The NHL’s national TV schedule is giving the Dallas Stars a solid spotlight this season, even if the numbers say they’re still getting less attention than some of the league’s biggest draws.
Dallas landed 13 nationally televised games, which puts the club fourth in the Central Division behind Chicago and Minnesota at 17 apiece and Colorado with 16. That’s a notable placement for a team that has been one of the NHL’s most consistent contenders over the last four seasons. Still, the league clearly leaned harder into market size and star appeal, with the Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard factor carrying obvious weight despite Chicago finishing last in the division again.
The Eastern Conference also dominates the top of the list. Pittsburgh and Boston lead the way with 20 national games each, followed by Philadelphia with 19 and the New York Rangers with 18. Washington and Detroit are tied with Chicago and Minnesota at 17, another sign that the NHL is pushing heavily toward teams with established followings in the northeast and beyond.
There’s also a striking comparison for Dallas: the Stars will be on national TV one more time than the Carolina Hurricanes, the reigning Stanley Cup champions. Carolina drew only 12 nationally televised games, which stands out even more given that the team kept most of its roster intact for another playoff push.
Dallas’ broadcast breakdown includes one ABC appearance, four games on ESPN, three on ESPN+/Hulu, and five on TNT.
Here’s the Stars’ national TV slate:
Tuesday, October 20: Boston Bruins at Dallas Stars - 7:00 p.m. (ESPN)
Tuesday, November 17: Dallas Stars at Vegas Golden Knights - 9:00 p.m. (TNT)
Thursday, November 19: Dallas Stars at Vegas Golden Knights - 9:00 p.m. (ESPN+, Disney+, Hulu)
Thursday, December 3: Dallas Stars at Seattle Kraken - 9:00 p.m. (ESPN+, Disney+, Hulu)
Tuesday, December 15: Washington Capitals at Dallas Stars - 8:30 p.m. (TNT)
Tuesday, January 19: Dallas Stars at New Jersey Devils - 6:00 p.m. (ESPN+, Disney+, Hulu )
Wednesday, January 20: Dallas Stars at Chicago Blackhawks - 6:30 p.m. (TNT)
Thursday, February 18: Philadelphia Flyers at Dallas Stars - 8:00 p.m. (ESPN)
Saturday, February 20: Vegas Golden Knights at Dallas Stars (Stadium Series) - 7:00 p.m. (ABC)
Sunday, February 28: Dallas Stars at St. Louis Blues - 8:00 p.m. (ESPN)
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