Whether you’re looking to stream NHL games for free, find the best way to watch on NHL.tv without blackouts, 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 as well as big games coming up, and who looks like a good bet to win the Stanley Cup.
Stream NHL games free with this Canadian option
If you want to tune in for free NHL action, there’s one option that stands above the rest and that’s the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). While it doesn’t have the largest slate of games, the CBC tends to feature some of the best matchups, and their offerings increase during the playoffs.
Stream 2020 NHL games live on the CBC
Price: Free
The CBC is one of the official NHL broadcasters in Canada.It is particularly known for it’s ‘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!
Watching on a computer? For the best streaming experience, use the ExpressVPN browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
Watching on mobile? Fire up the CBC Gem app on your Android or iOS device.
How to stream NHL.TV with a VPN
NHL TV 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.
- Get ExpressVPN.
- Connect to a server location where games ARE NOT being aired (this way you can avoid blackouts).
- Visit NHL TV and sign up.
- Stream without any blackouts!
Watching on a computer? For the best streaming experience, use the ExpressVPN browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
Bypass NHL.TV blackouts and stream all hockey games
While NHL.TV is great for watching live games, but 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.
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 or country.
Another way to beat NHL blackouts? Try the stream options from AT&T TV Now, Hulu, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and fuboTV. There may be unblocked games available.
Stream NHL games using services with free trials
There are a number of streaming services, such as Sling TV and AT&T TV Now, 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.
Live stream 2020 NHL games on Sling TV
Price: 20 USD/month and up
Channels: NBC, NBCSN, CNBC, and NHL Network (use the “Sports Extra” add-on for an extra 10 USD/month to get the NHL Network)
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!
Watching on a computer? For the best streaming experience, use the ExpressVPN browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
Watching on mobile? Fire up the Sling TV app on your Android or iOS device.
Learn more about watching Sling TV with ExpressVPN.
Stream live NHL games with AT&T TV Now
Price: 55 USD/month and up
Channels: NBC, NBCSN, CNBC, and NHL Network (use the “Max” package or above for 80 USD/month to get NBCSN or the “Xtra” package and above to get NHL Network)
Looking for another secure way to watch live NHL action? AT&T TV Now offers every channel and a seven-day free trial is available. Not that some locally televised games may not be available.
To watch NHL games on AT&T TV Now:
- Get ExpressVPN.
- Connect to a server location in the United States, such as San Francisco. For assistance, contact ExpressVPN Support via live chat.
- Visit AT&T TV Now and use a free trial.
- Enjoy the games!
Watching on a computer? For the best streaming experience, use the ExpressVPN browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
Watching on mobile? Fire up the AT&T TV Now app on your Android or iOS device.
Learn more about watching AT&T TV Now with ExpressVPN.
Watch NHL games live on YouTube TV
Price: 65 USD/month
Channels: NBC, NBCSN, and CNBC
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!
Watching on a computer? For the best streaming experience, use the ExpressVPN browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
Watching on mobile? Fire up the YouTube TV app on your Android or iOS device.
Learn more about watching YouTube TV with ExpressVPN.
Stream live NHL games on Hulu + Live TV
Price: 65 USD/month
Channels: NBC, NBCSN, and CNBC
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!
Watching on a computer? For the best streaming experience, use the ExpressVPN browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
Watching on mobile? Fire up the Hulu app on your Android or iOS device.
Learn more about connecting to Hulu with ExpressVPN.
How to watch NHL games live on fuboTV
Price: 65 USD/month
Channels: NBC, NBCSN, and CNBC
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!
Watching on a computer? For the best streaming experience, use the ExpressVPN browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
Watching on mobile? Fire up the fuboTV app on Android and iOS.
Learn more about watching fuboTV with ExpressVPN.
Top Opening Week NHL games
Montreal Canadiens vs. Toronto Maple Leafs [Jan 13, 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time (U.S)]
It’s hard to beat the rivalry between the Canadiens and Maple Leafs, which spans decades and soaks up all the animosity that exists between French and English Canada. The Maple Leafs will be looking to prove their new-look group of defensemen and tougher bottom-six forwards can bring more balance to a team that’s played run-and-gun hockey in recent years. The Canadiens, meanwhile, need to prove they have the firepower to compete with playoff teams, and that high-priced goaltender Carey Price can help the team more than he hurts it.
New York Rangers vs. New York Islanders [Jan 14, 7:00 p.m. ET]
Not only is this a crosstown matchup, it’s the NHL debut of Alexis Lafrenière, who looks like a future star. The Islanders present an interesting test for the Rangers because they are extremely disciplined and defensively responsible—meaning that Artemi Panarin and the Rangers’ skilled forward group won’t have much room to operate. Not only is this a good chance to get a first look at Lafrenière, it’ll also be a chance to check in with Kaapo Kakko and see if he looks ready to take a significant step in his second season.
St. Louis Blues vs. Colorado Avalanche [Jan 15, 9:00 p.m. ET]
This is one of the best heavyweight matchups of the early season. Both the Blues and the Avalanche are strong Western Conference contenders, and blend offensive creativity with defensive discipline, making them a pleasure to watch. The Avalanche are a trendy Stanley Cup pick, and they’ll have an opportunity to show their credentials against St. Louis.
