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Like many leagues, NHL coverage is a confusing patchwork of channels and RSNs — these are your best options for streaming without cable
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Being a sports fan and a cord-cutter is a tough combination, as cable and satellite packages are generally the best way to stream live sports. But they’re not the only way; a live streaming service is often cheaper than cable and requires no contracts or hardware installation. Fans of more niche leagues like the NWSL and the MLS often have to contend with the fact that games can be harder to find, and the same goes for the NHL.
At A Glance: How To Watch NHL Games Without Cable
- National Games: ESPN, ABC, TNT, ESPN+
- Live TV Streaming: Hulu + Live TV, Sling, DirecTV Stream
Like most leagues, broadcast rights to the National Hockey League are split between multiple channels. Nationally-televised NHL games are carried by ESPN, ABC, and TNT. Regional games that aren’t nationally televised are carried by RSNs (Regional Sports Networks), while out-of-market games can be streamed on ESPN+ and select games are shown on NHL Network.
Fans looking to get all of those channels in one place can sign up for a live-streaming service, though most options include some trade-offs. The alternative is to sign up for more than one service that will cover the different networks, which may be less expensive but more confusing.
Best Live TV Streaming Services for Watching NHL Games
best overall
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV includes Disney+ for family content and entertainment, plus ESPN+, which will get you access to select out-of-market NHL games. Hulu + Live TV includes ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, and TNT. However, NHL Network is not included. The ad-supported version of Hulu + Live TV costs $83/mo.
Best value
Sling
Sling offers one of the best values for live TV streaming, though it can take work to figure out the different packages and add-ons. Sling Orange carries ESPN, TNT, and ESPN2, and the Sports Extra package adds NHL Network. However, local channels are limited when using Sling, so hockey fans looking to catch NHL games on ABC may opt to add an antenna, which will get access to OTA channels including ABC. Sling’s Orange package starts at $40/mo, and the Sports Extra package is $11/mo.
most comprehensive
DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream is one of the priciest but also one of the most comprehensive options, with a selection of RSNs to watch local games, plus the major networks for national games like ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, and ABC. The Entertainment + Sports pack starts at $87 for the first two months and is $102/mo. after. The NHL Network is available with the Ultimate and Premiere packages.
Best Individual Streaming Services
best out of market
ESPN+
For streaming out-of-market NHL games, ESPN+ is your best bet. However, it’s worth noting that ESPN+ does not include ESPN or ESPN2 without a cable log-in.
best for tnt
Max
If you’re looking to catch games on TNT, you can add the B/R Sports add-on to your Max subscription, which will get you access to select live NHL games.
What About Canada?
Fans in Canada can stream National games with Sportsnet, Prime Video, or the TVA app, depending on the game.
NHL Key Dates
The reigning champs, the Florida Panthers, defeated the Edmonton Oilers 4–3 last year to clinch the Stanley Cup. It was their second consecutive Stanley Cup Finals, after falling to Vegas Golden Knights in 2023.
Oct. 8, 2024-25 NHL regular season began
Nov. 29, 2024 NHL Thanksgiving Showdown doubleheader
Feb. 10-21, 2025, 4 Nations Face-Off. Canada, Finland, Sweden, and the United States will face off instead of the All-Star Game this season.
Mar. 7, Trade deadline
April 17, NHL Season Ends
April 19, Stanley Cup playoffs begin
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