Blackhawks fans hoping to bring kids to the United Center — or to get a little more sleep themselves — will be in luck during the 2026-27 season.
Starting times for home games have shifted earlier across the board, with most weeknight games starting at 7 p.m. instead of 7:30 and all weekend games starting at 6 p.m. or earlier. The NHL released the schedule Thursday for its first 84-game season since 1994.
The Hawks sent a survey to some ticket buyers last week to ask about their preferred start times on different days. The feedback was convincing enough to change longstanding traditions, with 83% of respondents voting for weeknight start times of 7 p.m. or earlier.
Around the NHL, 7:30 local start times gradually have become less common. The Hawks now have joined the movement.
Last season, 22 of the Hawks’ 26 home games on weeknights (excluding holidays) started at 7:30 or later. This season, 19 of 23 weeknight games (excluding holidays) will start at 7 p.m. or earlier. National TV games, the times of which are set by the league, account for most of the exceptions.
And on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, 11 of the Hawks’ 19 home games are matinees — up from only three last season — and none are late starts.
The Hawks will open the season on the road for the ninth consecutive year, although they’ll do it in September for the first time, with the extended season prompting an earlier start.
They’ll visit the Golden Knights during ESPN’s opening-night tripleheader Sept. 29, then continue a three-game road trip with visits to the Mammoth and Sabres.
They’ll host the Blues in their home opener Oct. 6, then enjoy a seven-game homestand Oct. 10-27. (They’ll have another seven-game homestand Feb. 17-March 1.)
Other marquee home games include a matinee against the Rangers on Black Friday (Nov. 27) and another against the Bruins on New Year’s Day.
Between those dates, they’ll travel to Dusseldorf, Germany, for two previously announced matchups against the Senators, which are their only games Dec. 13-27.
They’ll enjoy a bye week to start February, leading into the NHL All-Star Game on Feb. 6 (hosted by the Islanders), with visits to the Sharks coincidentally book-ending that break.
If the Hawks hang around the playoff hunt into March, they’ll be tested by two four-game road trips — featuring a combined six games against divisional opponents — during the final weeks of the season. They’ll end the season April 10 at home against the Kraken.