Washington Capitals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins [Jan 17, 10:00 p.m. ET]
Some of the air has come out of the Sidney Crosby vs. Alex Ovechkin rivalry over the years, but both players remain dynamic into their thirties, and it wouldn’t be shocking to see either of these teams make a run this season. In terms of pure entertainment value it’s still impossible to beat Ovechkin, who has led the NHL in goals in seven of the last eight seasons and doles out hits like no other superstar in the game.
NHL Award Predictions
Hart Trophy (MVP) – Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche
Not only is MacKinnon the top dog for one of the best teams in the sport, but he’s also been the runner-up for this award in two of the last three seasons. Last year he was extraordinary despite linemates Mikko Rantanen and Gabriel Landeskog missing significant time due to injury. If his running mates are healthier this time around, he could put up some eye-popping stats.
Rocket Richard Trophy (Top Goalscorer) – Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs
It feels sacrilegious to pick anyone but Ovechkin here, but the Russian winger is 35, and it’s time for some new blood. Matthews fell one goal short last season, and he’s continuing to log more ice time as his two-way game matures, while Ovechkin’s playing time will probably only decline.
Calder Trophy (Rookie of the Year) – Alexis Lafrenière, New York Rangers
This is a boring pick, but it’s tough to bet against a generational talent. Lafrenière looks like the kind of prospect who can hit the ground running at the highest level, and there’s little reason not to believe in the 19-year-old. He may start on the third line, but look for him to work his way up as the season progresses.
Vezina Trophy (Top Goalie) – Andrei Vasilevskiy, Tampa Bay Lightning
This is a bet on talent alone, although playing for a team like the defending-champion Lightning doesn’t hurt Vasilevskiy’s chances of putting up good numbers and coming home with the hardware. At 26, the Russian is right in the middle of his prime while many of his top rivals for the award are in their 30s, which could make them more susceptible to injury.
Norris Trophy (Top Defenseman) – Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche
Makar arrived in the NHL last season as a fully-cooked number one defenseman, which is extremely rare. That doesn’t mean the 22-year-old Canadian doesn’t have another gear. With an elite group of players around him, he could find it this season.
Jack Adams Trophy (Coach of the Year) – Rod Brind’Amour
The Hurricanes have had a team worthy of Stanley Cup contention for a couple of years now, but have been unable to break through. If Carolina’s goaltending can get even slightly better in 2021, it has a chance to take the next step, and Brind’Amour has an opportunity to take the credit.
What happened in the NHL offseason?
The 2020 free agent class was long on useful players, but short on franchise-changers. Only four players topped 20 million USD on their contracts (Alex Pietrangelo, Torey Krug, Jacob Markström and T.J. Brodie). Of those four, only Pietrangelo and Krug would be classified as stars, and the latter went to replace the former with the St. Louis Blues.
Perhaps the most interesting name to change teams was Taylor Hall, who was the league’s most valuable player in 2017-18. Hall is still just 28 and although his last two seasons haven’t gone as planned, he can reset his market if he excels with the Buffalo Sabres. At 8 million USD for one year, his contract could be a significant bargain for Buffalo. Other big names to switch teams include Joe Thornton and Mikko Koivu, but those two are well past their primes and figure to play smaller roles on contending teams as they chase elusive Stanley Cup rings.
On the trade front, it was a relatively quiet offseason with the biggest deal involving the Montreal Canadiens moving their former top-line center Max Domi and a draft pick to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Josh Anderson. The move might indicate a preference for size over skill, which is a dubious strategy in the modern NHL. Other than that, there were a number of minor trades, all of which you can find here, but nothing that radically altered the competitive landscape.
Who will be the Stanley Cup winner in 2021?
The Tampa Bay Lightning are an easy team to like for a Stanley Cup repeat considering they combine elite forward talent with the league’s most dynamic goaltender in Andrei Vasilevskiy. Nipping at their heels will be the Vegas Golden Knights, who added Pietrangelo to an already-stacked roster, and the Colorado Avalanche, whose core of Nathan MacKinnon, Gabriel Landeskog, Mikko Rantanen, and Cale Makar is as dangerous as they come. Add in their underrated defensemen, and there’s a reason they’re considered the favorites by bookmakers.
Outside of those three are a jumble of teams that could be in the mix. The Boston Bruins’ first line alone makes them dangerous in the playoffs, the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins are battle-tested, and it’s easy to forget the Philadelphia Flyers earned the Eastern Conference’s top seed last season. Even the Toronto Maple Leafs have a chance to break their 53-year title drought thanks to an improved defense corps and a more balanced lineup. The NHL is always one of the most difficult leagues to project, and that’s not going to change this year.
What are the NHL odds for next season?
It might be a little early to start laying down your bets, but these are where the odds on all the contenders stand now, according to Odds Shark, and there might be a line below that appeals to you:
| Team | Odds |
| Colorado Avalanche | +650 |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | +700 |
| Vegas Golden Knights | +700 |
| Boston Bruins | +1200 |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | +1500 |
| Philadelphia Flyers | +1600 |
| Washington Capitals | +1600 |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | +1800 |
| St. Louis Blues | +2000 |
| Vancouver Canucks | +2000 |
| Edmonton Oilers | +2000 |
| New York Rangers | +2000 |
If you’re interested in being a true contrarian, here are the five teams with the longest odds:
| Team | Odds |
| Detroit Red Wings | +20000 |
| Ottawa Senators | +10000 |
| Los Angeles Kings | +8000 |
| Chicago Blackhawks | +8000 |
| Buffalo Sabers | +8000 |
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