If you're scrambling to find out what time is the Bruins game today, you aren't alone. It’s one of those classic Original Six matchups that feels a little different than a random Tuesday night in November. Tonight, Saturday, January 17, 2026, the Boston Bruins are taking the ice at the United Center to face off against the Chicago Blackhawks.
The puck drops at 8:00 PM ET.
For the folks in the Windy City or those following from the Central Time Zone, that’s 7:00 PM local time. If you’re a West Coast fan catching the action on a lazy Saturday afternoon, you’re looking at a 5:00 PM PT start.
Honestly, the timing is perfect. It’s a primetime Saturday slot, giving you just enough time to grab some takeout and settle into the couch without missing the opening faceoff. The Bruins come into this one on a heater, riding a five-game winning streak and looking like a team that’s finally figured out their identity in this 2025-26 season.
How to Watch: Don’t Get Caught Without the Right Channel
Knowing the time is only half the battle. If you’re in the New England area, your go-to is NESN. They’ve got the local broadcast rights as usual. But if you’ve moved away from the Hub or you're a Blackhawks fan stuck in Boston, you’ll likely need to fire up ESPN+ or check CHSN if you're in the Chicago market.
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- National Stream: ESPN+
- Boston Local TV: NESN
- Chicago Local TV: CHSN
- Radio: 98.5 The Sports Hub (Boston) or 720 WGN (Chicago)
One thing that’s kinda cool about these Saturday night games is the radio atmosphere. If you're driving home or stuck at work, tuning into 98.5 The Sports Hub is basically a rite of passage for Bruins fans. There’s something about the way the calls sound over the airwaves that just feels like old-school hockey.
What’s at Stake in Tonight’s Game?
This isn't just a "check the box" game. The Bruins are currently sitting at 27-19-2. They’re 7th in the Eastern Conference with 56 points, which sounds decent until you realize how tight the Atlantic Division is this year. Every point feels like a playoff game right now.
Chicago is in a different spot. They’re 19-21-7, hovering around 13th in the West. But they have Connor Bedard. You can’t ever truly sleep on a team that has a kid who can change the scoreline in three seconds. Plus, the Blackhawks are hungry to snap a three-game skid at home.
Players to Watch Closely
David Pastrnak is doing "Pasta" things again. He’s leading the B's with 57 points. If he gets a look on the power play, it’s usually lights out. On the other side, Tyler Bertuzzi—a name Bruins fans know all too well—is leading Chicago in goals. It’s always a bit weird seeing him in that red jersey, isn't it?
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The Bruins' power play is currently ranked 6th in the league, hitting at a 24.6% clip. That’s huge. If Chicago gets sloppy and starts taking penalties, this game could get out of hand early. However, the Hawks have a surprisingly solid penalty kill (ranked 2nd), so it’s going to be a "strength vs. strength" kind of night.
The Road Ahead for the B's
After tonight, the Bruins stay on the road for a bit. They’ve got a date with the Dallas Stars on Tuesday, January 20th, which starts at 7:30 PM ET and will be on TNT.
Then they finally head back home to TD Garden.
- Jan 22: vs. Vegas Golden Knights (7:00 PM ET)
- Jan 24: vs. Montreal Canadiens (7:00 PM ET) – The big rivalry night.
Basically, if you’re a fan, your calendar is looking pretty full for the next week. It’s that grind-it-out part of the season where the standings start to solidify.
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Final Logistics for the United Center Trip
If you’re actually headed to the game in Chicago, remember the United Center is at 1901 W. Madison Street. Parking can be a nightmare if you don't arrive early, and the doors usually open about 90 minutes before the 7:00 PM CT puck drop.
What time is the Bruins game if you're looking for the pre-game show? NESN usually starts their coverage at 7:00 PM ET, an hour before the actual game. It's worth a watch if you want to see the projected lines or hear the latest on the injury report—like Jordan Harris, who’s currently on IR.
To get the most out of tonight, make sure your streaming apps are updated and your subscriptions are active. If you're using Fubo or ESPN+, log in about ten minutes early to avoid those annoying "authentication errors" that always seem to happen right as the puck drops. Check your local listings one last time if you're outside the New England area, as regional blackouts can sometimes be a headache.