Get ready for a massive week of hockey! Discover the full schedule of NHL nationally televised games for week of Feb. 23, featuring Olympic heroes and bitter division rivalries as the season heats up.
The Olympic torches in Milan may have just been extinguished, but the heat is moving directly back to the NHL rinks. This week marks a pivotal turning point in the 2025-26 season as stars return from international duty to fight for playoff positioning. If you don’t want to miss a single highlight, our guide to the NHL nationally televised games for week of Feb. 23 is your ultimate roadmap to the action.
National TV Schedule: Week 21 Highlights
| Date | Matchup | Time (ET) | Network |
| Wed, Feb 25 | Toronto at Tampa Bay | 7:30 PM | TNT, HBO Max, truTV |
| Wed, Feb 25 | Vegas at LA Kings | 10:30 PM | TNT, HBO Max, truTV |
| Thu, Feb 26 | Edmonton at LA Kings | 10:30 PM | ESPN, SNW |
| Sat, Feb 28 | Pittsburgh at NY Rangers | 12:30 PM | ABC, SNW |
| Sat, Feb 28 | Boston at Philadelphia | 3:00 PM | ABC, TVAS |
Wednesday Night Doubleheader: Olympic Glory Meets Rivalry
The action kicks off with a bang on Wednesday, featuring a star-studded slate of NHL nationally televised games for week of Feb. 23. First up, the Toronto Maple Leafs travel to Florida to face the Tampa Bay Lightning. This game is particularly intriguing as it pits gold medal-winning teammates Auston Matthews and Jake Guentzel against one another. While the Leafs were on a three-game heater before the break, the Lightning have been the hottest team in hockey, winning 19 of their last 21 games.
Later that night, the focus shifts to the West Coast. The Vegas Golden Knights take on the Los Angeles Kings in a battle of heavyweights. Fans should keep an eye on Jack Eichel and Noah Hanifin, who are fresh off leading Team USA to its first gold medal since 1980. They will face a Kings squad featuring Drew Doughty in a match that could have major implications for the Pacific Division standings.
Thursday: The Return of the MVP
On Thursday, the spotlight belongs to the best player on the planet. One of the most anticipated NHL nationally televised games for week of Feb. 23 features the Edmonton Oilers visiting the Los Angeles Kings. All eyes will be on Connor McDavid, who was recently named Olympic MVP after a staggering 13-point performance in Milan.
The Oilers are currently on a mission to avenge two straight Stanley Cup Final losses. Sitting just four points out of first place in the Pacific, Edmonton needs McDavid to maintain his legendary form to leapfrog Vegas. With the Kings historically struggling at home this season, the Oilers will be looking to make a massive statement on the national stage.
Saturday Showcase: Legend Status and Wild Card Races
Saturday’s schedule offers a fantastic afternoon of hockey. The first of the NHL nationally televised games for week of Feb. 23 on Saturday features the Pittsburgh Penguins visiting the New York Rangers. The big story here is the health of Sidney Crosby. After missing the Olympic gold medal game with a lower-body injury, the hockey world is watching to see if the “Great 87” will be back in the lineup to lead the Pens’ playoff push.
Directly following that, the Boston Bruins face off against the Philadelphia Flyers. Both teams have defied expectations this season under new coaching. David Pastrnak continues to be a force for Boston, while Trevor Zegras has looked completely rejuvenated in Philly since his high-profile trade. With both teams fighting for Wild Card spots, this game will likely have the intensity of a playoff matchup.
The Post-Olympic Push Begins
As the league resumes its regular schedule, the energy is different. The players aren’t just fighting for points; they are carrying the momentum (or the heartbreak) from the Winter Games. This week’s NHL nationally televised games for week of Feb. 23 provide the perfect opportunity for fans to see how these world-class athletes transition back to their club teams.
From the Rangers acting as “spoilers” while they navigate a rebuild to the Oilers chasing a division title, every minute of these broadcasts will be crucial. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, these games represent the very best of what the NHL has to offer during the home stretch of the regular season.
Conclusion
The 21st week of the NHL season is officially here, and the stakes have never been higher. With stars like McDavid, Matthews, and Eichel returning to North American ice, the NHL nationally televised games for week of Feb. 23 are must-watch TV. Make sure your DVR is set and your snacks are ready—the race to the Stanley Cup Playoffs is officially in high gear!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which networks are hosting the NHL nationally televised games for week of Feb. 23?
The games this week will be broadcast across TNT, ESPN, ABC, and HBO Max, with some games also appearing on the NHL Network and local sports networks.
2. Is Connor McDavid playing this week after his Olympic MVP run?
Yes, McDavid is expected to lead the Oilers in their nationally televised game against the Kings on Thursday, Feb. 26.
3. Will Sidney Crosby be available for the Penguins vs. Rangers game?
Sidney Crosby is currently recovering from a lower-body injury. Fans watching the NHL nationally televised games for week of Feb. 23 should check the morning skate reports for Saturday, Feb. 28.
4. Why is the Toronto vs. Tampa Bay game a “gold medal” matchup?
It features several players who competed in the 2026 Olympic final, including American gold medalists and Canadian silver medalists.
5. How can I stream the NHL nationally televised games for week of Feb. 23?
You can stream the games via HBO Max (for TNT/truTV games), the ESPN+ app, and through various cable provider apps like ABC and TNT.
