If you’re scrambling around trying to figure out what channel is tonight's penguins game on, you aren't alone. It’s Saturday, January 17, 2026, and the Pittsburgh Penguins are back at PPG Paints Arena to wrap up a homestand against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Puck drop is officially set for 7:00 PM ET.
Honestly, the regional sports network shuffle has made being a hockey fan feel like a part-time job lately. But here is the short version: if you live in the Pittsburgh area, you're looking for SportsNet Pittsburgh (SNP). If you’re a Blue Jackets fan tuning in from Ohio, you’ll find the game on FanDuel Sports Network Ohio.
The Quick Broadcast Breakdown for Tonight
Don’t get stuck scrolling through a guide while the opening faceoff is happening. Here is exactly where you need to go based on how you watch TV.
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- Regional TV (Pittsburgh Market): SportsNet Pittsburgh (SNP).
- Regional TV (Ohio Market): FanDuel Sports Network Ohio.
- National Streaming (Out-of-Market): ESPN+.
- Live Stream (Cord-Cutters): Fubo or DIRECTV STREAM (Choice Plan).
- Radio: 105.9 The X (WXDX-FM) or the Penguins app.
Why Tonight’s Game Against Columbus Actually Matters
Look, on paper, it’s a mid-January game against a Metropolitan Division rival that has struggled. But the vibe tonight is a little different. It’s Grateful Dead Night at the arena. You’ve got the local jam band TheCAUSE playing on the FedEx Level, and there’s even a special Dogfish Head Grateful Dead Juicy Pale Ale floating around the concourse.
Beyond the tie-dye, the Penguins (22-14-10) are actually in a dogfight for playoff positioning. They’re sitting in 8th place in the Eastern Conference right now. They just came off a big 6-3 win over the Flyers, which is always good for the soul, but they can't afford a "trap game" loss to Columbus.
The Blue Jackets are weird this year. Ever since Rick Bowness took over as head coach earlier this month, they’ve been playing this annoying, disciplined style of hockey. They’ve outscored their last few opponents 12-5. They aren't the pushovers they were in October.
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How to Watch if You Don't Have Cable
If you’ve cut the cord, finding what channel is tonight's penguins game on gets slightly more complicated, but only slightly.
SNP 360 is the direct-to-consumer app for SportsNet Pittsburgh. If you live in the local territory (PA, WV, eastern OH), you can subscribe directly for about $20 a month or $100 for a six-month season pass. It’s basically the only way to get the game on your phone or Roku without a massive cable bill.
For those using streaming services:
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- Fubo: This is usually the go-to for sports fans. It carries SportsNet Pittsburgh in the local market.
- DIRECTV STREAM: You need the "Choice" package or higher to get the regional sports networks. It’s pricey, but it works.
- ESPN+: If you live in, say, California or Florida, this is your home. Just remember, if you are in the Pittsburgh or Columbus local markets, this game will be blacked out on ESPN+.
Key Matchups to Watch at PPG Paints Arena
Keep an eye on Sidney Crosby. The guy just hit the 50-point mark for the 19th time in his career. It’s absurd. He’s leading the team with 25 goals and currently leads the entire Metropolitan Division in points.
On the other side, Zach Werenski has been a monster for Columbus. He’s got 51 points as a defenseman. If the Penguins' penalty kill—which has been perfect over the last four games—slips up, Werenski will make them pay.
Stuart Skinner is expected to be in net for the Pens. He’s been solid with a .894 save percentage, but with Erik Karlsson out with a lower-body injury, the defense in front of him is a bit thinner than Mike Sullivan would like.
Actionable Steps for Fans Tonight
- Check your local listings by 6:30 PM: Pre-game coverage usually starts 30 minutes before puck drop on SportsNet Pittsburgh.
- Update your apps: If you’re using SNP 360 or the Penguins app to listen, make sure you're logged in and updated. There’s nothing worse than a forced update at 7:01 PM.
- Check for Blackouts: If you’re using a VPN to watch on ESPN+, make sure your server is set to a city far away from both Pittsburgh and Columbus.
- Grab the gear: If you're at the game, PensGear is selling limited edition Grateful Dead-themed sweatshirts and pucks that usually sell out by the first intermission.
Basically, get your snacks ready, find SportsNet Pittsburgh, and watch Crosby try to keep this home point streak against Columbus alive. The Pens haven't lost a home game in regulation to the Blue Jackets since 2015. Let’s see if they can keep the magic going.