The Buffalo Sabres return to KeyBank Center Saturday night for their 2026-27 home opener against the Chicago Blackhawks, with both teams seeking their first win of the young NHL season.
Buffalo will celebrate last season’s breakthrough before the puck drops, raising its 2025-26 Atlantic Division Champions banner to the rafters at KeyBank Center. The Sabres are coming off a 6-3 season-opening loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, while Chicago arrives in Buffalo at 0-2-0.
Apr 13, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson (72) skates with the puck past Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Alex Vlasic (72) during the second period at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
How to watch Chicago Blackhawks vs Buffalo Sabres
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2006
- Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
- Local TV Channel: MSG Network; Fubo (TRY FOR FREE)
- Out-of-market stream: ESPN+ via NHL Power Play
Fans in Western New York can watch the Sabres broadcast locally on MSG Network, while eligible fans outside the Buffalo television market can stream the game through NHL Power Play on ESPN+. Local blackout restrictions apply.
Saturday marks Buffalo’s first game at KeyBank Center after opening the season Thursday in Columbus. The Sabres went 26-10-5 on home ice last season, and Saturday’s matchup begins a five-game homestand.
Meanwhile, Chicago is wrapping up its season-opening road trip. The Blackhawks have dropped their first two games and will look to turn things around before heading home. Chicago’s local broadcast is available on CHSN, while the team also lists ESPN+ as the out-of-market streaming option for Saturday’s game.
For viewers outside the local Buffalo and Chicago television markets, NHL Power Play on ESPN+ provides another way to follow Saturday night’s matchup and hundreds of additional out-of-market NHL games throughout the season.
Live stream the Buffalo Sabres vs. Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday night with local coverage on MSG and Fubo, with out-of-market coverage on ESPN Power Play.
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