NHL Fixtures: Schedules, Dates, TV Channels & Start times
Are you keen to keep up with all the NHL fixtures being broadcast in the UK? Explore our detailed sports guides at WheresTheMatch to find everything you need to organise your viewing. We offer information on upcoming clashes, including start times/dates and the broadcasters covering each event in your region. Never miss a moment of the action with our comprehensive NHL schedules.
The NHL (National Hockey League) is widely regarded as the premier professional ice hockey league in the world, showcasing 32 teams from the United States and Canada. These teams battle it out each season for the ultimate prize in hockey—the coveted Stanley Cup, a trophy steeped in history and tradition. The NHL's appeal lies in its combination of intense physicality, breathtaking speed, and unmatched skill, creating a style of play that keeps fans on the edge of their seats. Football fans are often drawn to the NHL for its thrilling, fast-paced action, historic rivalries between legendary teams and players, and unpredictable playoffs that are brimming with drama, excitement, and moments that rival the biggest highlights in football. With a long season full of twists and turns, every game counts, making the NHL a must-watch for sports enthusiasts.
Where to Watch the NHL on TV in The UK
Premier Sports
Premier Sports is the official home of NHL in the UK, bringing hockey fans closer to the action than ever before. Broadcasting live games throughout the season, including the thrilling Stanley Cup Playoffs, Premier Sports offers in-depth coverage, expert commentary, and exclusive access to one of the world’s most exciting sports.
NHL.tv
If you want a more tailored viewing experience or prefer to stream games on-demand, NHL.tv is perfect. This service lets you follow your favourite teams throughout the season, ensuring you don’t miss a single puck drop. You can purchase a full-season pass or a monthly subscription, with the added bonus of being able to watch condensed game replays and access other hockey content anytime, anywhere.
When Do NHL Fixtures Take Place?
The NHL season kicks off in October with an 82-game regular season running through mid-April, packed with thrilling matchups and intense rivalries. The excitement continues with the Stanley Cup Playoffs from April to June, where the top 16 teams compete in high-stakes, best-of-seven series for hockey’s ultimate prize. The offseason in July focuses on trades, drafts, and team strategies, while preseason games in September offer a glimpse of new rosters and rising stars before the action begins again.
NHL Competition Format
Regular Season
The NHL season begins with the regular season, during which all 32 teams - split between the Eastern and Western Conferences - compete. Each conference is further divided into two divisions:
- Eastern Conference
- Atlantic Division
- Metropolitan Division
- Western Conference
- Central Division
- Pacific Division
Each team plays a total of 82 games, with matchups both within their own division and against teams from other divisions and the opposing conference. This format ensures a diverse slate of games and gives fans the chance to see how their team stacks up against a variety of styles and strategies.
Points System
Throughout the regular season, teams earn points to move up the standings:
- 2 Points for a win (either in regulation, overtime, or a shootout)
- 1 Point for losing in overtime or a shootout
- 0 Points for losing in regulation
At the end of the season, these points determine which teams advance to the playoffs.
The Playoff Structure
The NHL Playoffs, also known as the Stanley Cup Playoffs, are where the competition truly heats up. 16 teams (8 from each conference) qualify:
- The top 3 teams from each division secure a playoff spot.
- Two additional wild card teams per conference are selected based on overall points, regardless of division
The playoffs follow a knockout bracket structure, with each round played in a best-of-seven series. Teams must win 4 games to advance to the next round.
Stanley Cup Playoff Rounds
First Round - Division winners face wild card teams, while the second and third-ranked teams in each division compete against one another.
Second Round - Winners from the first-round battle for their respective division titles.
Conference Finals - The two remaining teams from each conference compete to be crowned conference champions.
Stanley Cup Final - The Eastern and Western Conference champions face off for the ultimate prize: the Stanley Cup, one of the most revered trophies in all of sport.
When Are the Next NHL Fixtures?
View upcoming matches with our comprehensive NHL schedule above.