Calgary hockey fans accustomed to finding their team on regional television were left scrambling after the Calgary Flames’ home game against the Toronto Maple Leafs was made available only via Sportsnet+ and to Rogers Xfinity TV customers with Sportsnet. The matchup — part of Sportsnet’s new “Monday Night Hockey” package — pits two hot teams against each other, yet many viewers in Calgary will need to pay extra or sign up for a new streaming service to watch.
Who can watch and how much it costs
For subscribers who already have Sportsnet+ access, the game is included with their existing subscription and can be watched by logging into the platform. Rogers Xfinity TV customers who receive Sportsnet through that provider also have access without an additional fee beyond their TV package.
For others in Calgary, there are two main options: sign up for a Sportsnet+ subscription or miss the live broadcast. Sportsnet’s streaming package comes in two price tiers, which Sportsnet announced publicly:
| Option | Price |
|---|---|
| Sportsnet+ (standard, for existing TV subscribers) | $12.99 per month |
| Sportsnet+ (standalone, for cord-cutters) | $34.99 per month or $269.99 per year |
What this means for Calgary viewers
The Flames-Maple Leafs game is the first of eight Calgary games that will be available exclusively on Sportsnet+ during the 2026-27 NHL season, with two more scheduled for November. That means fans who don’t already subscribe should expect more streamed-only matchups through the season.
- Immediate cost: Non-subscribers face a minimum added expense of $12.99 per month if they have a qualifying TV subscription, or $34.99 per month if signing up as a standalone customer.
- Access limitations: The game will not air on Sportsnet West, the regional channel many Calgary viewers rely on for local broadcasts.
- Multiple streamed games: This matchup is the first in a set of eight Flames games placed on Sportsnet+ this season.
“Time to rake the Leafs,” the Flames posted to social media alongside basic game details including the puck drop and broadcast platform.
Local consequences and fan response
For many households in Calgary the decision to purchase Sportsnet+ will come down to how many out-of-market or streamed games they expect to watch. Casual viewers may opt to watch highlights after the fact, while more committed fans and fantasy players may see the subscription as necessary cost-of-entry for live viewing.
Smaller-scale viewing arrangements — such as watching at bars or friend groups that already subscribe — will remain a practical option for some, but those are conditional and may not cover every fan’s preference for home viewing. The shift also raises questions about how regional blackouts and distribution agreements will evolve during the season as more premium content moves behind streamer paywalls.
Sportsnet told Offside it is working with other Canadian distribution partners to expand how subscribers can get access to Sportsnet+ through TV providers, but until broader carriage deals are final, several Flames games will continue to be offered primarily through the network’s streaming service.
For tonight’s game at the Saddledome, Calgary viewers should check their current TV and streaming subscriptions before puck drop. Fans logging in to Sportsnet+ or watching through a qualifying Rogers Xfinity TV account will be able to view the contest live; everyone else will need to consider the subscription options outlined above.
