Networking
Here’s what it means that the NHL’s two U.S. national TV partners have chosen to show a total of 10 Seattle Kraken games this season: as of now, the other 72 will be shown on free, over-the-air TV stations in the Kraken territory. In Seattle, that’s KONG 6/16, with some games on KING 5. The same 72 games will be streamed on Amazon Prime Video in the Kraken region.
The 2024-25 Seattle Kraken on ESPN, ESPN+, ABC and TNT is below. Also noted, where network TV has necessitated a change to the previously announced start time.
A 73rd Kraken game will be free to view, the Mar. 8 game at Philadelphia on ABC (KOMO-4 in Seattle). Seven games will be shown on cable TV, five by ESPN and two by TNT. The pair of TNT games may also be streamed on Max, but that’s not confirmed. (Three ESPN+ Kraken game streams will be simulcasts also shown on TV.)
The Kraken are tied for 16th among the 25 U.S.-based NHL teams in number of national appearances. Bringing up the rear, the Columbus Blue Jackets, with one scheduled national game. Pittsburgh, Colorado, and Edmonton will appear the most, 17 times each. Speaking of the Oilers, they’re one of three Canadian teams allowed to compete on ESPN/TNT, along with the Maple Leafs and Canucks. No such luck for the Flames, Canadiens, Jets and Senators.
Life Is But A Stream
For armchair Kraken fans, a total of 80 Kraken games will be available on television. Another upshot of the national schedule is that two probably won’t be – Dec. 5 at the Islanders and Feb. 6 hosting the Maple Leafs.
Games ESPN has chosen to air exclusively (only) on its streaming service appear to prevent local telecasts of the same games. Without a ticket or streaming subscription, for instance, San Jose Sharks fans won’t get to see the debut of 2024 1st overall draft pick Macklin Celebrini.
From the San Jose Mercury News: “The decision to take San Jose’s season-opener off cable television and make it an ESPN+ game was out of the Sharks organization’s hands. A source said the Sharks were ‘very disappointed’ after learning of the decision to make the game part of ESPN’s streaming schedule.”
With all this said, the fog hasn’t completely cleared on exactly who will television what, when, and where. As of now, four of TNT’s Avalanche broadcasts will be blacked out in the Colorado market. Instead, the game will be shown by the regional sports network which carries Avalanche games.
Kraken Night In Canada
Many Washington cable systems include CBUT-TV, the Vancouver, BC affiliate of CBC, Canada’s public broadcasting network. That’s of special interest to Kraken fans, because CBC carries a Hockey Night In Canada doubleheader on most Saturday evenings.
Many HNIC games are regionally televised, so it’s not a lock for the Kraken to be the regional game chosen by CBUT on a particular Saturday. But here’s the scheduled Kraken appearances:
- Oct. 19: Flames at Kraken, 7 p.m. PT
- Nov. 2: Kraken at Senators, 4 p.m. PT
- Jan. 4: Oilers at Kraken, 7 p.m. PT
- Feb. 8: Kraken at Flames, 7 p.m. PT
- Mar. 1: Canucks at Kraken, 7 p.m. PT
- Mar. 22: Kraken at Oilers, 7 p.m. PT