Canadiens vs Maple Leafs TV Schedule 2024: Where to Watch the Iconic Rivalry Matchup

The intensity is palpable. When the Montreal Canadiens face off against the Toronto Maple Leafs, it’s more than just a hockey game—it’s a collision of history, culture, and Canada’s deepest sporting rivalry. For fans, however, the biggest stressor often isn't the penalty kill; it’s figuring out exactly how and where to tune in. The challenge of navigating broadcast rights, national feeds, and regional blackouts is very real.

I remember last year, juggling three different apps just to ensure I caught the opening faceoff without disruption. It’s frustrating, but crucial knowledge for any loyal supporter. As we approach the next iteration of the Original Six showdown, we’ve broken down everything you need to know about the Canadiens vs. Maple Leafs TV schedule, streaming options, and how to avoid the dreaded blackout screen.

Whether you're shouting "Go Leafs Go!" from Scarborough or chanting "Go Habs Go!" in downtown Montreal, this guide ensures your TV is locked onto the action.

Decoding the Broadcast: National Coverage, Key Dates, and Hockey Night in Canada

Historically, the vast majority of Canadiens vs. Maple Leafs matchups, especially those scheduled for weekends, are designated as premier national broadcasts. This means they are almost always featured on the cornerstone of Canadian hockey viewing: Hockey Night in Canada (HNIC).

These games draw massive viewership, making them top priorities for major carriers. Understanding the primary broadcasters is your first step to securing seamless viewing.

For the upcoming season dates, note that the majority of games will likely fall on Saturday nights, though mid-week matchups increasingly occur, often airing on TSN or Sportsnet regional feeds before being absorbed into the national package.

The expected primary carriers for the rivalry are:

• Sportsnet National (SN): Sportsnet holds the majority of the national broadcast rights for the NHL in Canada. If the game is designated a national broadcast, SN will carry it, often alongside CBC.
• CBC Television: Typically partners with Sportsnet for the iconic Saturday night Hockey Night in Canada slot. This is often the free-to-air option for many Canadians.
• TVA Sports: Crucial for French-language coverage. For fans in Quebec, TVA Sports is the primary destination for all Canadiens games, often with a unique broadcast crew and analysis.
• TSN: Often carries regional Leafs and Habs games that are *not* part of the national package, particularly during weeknights. Check local listings closely, as regional restrictions apply heavily here.

Crucial Viewing Tip: Always check the specific pre-game show start time. For HNIC matchups, coverage usually starts at 6:30 PM ET, leading into a 7:00 PM or 7:30 PM ET puck drop.

The rivalry games are rarely hidden, but knowing the exact channel (SN East, SN Ontario, SN Pacific, etc.) based on your location is essential for cable subscribers. The main national feed, however, should be available coast-to-coast via CBC or the main Sportsnet channel.

The Modern Viewer: Streaming Options and Digital Access Points

The shift to digital platforms means that a large segment of Leafs Nation and Habs fans are looking beyond traditional cable packages. Cord-cutters have several excellent—but confusing—options for streaming the Canadiens vs. Maple Leafs battle live.

Streaming services offer flexibility, allowing you to watch the game on your phone, smart TV (via Roku, Apple TV, or Firestick), or tablet. However, you must subscribe to the correct platform that owns the rights to the specific game being played.

Here are the top digital platforms you need to consider:

1. Sportsnet NOW (SN NOW):

This is arguably the most critical subscription for Canadian hockey fans. If the game is on Sportsnet or CBC, it will be simulcast here. SN NOW offers multiple tiers:

• SN NOW Standard: Provides access to the national SN channels. Excellent for the rivalry matchups.
• SN NOW Premium: Includes everything in Standard plus access to out-of-market games via NHL Live features (which helps significantly with regional blackouts, detailed below).

2. TSN Direct:

While Sportsnet usually handles the national rivalry games, if the matchup happens to fall on a weeknight and is designated as a regional broadcast for the Leafs or Habs, TSN is the likely carrier. Having TSN Direct ensures you can catch those specific regional broadcasts.

3. NHL Live (or Equivalent US Feeds):

If you live outside of Canada, or specifically in the United States, your streaming access will primarily be through the NHL’s official streaming package, now largely incorporated into ESPN+ in the US. This allows US viewers to watch almost all NHL games, provided they are not nationally blacked out in the US market.

4. Third-Party Streaming Providers:

Many telecom companies offer their own live TV packages that include Sportsnet and TSN (e.g., Bell Fibe TV App, Rogers Ignite). These are great if you already pay for the bundle, allowing you to use your existing login credentials to access the live feeds.

Navigating the Blackout Nightmare: Regional Restrictions Explained

For fans, few things are more infuriating than logging into a paid service only to be greeted by a "Game is regionally blacked out" message. This issue is particularly tricky for the Canadiens vs. Maple Leafs rivalry because virtually every location in Canada is considered ‘in-market’ for either Montreal or Toronto.

Regional blackouts exist to protect the local television rights holders (like TSN for regional Leafs games or RDS/TVA for regional Habs games) and encourage local cable subscriptions.

Key Blackout Scenarios:

Scenario 1: The National Game (HNIC)

If the game is a full national broadcast (on CBC/Sportsnet), blackouts are generally not an issue, as the national carrier has paid for nationwide rights. This is the simplest scenario for viewers across the country.

Scenario 2: Regional Toronto Feed (Leafs Nation)

If a weeknight game is a specific Toronto regional broadcast (often on TSN4), fans outside the "Leafs territory" (usually Southern/Eastern Ontario and parts of the Maritimes) will find the game blocked on the primary TSN channel. You would need an out-of-market package (like Sportsnet NOW Premium/NHL Live) to watch this feed.

Scenario 3: Regional Montreal Feed (Habs Territory)

If the game is a dedicated Montreal regional feed (often on RDS or TVA Sports), viewers outside Quebec or specific designated areas may be blocked on those channels. Again, an out-of-market pass is required to bypass this restriction.

How to Ensure You Never Miss a Moment:

The only reliable method to guarantee access to every single game—regardless of whether it's national or regional—is by subscribing to an all-inclusive out-of-market package.

• If you are a cord-cutter, the Sportsnet NOW Premium subscription is the most robust option for ensuring you catch both national broadcasts and the specific regional feeds when the teams play non-national games.
• Always check the NHL app or official team websites 24 hours prior to puck drop to see the specific channels announced for the broadcast. This prevents last-minute scrambling.

The Canadiens vs. Maple Leafs rivalry is the backbone of Canadian hockey, driving massive TV ratings and fierce fan loyalty. Despite the complexities of modern broadcast rights, securing your viewing method well in advance is essential. Lock in your stream, grab your favorite jersey, and prepare for one of the most exciting shows in professional sports.