Whether you’re looking to stream NHL games, find the best way to watch on ESPN+, or test cord-cutting services that include NHL action, you’ve come to the right place.
On this page, you can find information on how to watch the league you love, big games coming up, and who looks like a good bet to win the Stanley Cup.
How to stream the NHL on ESPN+ with a VPN
ESPN+ is your go-to source for watching the NHL no matter where you are, on any device. That’s because it’s the most comprehensive option available, offering each and every NHL game at a reasonable price—as well as a number of other live sports.
Price: 7 USD/month or 70 USD/season
- Get ExpressVPN.
- Connect to a server location where games ARE NOT being aired.
- Visit ESPN+ and sign up.
- Stream without any blackouts!
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Stream all hockey games without blackouts
While ESPN+ is great for watching live games, you’ll still need to worry about blackouts. That’s because regional markets have sole broadcasting rights, so some games may not be available online in your area until 48 hours after a game is televised. This is also true of nationally broadcast games.
The secret to avoiding NHL blackouts? Just connect to a VPN server location where games are not being aired. If you’re in Chicago, for example, and Chicago games are being broadcast on TV, they might not be available for live streaming. Connect to a VPN server location in another city.
Another way to beat NHL blackouts? Try the stream options from Hulu+Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and fuboTV. There may be other unblocked games available.
Stream NHL games live on CBC
Price: Free
The CBC is one of the official NHL broadcasters in Canada.It is particularly known for its ‘Hockey Night in Canada’ slate on Saturday nights. Be sure to check with the CBC’s schedule to know when to tune in. Signing up is painless.
To watch the NHL streams live on the CBC:
- Get ExpressVPN.
- Connect to a server location in Canada.
- Go to CBC Gem and sign up. (You may need to enter a valid Canadian postal code, e.g., R3T 4A7, V1M 1Y8.
- You’re all set!
Learn more about watching CBC with ExpressVPN.
Stream NHL games using services with free trials
There are a number of streaming services, such as Sling TV and YouTube TV, that will help you get your hockey fix. While they are on the pricier end, the upside is that they offer free trials. This helps you safely and securely test the service risk-free to see if it works for you.
Watch NHL games live on YouTube TV
Price: 65 USD/month and up
Channels: TNT
YouTube TV includes all the channels you need to watch the NHL. A five-day free trial is available.
To watch NHL games on YouTube TV:
- Get ExpressVPN.
- Connect to a server location in the United States, such as Chicago. For assistance, contact ExpressVPN Support via live chat.
- Visit YouTube TV and sign up. If you’re watching through a web browser, use the ExpressVPN browser extension.
- You’re all set!
Note: You may need a valid U.S. credit/debit card or PayPal to subscribe to YouTube TV. You can still subscribe to YouTube TV via Google Play, even if you don’t have a U.S. credit/debit card.
Learn more about watching YouTube TV with ExpressVPN.
Live stream NHL games on Sling TV
Price: 25 USD/month and up
Channels: TNT
Sling TV is the cheapest and best option for catching NHL games live. You may need a U.S. credit card or PayPal to subscribe. A three-day free trial is available.
To watch NHL games on Sling TV:
- Get ExpressVPN.
- Connect to a server location in the United States, such as San Francisco. For assistance, contact ExpressVPN Support via live chat.
- Sign up at Sling TV. If you’re watching through a web browser, use the ExpressVPN browser extension.
- Tune in to the games!
Note: In order to get Sling TV’s free trial you must use the Sling TV app as opposed to signing up on the website
Learn more about watching Sling TV with ExpressVPN.
Stream live NHL games on Hulu + Live TV
Price: 65 USD/month
Channels: TNT
Hulu’s live TV package includes seven channels for secure NHL streams. There’s a seven-day free trial available. Note that some locally televised games may not be available.
To watch NHL games on Hulu + Live TV.
- Get ExpressVPN.
- Connect to a server location in the United States, such as Chicago. For assistance, contact ExpressVPN Support via live chat.
- Visit Hulu and use the free trial.
- Enjoy the games!
Learn more about connecting to Hulu with ExpressVPN.
How to watch NHL games live on fuboTV
Price: 65 USD/month
Channels: TNT
Don’t have cable? Use fuboTV and get a seven-day free trial!
To watch live NHL games on fuboTV:
- Get ExpressVPN.
- Connect to a server location in the United States, such as Chicago. For assistance, contact ExpressVPN Support via live chat.
- Visit fuboTV and sign up. If you’re watching through a web browser, use the ExpressVPN browser extension.
- You’re all set!
Learn more about watching fuboTV with ExpressVPN.
Stream NHL games on Premier Sports
Price: 11 GBP/month
Premier Sports offers 15 NHL games per week as well IIHF World Championship action.
To watch:
- Get ExpressVPN.
- Connect to a server location in Ireland.
- Head to Premier Sports to sign up.
- You’re all set to stream!
Want it on the big screen? Check out this handy guide.
Top upcoming NHL games
In this space we’ll highlight a few games that NHL fans should be circling on their calendar each week. To stream these securely and free of blackouts, just fire up your VPN!
New York Rangers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs [January 19, 7:30 p.m. ET]
The Rangers have blown away expectations this season and continue to prove they’re among the Eastern Conference’s best teams. A matchup with the Maple Leafs will be another opportunity to demonstrate their quality, and the game will have a little extra juice with Igor Shesterkin and Jack Campbell looking like they’ll be fighting for the Vezina Trophy from here on out.
Boston Bruins vs. Winnipeg Jets [January 22, 3:00 p.m. ET]
A Saturday afternoon matinee is always a treat, and this one shouldn’t disappoint. The Bruins and Jets both feature veteran cores with extensive playoff experience and explosive skill. Each team is trying to keep their competitive window pried open, and right now Boston is doing a better job of it. The Bruins are one of the hottest teams in the league, but the Jets’ combination of Kyle Connor, Pierre-Luc Dubois, and Nikolaj Ehlers up front and Connor Hellebuyck between the pipes is a tough problem to solve.
Edmonton Oilers vs. Calgary Flames [January 22, 10:00 p.m. ET]
Even with both Calgary and Edmonton falling on hard times in recent weeks the Battle of Alberta remains one of the best rivalries in the NHL—and likely the most vicious. The Pacific Division is wide open behind the Vegas Golden Knights and either squad could get back in playoff position with a nice run. A win over a hated intra-province rival will be just what the doctor ordered for one of these teams.
NHL Awards races
Hart Trophy (MVP): Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers
Although Leon Draisaitl has a similar points total, nothing that’s happened early in the NHL season indicates that McDavid is ready to relinquish his crown as the game’s best player—a notion he reinforced with his absurd 1-on-4 goal on November 6. The Oilers captain has hit the Covid list, but should be back shortly.
[Preseason prediction: Connor McDavid]
Norris Trophy (Top defenseman): Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche
Although Makar has missed some time, when he’s been on the ice there’s been no defenseman capable of matching his contribution. The 23-year-old seems likely to be the top scoring blue liner by season’s end and he doesn’t sacrifice defensive responsibility to be such an offensive force.
[Preseason prediction: Cale Makar]
Vezina Trophy (Top goaltender): Igor Shesterkin, New York Rangers
Despite missing much of December, Shesterkin’s statistical case for this award is beyond reproach. The young Russian’s ascent has been one of the biggest reasons the Rangers have arrived ahead of schedule, and if he keeps up his current pace no one will want to face New York come playoff time.
[Preseason prediction: Connor Hellebuyck]
Calder Trophy (Top rookie): Mortiz Seider, Detroit Red Wings
Although his teammate Lucas Raymond has put up more points, Seider’s all-around contribution can’t be ignored. The 20-year-old is skating approximately two more minutes per night than any other rookie, and looking like a foundational blueliner for the Red Wings. The young german is a poised defender, fine passer, and major contributor on special teams.
[Preseason prediction: Cole Caufield]
Jack Adams Award (Top coach): Gerard Gallant, New York Rangers
This one will take a while to shake out, but the Rangers look like a breakout team that could shatter expectations, and that’s exactly the type of club whose coach often takes home the Jack Adams. Gallant is also a great coach in his own right. The 58-year-old has found success in multiple situations and was at the helm of the Vegas Golden Knights’ improbable run to the Stanley Cup Finals in their first year.
[Preseason prediction: Barry Trotz]Who will be the Stanley Cup winner in 2021-22?
The Tampa Bay Lightning loom large as favorites to three-peat considering the firepower up and down their roster, plus the stud they have between the pipes. They are far from the only stacked group, though, as there’s an argument to be made that the Colorado Avalanche have the most talented roster in the sport and the Vegas Golden Knights aren’t too far behind despite their bumpy start.
While the Western Conference is composed primarily of dark horses outside of the Avalanche and Golden Knights, there are plenty of established contenders in the East. The Boston Bruins, Washington Capitals, and Pittsburgh Penguins are all battled-hardened veteran squads that are hard to count out—though each could hit their expiry date at any minute. The Toronto Maple Leafs have been threatening to emerge as a Stanley Cup contender for years, but can’t seem to get it together in the playoffs. Another team to watch is the Carolina Hurricanes, a club that possesses an enviable group of defenseman and an offense that’s four-lines deep. The biggest question with them will be whether their top forwards can score enough to keep up with other teams’ first and second lines. So far the Florida Panthers have been the East’s most dangerous team, and they have an incredible centerpiece in two-way sensation Aleksander Barkov.
Below are what the odds looked like heading into the season according to Vegas Insider:
| Team | Stanley Cup Odds |
| Colorado Avalanche | +600 |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | +700 |
| Vegas Golden Knights | +850 |
| Boston Bruins | +1200 |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | +1200 |
| Carolina Hurricanes | +2000 |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | +2000 |
| Florida Panthers | +2000 |
| New York Islanders | +2000 |
| Minnesota Wild | +2200 |
Key dates for the 2021-2022 NHL season
| Event | Date(s) |
| Opening Night | October 12, 2021 |
| First Seattle Kraken home game | October 23, 2021 |
| First Stanley Cup rematch | December 7, 2021 |
| Winter Classic | January 1, 2022 |
| NHL All-Star Game | February 4-5, 2022 |
| Olympic Break | February 7-22, 2022 |
| End of Regular Season | April 29, 2022 |
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