Blackhawks vs. Lightning: How to Watch and Follow the November 5 Game

Information checked: November 6, 2026, at 1:27 a.m. UTC (November 5, 8:27 p.m. Eastern Standard Time).

The Chicago Blackhawks’ game against the Tampa Bay Lightning was scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Thursday, November 5, at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa. The scheduled start has passed; the game’s current score and status could not be independently confirmed at the time of this check. For the latest, visit the NHL scores page for November 5.

For viewers looking to join the broadcast, Chicago listed CHSN for its local market and ESPN+ for out-of-market viewers. Tampa Bay listed The Spot for its local telecast, along with radio and streaming options. Availability depends on your location and subscription. Chicago’s game preview and Tampa Bay’s game-day guide provide the original listings.

Destaques

• The scheduled start was November 5 at 7 p.m. EST in Tampa, or November 6 at 00:00 UTC.
• CHSN was listed for Chicago’s local audience; The Spot was listed for Tampa Bay’s local audience.
• ESPN+ was listed for out-of-market viewing, subject to regional restrictions and an eligible subscription.
• Check NHL scores for the current game status; a live score or final result was not verified for this article.

What time did Blackhawks vs. Lightning start?

The teams were scheduled to meet on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 7 p.m. in Tampa, Florida, Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC−05:00). That is 6 p.m. Central Standard Time in Chicago (CST, UTC−06:00), and 00:00 UTC on Friday, November 6. The Lightning identified Benchmark International Arena as the venue.

Those are the published schedule details, not a confirmation of the actual puck-drop time or the game’s progress. If you are joining after the scheduled start, the NHL’s dated scores page is the best place to check whether play is underway, delayed or final before choosing how to follow.

What channel is Blackhawks vs. Lightning on?

Chicago’s game preview lists Chicago Sports Network (CHSN) as the in-market television outlet. The Blackhawks’ broadcast guide says locally televised games are available through CHSN and its app in the team’s broadcast territory, with access through a subscription or participating television provider. Use the team’s availability tool and your provider’s listings to confirm access at your address.

In the Tampa Bay area, the Lightning listed The Spot, Tampa Bay 66, for this matchup. The team’s season viewing guide identifies WXTP-TV 66.1 as its Tampa Bay over-the-air channel and notes that channel numbers vary by market and provider. Antenna reception depends on your location and equipment, so check your local signal and listings.

Can you stream Blackhawks vs. Lightning?

The Blackhawks’ matchup preview lists ESPN+ for out-of-market viewers. Chicago’s broadcast guide says eligible ESPN plans carry out-of-market local games and that blackout restrictions apply. Check the game listing in your ESPN account before relying on it: a viewer inside a team’s local territory may need the regional broadcaster instead.

For Chicago-area viewers, the CHSN app or a participating TV provider is the relevant place to check for the local feed. Tampa Bay’s game-day guide also directs local viewers to the Lightning’s streaming service. The Lightning’s season guide describes its local digital streaming option as a subscription service. Sign in and confirm that the game is available at your location and on your device; do not assume every plan or market includes the same feed.

If you are comparing services just for this game, check the current price and terms on the provider’s site before purchasing. A live subscription does not guarantee that this particular game will be available in your region, and a replay should not be assumed to be included.

How can you follow the score or listen on the radio?

For a quick update, open the NHL scores page, select Blackhawks at Lightning, and look for the game’s status and details. A score shown alongside a period or a final label gives more useful context than a score alone. Refresh the page if the display appears stale.

Chicago lists WGN 720 AM and the Blackhawks app for its radio coverage. Tampa Bay lists 102.5 FM and Lightning Radio 24/7. Radio is a practical alternative if you cannot access a video feed, although online audio availability can depend on your location and the service’s terms.

What should fans watch for next?

This was the first scheduled meeting between the teams in the 2026–27 season, according to both clubs’ game-day material. Chicago described the visit as the second game of a back-to-back and part of a three-game road trip. Tampa Bay’s preview said the teams were also scheduled to meet March 8 in Chicago. Consult the clubs’ schedules closer to that date for any changes.

The immediate question for anyone arriving late is whether the November 5 game is still in progress. If it is final, use the NHL game page for the confirmed result and statistics, and check the relevant broadcaster for any available highlights or replay. Broadcast schedules and replay rights can change, so verify the listing before making plans.

FAQ

Is Blackhawks vs. Lightning on ESPN+?

Chicago listed ESPN+ for out-of-market viewers. An eligible subscription and location outside the applicable blackout areas are required.

Can I watch the game free over the air in Tampa?

The Lightning listed The Spot for the game and identify WXTP-TV 66.1 as its Tampa Bay over-the-air channel. Reception depends on your antenna and location.

Where can I find the final score?

Check the NHL’s November 5 scores page for the game’s current status and confirmed result when available.