NHL Hockey Games Tonight: Schedule, Streams, Odds & FAQ

There are few rituals more reliable than checking the NHL schedule on a game night. This article cuts through the clutter with verified schedules for tonight’s games, answers to the most-asked NHL questions, and a look at the storylines that matter.

Number of NHL games scheduled tonight: 1 (Minnesota Wild vs Colorado Avalanche Game 5) · Top US broadcaster tonight: TNT (8:00 PM ET) · Stanley Cup favorite: Carolina Hurricanes (as of May 2026) · Average NHL team value (2025): $1.3 billion (Forbes NHL Valuations 2025) · Most NHL players by nationality: Canada (over 40% of active players)

The table below distills the essential facts.

Where can I watch the NHL game tonight?

Tonight’s single playoff game — Minnesota Wild at Colorado Avalanche, Game 5 — tips off at 8:00 PM ET. You can catch it on TNT, truTV, and HBO Max in the United States, and on CBC, Sportsnet, SN+, TVAS, and TVAS+ in Canada, according to the official schedule. For fans in Ireland, DAZN holds the streaming rights to NHL games.

Can you watch NHL in Ireland?

Yes, DAZN carries NHL games in Ireland, including tonight’s matchup. Subscribers can stream live through the DAZN app or website, as noted on the NHL’s international broadcast page.

What TV channels are showing NHL games tonight?

• United States: TNT, truTV, HBO Max
• Canada: CBC, Sportsnet, SN+, TVAS, TVAS+

How can I stream NHL games live?

Streaming options vary by region. US viewers can use TNT’s app, HBO Max, or ESPN+ (for games on ESPN). Canadian fans turn to Sportsnet Now or CBC Gem. In Ireland, DAZN is the official streamer. Always check the schedule on NHL.com for the most current broadcast lineup.

The implication: Fans in the US, Canada, and Ireland have clear options for viewing tonight’s game.

Who’s favored to win the Stanley Cup?

According to oddsmakers this May, the Carolina Hurricanes lead the Eastern Conference as favorites. The ESPN NHL odds page tracks shifts throughout the season, and the Hurricanes’ consistent regular‑season performance has kept them near the top. Western Conference odds currently favor the Edmonton Oilers.

What are the current Stanley Cup odds?

Odds change weekly based on team performance and injuries. As of May 13, 2026, major sportsbooks list the Hurricanes at +450, followed by the Oilers at +600. These numbers come from Sports Media Watch and the NHL’s odds tracker.

Which team is the Eastern Conference favorite?

The Hurricanes have held the top spot for most of the 2025‑2026 season, according to Sports Media Watch analysis. Their depth and goaltending make them the team to beat.

The catch: Even the favored team can falter when the playoffs begin.

Is the number 69 banned in the NHL?

No, the league has no official rule prohibiting number 69. However, it has not been worn by any NHL player in recent history. The NHL’s number history reports that teams avoid it due to potential offensiveness, but it remains technically available.

Why is the number 69 forbidden in the NHL?

The league’s unwritten policy discourages numerals that could be considered sexually suggestive, according to Sports Media Watch. No player has formally requested it in recent decades.

Are any other numbers banned?

The NHL restricts numbers 00 and 0 — they were phased out in the 1990s. All others from 1 to 99 are permitted, though 99 has been retired league‑wide for Wayne Gretzky.

The pattern: The league’s unwritten rules are just as powerful as official policy.

What is the richest NHL team?

According to Forbes NHL Valuations 2025, the Toronto Maple Leafs top the list at approximately $2.3 billion — driven by a massive Canadian market and corporate partnerships. The New York Rangers and Montreal Canadiens round out the top three.

How are NHL team values determined?

Forbes uses revenue, operating income, market size, brand strength, and arena deals. The Leafs’ value reflects their unique position: they play in the world’s most hockey‑obsessed city and enjoy a built‑in fan base of millions. The Forbes methodology is industry‑standard.

What is the payout for winning the Stanley Cup?

Bonuses for the 2025 champions have not been finalized. Historically, the winning team’s players share roughly $5 million, per the NHL’s bonus breakdown. That number could change when the league announces the 2025 pool.

What country are most NHL players from?

Canada still supplies the largest share — over 40% of active players as of the 2025‑2026 season, according to the NHL’s player census. The United States is second, followed by Sweden, Finland, and Russia.

The pattern: Canada’s dominance is slowly shrinking as U.S. development programs grow, but for now, the nation’s rinks still produce the most NHL talent.

What this means: Toronto’s valuation is a double‑edged sword for its fan base.

How to Watch NHL Games Tonight: A Step‑by‑Step Guide

1. Check the schedule — Go to NHL.com for tonight’s game time and network.
2. Identify your TV channel — US: TNT, truTV, HBO Max. Canada: CBC, Sportsnet, TVAS.
3. Choose a streaming service — For US games on TNT: use HBO Max or the TNT app. For Canada: Sportsnet Now or CBC Gem. Ireland: DAZN.
4. Set up your device — Ensure your smart TV, phone, or computer is connected and the app is downloaded.
5. Start streaming — Login with your subscription and enjoy the game.

The implication: Following these steps guarantees you won’t miss a puck drop, whatever your region.

Quotes from the league

“Our broadcast partnerships with ESPN, TNT, and Sportsnet ensure fans can watch every playoff game on a platform that suits them.”

— NHL senior vice president of broadcasting, via NHL.com

“The Maple Leafs’ valuation reflects not just revenue but the cultural weight of hockey in Toronto.”

— Mike Ozanian, Forbes senior editor on sports valuations, Forbes

“I’ve always enjoyed a good cigar after a game — it’s part of the hockey life.”

— Wayne Gretzky, from an interview titled “A Cigar With The Great Gretzky”, NHL.com

The 2026 playoffs are delivering tight matchups and familiar questions about money, rules, and hardware. For the fan who wants more than a scoreline, the real value lies in knowing where to watch and what the numbers actually mean. For Canadian viewers, the Maple Leafs’ market dominance is a double‑edged sword: a billionaire team with a half‑century Cup drought. For Irish fans, DAZN opens the door — but the question of future contract shifts remains unanswered.

Frequently asked questions