On Thursday, November 20, 2025, hockey fans across North America are locked in for one of the most electric nights of the NHL season, as the Edmonton Oilers visit the Tampa Bay Lightning at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time — a rematch of last year’s playoff thriller that still has fans buzzing. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Twelve NHL games are on the slate, and six NBA matchups are tipping off, turning what might’ve been a quiet midweek night into a full-throttle sports marathon.
Full NHL Slate: From Atlantic Rivalries to Western Showdowns
It’s not just Edmonton vs. Tampa. The Columbus Blue Jackets face the Toronto Maple Leafs at 6 p.m., while the Washington Capitals take on the Montreal Canadiens — a game that could decide early-season divisional momentum. The Canadiens, led by 21-year-old phenom Cole Caufield, are off to a stunning 9-3-0 start, sitting atop the Atlantic Division. Meanwhile, the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers are clinging to second place, hungry to prove they’re not just a flash in the pan.
Up west, the Los Angeles Kings battle the San Jose Sharks at 9 p.m. — a rivalry revived after years of dormancy. The Dallas Stars visit the Vancouver Canucks, and the Vegas Golden Knights host the new Utah Hockey Club, making their first appearance on national TV since relocating from Arizona. Tickets for most games start as low as $43, according to ESPN’s ticketing data, making it one of the most accessible nights of the season.
Where to Watch: Streaming, Blackouts, and the Hulu Edge
For fans trying to catch every puck drop, the viewing options are layered. The ESPN App and NHL streaming hub carry all games, but local blackouts still apply on ESPN+ alone. Here’s the twist: if you subscribe to ESPN+ through Hulu, you get nationwide access without blackout restrictions. That’s a game-changer for fans living in markets like Tampa, Edmonton, or Los Angeles where local teams dominate the airwaves. The NHL’s official Local Broadcast Guide confirms this setup, and fans are already posting screenshots of their Hulu login screens on Reddit as a ‘pro tip’ for out-of-market viewers.
NBA on the Same Night: Clippers, Hawks, and the Rising Pistons
While hockey fans are glued to their screens, basketball isn’t taking a backseat. The Los Angeles Clippers host the Orlando Magic at 7 p.m. Eastern, and the Atlanta Hawks visit the San Antonio Spurs at 8 p.m. The Detroit Pistons, riding an 11-game winning streak and sitting at 13-2, are the surprise leaders of the Eastern Conference — a far cry from their rebuilding years just 18 months ago. In the West, the Oklahoma City Thunder (15-1) remain undefeated at home, while the Los Angeles Lakers (11-4) are quietly building chemistry under new head coach Darvin Ham.
Why This Night Matters Beyond the Box Score
This isn’t just about who wins. It’s about momentum. The Canadiens’ hot start has reignited a dormant fanbase — and forced the league to reconsider whether Montreal can be a true contender again. The Lightning, despite losing core players to free agency, are proving their system runs deeper than stars. And the Panthers? They’re not just defending champs — they’re building a legacy. If they beat the Devils tonight, it’ll be their 10th win in 12 games. A dynasty is either being born… or they’re just lucky.
Meanwhile, the NBA’s early standings are a wild card. The Pistons’ streak is historic for a franchise that hasn’t won a playoff series since 2008. Are they for real? Or is the East just that weak? And with the Thunder and Nuggets both undefeated in their last seven, the Western Conference looks like a war of attrition.
What’s Next: The Ripple Effect
By Friday morning, playoff seeding projections will shift. Fantasy managers will be scrambling. Betting lines will adjust. And if the Oilers beat the Lightning in regulation, it could send shockwaves through the Pacific Division race — Edmonton is already 8-5, and a win here would tie them with the Kings for second in the West.
For casual fans, this night is a perfect gateway. For diehards, it’s a referendum on the season’s trajectory. Either way, the NHL and NBA are delivering on their promise: this isn’t just another Thursday. It’s the kind of night that makes you forget to eat dinner — and you don’t even mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I watch the Edmonton Oilers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning game without a cable subscription?
You can stream the game via ESPN+ through Hulu, which removes local blackouts and offers nationwide access. Alternatively, NHL.TV (now part of the NHL streaming hub) provides direct subscriptions with out-of-market access. A standalone ESPN+ subscription alone may trigger blackouts if you’re in the Tampa or Edmonton market.
Why is the Montreal Canadiens’ 9-3-0 record so surprising?
The Canadiens haven’t finished above .500 since 2021 and missed the playoffs in five of the last six seasons. Their 9-3-0 start under rookie head coach Martin St. Louis — fueled by Cole Caufield’s 14 goals in 12 games — is the best opening to a season since 2005. Even their penalty kill is ranked third in the league, a historic turnaround from last year’s 27th-place finish.
Are the Detroit Pistons really the best team in the East?
Their 13-2 record and 11-game winning streak are the best in the NBA this season. But their schedule has been softer than most — they’ve played only three teams with winning records so far. Still, their defense is top-five, and rookie point guard Jalen Duren has emerged as a breakout star. If they keep this up past December, they’ll be the first team since the 2017 Warriors to lead the league in wins after 15 games.
What’s the significance of the Utah Hockey Club’s debut on national TV?
The Utah Hockey Club — formerly the Arizona Coyotes — is playing its first nationally televised game since relocating to Salt Lake City in 2024. Their move was controversial, but their early 5-8 record and sold-out arena suggest the market is embracing them. Tonight’s game against Vegas is a litmus test: can a non-traditional hockey market sustain a competitive team? The NHL is watching closely.
Is the Florida Panthers’ dynasty in the making?
They’re the only team in NHL history to win back-to-back Cups with the same core since the 1990s Oilers. Their top line of Aleksander Barkov, Nikita Kucherov, and Brayden Point has combined for 42 goals this season. If they win their next three, they’ll be the first team since the 2001-02 Red Wings to start 10-1 after 11 games. The league is nervous — they’re not just good, they’re systematic.
Why are ticket prices so low for so many games?
Many teams are offering deep discounts to rebuild attendance after pandemic-era drops. The NHL’s average ticket price is down 12% from 2023, and teams like the Sharks, Blue Jackets, and Kraken are using $43-59 price points to lure families and casual fans. It’s a gamble — but with TV ratings up 18% this season, the league hopes exposure will drive long-term loyalty.
