How to stream NHL games with a VPN

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, big games coming up, and who looks like a good bet to win the Stanley Cup.

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.

Price: 34.99 USD/season or 24.99 USD/month

1. Get ExpressVPN.
2. Connect to a server location where games ARE NOT being aired (this way you can avoid blackouts).
3. Visit NHL TV and sign up.
4. Stream without any blackouts!

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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. 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. If you want to tune into a nationally-broadcast game, try another country.

Another way to beat NHL blackouts? Try the stream options from Hulu+Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and fuboTV. There may be unblocked games available.

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 2021 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:

1. Get ExpressVPN.
2. Connect to a server location in Canada.
3. Go to CBC Gem and sign up. (You may need to enter a valid Canadian postal code, e.g., R3T 4A7, V1M 1Y8.)
4. You’re all set!

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

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:

1. Get ExpressVPN.
2. Connect to a server location in the United States, such as Chicago. For assistance, contact ExpressVPN Support via live chat.
3. Visit YouTube TV and sign up. If you’re watching through a web browser, use the ExpressVPN browser extension.
4. You’re all set!

Learn more about watching YouTube TV with ExpressVPN.

Live stream 2021 NHL games on Sling TV

Price: 25 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:

1. Get ExpressVPN.
2. Connect to a server location in the United States, such as San Francisco. For assistance, contact ExpressVPN Support via live chat.
3. Sign up at Sling TV. If you’re watching through a web browser, use the ExpressVPN browser extension.
4. 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: 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.

1. Get ExpressVPN.
2. Connect to a server location in the United States, such as Chicago. For assistance, contact ExpressVPN Support via live chat.
3. Visit Hulu and use the free trial.
4. Enjoy the games!

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:

1. Get ExpressVPN.
2. Connect to a server location in the United States, such as Chicago. For assistance, contact ExpressVPN Support via live chat.
3. Visit fuboTV and sign up. If you’re watching through a web browser, use the ExpressVPN browser extension.
4. You’re all set!

Learn more about watching fuboTV with ExpressVPN.

Top NHL games this week

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Dallas Stars [May 5, 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time (U.S.)]

Not only is this a Stanley Cup rematch, it also includes one of the few teams—the Stars—still fighting for a playoff spot. This late in the season most clubs are scuffling over seeding, but Dallas is in a battle for its survival. Desperate teams often bring the most intensity, and the Stars will also be motivated to get some revenge.

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Montreal Canadiens [May 6, 7:00 p.m. ET]

This classic rivalry looked like a probable first-round matchup for most of the season, and that may still come to pass. However, the late-season collapse of the Winnipeg Jets has opened the door for the Canadiens to move up in the North Division, and given them more than their hate for the Maple Leafs to play for.

St. Louis Blues vs. