Tonight, hockey fans are treated to an exhilarating cross-conference matchup as the Pittsburgh Penguins head to Denver to battle the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena. With the playoffs fast approaching, every point matters. Here is your ultimate guide on how to tune into the action on Monday, March 16, 2026, what to expect on the ice, and our breakdown of the latest betting odds.
Where to Watch: TV and Streaming Options for USA and Canada
Puck drop is scheduled for 9:30 PM ET (7:30 PM MT). In the United States, the game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN. Local fans in the Pittsburgh area can also catch the live broadcast on SportsNet Pittsburgh (SN-PIT). For fans north of the border in Canada, you can stream the game on Prime Video and watch the French broadcast on TVAS.
NHL Regional Blackouts Explained for Tonight’s Game
If you are trying to stream the game via ESPN+ or other out-of-market packages, you may encounter regional blackouts. The NHL enforces these blackout rules to protect local broadcasters. If you live within the Colorado Avalanche or Pittsburgh Penguins local television markets, you must watch the game on your designated regional sports network rather than on national out-of-market streaming services. If a game is blacked out in your area, you’ll need to sign into your TV provider to watch the regional feed.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Colorado Avalanche: 2025-26 Stats & Leading Scorers
Both teams are fighting hard this 2025-26 NHL season. The Colorado Avalanche sit at the very top of the Central Division with a phenomenal 44-12-9 record (97 points). However, they are coming off a surprising 3-1 loss to the Winnipeg Jets and will be hungry to bounce back on home ice. The Pittsburgh Penguins currently hold a 33-18-15 record (81 points), putting them solidly in 2nd place in the Metropolitan Division. They have momentum after a hard-fought 4-3 victory over the Utah Mammoth in their last outing.
Leading Scorers:
- Colorado Avalanche: Nathan MacKinnon is having a monstrous season, leading the charge with an incredible 109 points (44 goals, 65 assists), firmly placing him near the top of the NHL.
- Pittsburgh Penguins: Sidney Crosby remains the heart of the team, leading the Penguins with 59 points (27 goals, 32 assists).
Key Injuries: Injuries will play a massive role tonight. The Avalanche are currently missing captain Gabriel Landeskog (lower-body) and Artturi Lehkonen (upper-body). On the other side, the Penguins are navigating a devastating blow with captain Sidney Crosby out on injured reserve (leg), along with Justin Brazeau and Filip Hallander.
Betting Odds and My Personal Game Prediction
The betting odds currently have the Colorado Avalanche as heavy home favorites at -230, with the Over/Under set at 6.5 goals. In my personal insight, while -230 is a steep price to pay, the Avalanche are an absolute wagon on home ice at Ball Arena. Without Sidney Crosby in the lineup to control the tempo, I see the Penguins struggling to contain Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar in transition. I’m personally taking the Avalanche on the puck line (-1.5) to find better value, and I’d lean towards the Under on the 6.5 goals, anticipating that Pittsburgh will play a conservative, trap-heavy game to compensate for their missing superstar.
Final score prediction: 4-2 Avalanche.
Whether you are finding the Pittsburgh Penguins on TV today through regional networks or mapping out the upcoming Colorado Avalanche TV schedule, tonight’s game promises plenty of fireworks. Keep an eye on how MacKinnon performs as he climbs the NHL point leaders 2025-26 season rankings. Be sure to stick around and check out our online hockey pool for cash prizes on my website for even more NHL excitement!
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