NHL nationally televised games for week of Oct. 12

Each Monday throughout the 2026-27 NHL season, ESPN and NHL Network analyst Kevin Weekes will provide fans with a guide of games that will be nationally televised. Today, a look at games for the third week of the regular season.

Highlights include the 'Frozen Frenzy' on Tuesday, when for the fourth consecutive season all 32 teams will be in action at staggered start times, the Montreal Canadiens and Washington Capitals playing on "Wednesday Night Hockey" on Prime in Canada, and a matchup of two perennial Stanley Cup contenders in the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13

Colorado Avalanche at Winnipeg Jets (8:30 p.m. ET; ESPN, SN+, TVAS)

It's no surprise that the Avalanche's top two scorers are Nathan MacKinnon (10 points) and Cale Makar (seven). Colorado (3-2-0) has played five games, and 12 players have scored at least one goal and eight at least two. That depth will carry them a long way. Winnipeg (3-1-1) had a down season in 2025-26 and is dealing with questions surrounding three-time Vezina Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck, who remains suspended. Stuart Skinner, the de facto No. 1, is 2-0-1 with a 2.62 goals-against average and .920 save percentage. Kyle Connor is among NHL leaders with six goals and Cole Perfetti has also been impressive with six points in five games.

Boston Bruins at San Jose Sharks (11 p.m. ET; ESPN, NESN, SN+)

With every team playing Tuesday, it'll be worth staying up late for the final game of the night. The Bruins (4-2-0) will be beginning a tough four-game road trip and get back defenseman Charlie McAvoy, who was suspended the first six games of the season after slashing Buffalo Sabres forward Zach Benson during Game 6 of the Eastern Conference First Round last season. That will be a big boost for them, although the defense has played well, allowing just 2.17 goals per game. New captain David Pastrnak has seven points (two goals, five assists) to start the season, and rookie James Hagens has impressed with four points (two goals, two assists) and could remain in the Calder Trophy race all season. The Sharks (3-2-0) won three of their first four games, which is big for them since they have gotten off to slow starts the past five seasons. Macklin Celebrini missed two games but returned Saturday and scored a goal. They're going to need him healthy if they want to end their long playoff drought and he's also going to be in the Hart Trophy race again this season.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14

Montreal Canadiens at Washington Capitals (7:30 p.m. ET; MNMT, Prime)

NHL on Prime "Wednesday Night Hockey" this week features the Canadiens and Capitals. The Canadiens (2-2-1) got a 1-0 shootout win against the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday to end their three-game skid (0-2-1). After what they did last season, they've definitely been a popular pick to win the Stanley Cup for the first time since 1993. I like what Chris Kreider has brought for them, and he's also been effective with four points (one goal, three assists) through five games. Zachary Bolduc has three goals already after he had 12 in 78 last season. This is also a big week for the Canadiens with two games against the Buffalo Sabres, who they knocked out of the playoffs last season. The Capitals (3-1-0) have had a tough schedule to start the season, with games at the Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes, Tampa Bay Lightning and then games against the Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers. Alex Ovechkin is still looking for his first goal in his final NHL season, but expectations are high in Washington after big offseason acquisitions in Alex Tuch and Jordan Kyrou.

Dallas Stars at Colorado Avalanche (8:30 p.m. ET; HBO MAX, truTV, TNT)

The Stars and Avalanche are always two favorites in the Central Division and Stanley Cup contenders. Even though it's early in the season, I'll definitely be tuned into this one, the first of two games the teams play in two days. Dallas lost two straight to start the season, then had two shutout wins in a row before a shootout loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. We know the Stars can win the close games, but I would like to see more offense out of them. I am happy for Tyler Seguin, who had a long recovery from injury and scored his first goal Saturday. He means a lot to that team. Colorado (3-2-0) and Dallas (2-2-1) split the season series last year, each winning two games.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17

New York Islanders at Toronto Maple Leafs (7 p.m. ET; SNO, SNW, SNP, MSGSN)

The last two No. 1 picks in the NHL Draft go head to head. Matthew Schaefer, the No. 1 pick by the Islanders in 2025, will face Gavin McKenna, the No. 1 pick by the Maple Leafs this year. The Islanders (2-3-0) have alternated wins and losses in every game this season. Schaefer, who won the Calder Trophy last season voted as the top rookie, has four assists this season and leads the Islanders in ice time with 25:27 per game. McKenna has four points (one goal, three assists) in his past three games after he went the first three of his NHL career without one. The Maple Leafs (3-2-1) are looking to bounce back after not making the playoffs last season and have a healthy Auston Matthews as well as many new players (Kirill Marchenko, Nick Paul, Jack Roslovic and Darren Raddysh, to name a few).

OTHER NATIONALLY TELEVISED GAMES

MONDAY

Florida Panthers at Buffalo Sabres (1 p.m. ET; SCRIPPS, MSG-B, SN, TVAS)

Ottawa Senators at New Jersey Devils (7 p.m. ET; MSGSN, NHLN, SN+, TVAS)

TUESDAY

New Jersey Devils at Detroit Red Wings (6 p.m. ET; ESPN, SN+)

THURSDAY

Philadelphia Flyers at Detroit Red Wings (7:30 p.m. ET; Disney+, HULU, ESPN+, SN+)

SATURDAY

New Jersey Devils at Washington Capitals (1 p.m. ET; MNMT, MSGSN, NHLN, SNP, SNO, SNE)

Buffalo Sabres at Montreal Canadiens (7 p.m. ET; TVAS, SNE, MSG-B, NHLN)

Edmonton Oilers at Utah Mammoth (10 p.m. ET; Utah16, SN)