide coverage.
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 followed Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang from their Stanley Cup years through a run that now stretches into a 21st season together.
For this guide, Ian reviewed the complete 2026–2027 Penguins schedule along with current information from the Penguins, SportsNet Pittsburgh, the NHL’s 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.
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.
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.
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.
