The 2025-26 NHL regular season will have plenty of intriguing matchups, and 100 of them will air exclusively on ESPN's family of networks and digital platforms.

The puck drops on the new campaign on Tuesday, Oct. 7, with an opening night tripleheader on ESPN featuring the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers . The Panthers will raise their 2024-25 championship banner before taking on Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks in the first game. Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins will face their former coach Mike Sullivan and his new club, the New York Rangers , in the second showdown. The opening night culminates with new teammates Corey Perry and Anton Forsberg leading the Los Angeles Kings against the Colorado Avalanche .

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