You're standing there with a beverage in hand, or maybe you're still stuck at the office, and the only thing that actually matters is knowing exactly what time is the hockey game tonight so you don't miss puck drop. We've all been there. You check one app, it’s in Pacific Time. You check another, and it’s showing yesterday’s scores. It's frustrating.
Honestly, tonight—Thursday, January 15, 2026—is one of those massive mid-season slates where the NHL schedule is absolutely packed. We are talking about ten games across the league. Whether you are looking for that classic Eastern Conference rivalry or a late-night Western showdown, the timing varies wildly depending on your zip code.
The 7:00 PM ET Early Window
If you live on the East Coast, the party starts early. Usually, the league likes to stagger these, but tonight they are dropping the puck on four different games simultaneously at 7:00 PM EST.
Basically, the Buffalo Sabres are hosting the Montreal Canadiens at KeyBank Center. If you're a Sabres fan, you've probably seen their power play looking a bit more cohesive lately, and tonight's matchup against the Habs is a big test for their young core. At the exact same time, the Philadelphia Flyers are heading into Pittsburgh to face the Penguins. It doesn't matter where these two teams are in the standings; a Pens-Flyers game is always a must-watch for the pure chaos factor.
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Also in that 7:00 PM slot:
- Vancouver Canucks vs. Columbus Blue Jackets: Taking place at Nationwide Arena.
- San Jose Sharks vs. Washington Capitals: Happening at Capital One Arena in D.C.
What Time is the Hockey Game Tonight for Mid-Evening Fans?
Now, if you can't make the 7:00 PM starts, the 8:00 PM ET (7:00 PM CT) window has some heavy hitters. This is where things get interesting for the Central Division.
The Winnipeg Jets are visiting the Minnesota Wild at Grand Casino Arena. The Wild have been playing a very heavy, physical game this month, and the Jets usually bring that same energy. Expect this one to be a bit of a grind. At the same time, the Seattle Kraken are in Boston to play the Bruins.
Wait. Let's talk about that Bruins game for a second. Boston has been dominant at TD Garden this year, sitting near the top of the Atlantic Division. David Pastrnak is currently on a tear with 55 points in 42 games. If you're wondering what time is the hockey game tonight specifically for the B's, it is 8:00 PM ET.
Late Night West Coast Action
For the night owls or the folks actually living out West, the schedule keeps rolling into the late hours.
- Chicago Blackhawks vs. Calgary Flames: 8:30 PM ET at the United Center.
- Edmonton Oilers vs. New York Islanders: 9:00 PM ET. This is the big one. Connor McDavid vs. a disciplined Isles defense.
- Utah Mammoth vs. Dallas Stars: 9:00 PM ET. The newer Utah market is still buzzing, and the Stars are a tough out for anyone right now.
- Vegas Golden Knights vs. Toronto Maple Leafs: 9:30 PM ET. This is arguably the "Game of the Night." Auston Matthews returning to the desert is always a spectacle.
Broadcast Guide: How to Actually Watch
Knowing the time is only half the battle. You have to know where to find the signal. Most of tonight’s games are being funneled through regional sports networks like NESN for the Bruins or MSG-B for the Sabres.
However, for the out-of-market fans, ESPN+ is basically your best friend tonight. They are carrying the bulk of these games, including the Kraken/Bruins matchup. If you are in Canada, you are looking at Sportsnet for the national feeds, especially for that Leafs/Knights game which will likely be the primary late-night broadcast.
College and Women’s Hockey Alternatives
It isn't just the NHL tonight. If you're a fan of the college game or the PWHL, there's stuff happening there too, though the big PWHL games happened yesterday (Boston Fleet beat the Toronto Sceptres 2-1, by the way).
In the college ranks, the No. 5 UConn women's team is playing Merrimack at 3:00 PM ET today. It's a home-and-home series that starts in Storrs. If you're looking for afternoon hockey, that's your play.
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Actionable Tips for Following Tonight’s Games
- Sync your calendar: If you use Google Calendar or iCal, go to the official NHL site and "Follow" your team. It’ll auto-adjust the times to your local time zone so you never have to ask "wait, is that 7:00 PM my time or their time?" again.
- Check the local blackouts: Remember, if you’re using ESPN+, local blackout rules still apply. If you live in the Philly area, you probably won't be able to stream the Flyers game on ESPN+; you’ll need your local cable provider or a service like Fubo.
- Watch the injury reports: For the late game in Vegas, keep an eye on the morning skate reports. Lineup changes usually happen about two hours before puck drop, and that can drastically change the vibe of a matchup.
The puck drops in the first wave of games in just a few hours. Get your snacks ready, check your local listings one last time, and enjoy a massive night of hockey.
Next Steps for Hockey Fans
To make sure you're ready for tonight, you should double-check your streaming login credentials now rather than five minutes after the game starts. If you're planning on betting or playing fantasy, verify the starting goaltenders—Jeremy Swayman is expected for Boston, and Joey Daccord is likely for Seattle, but those can shift right up until warmups.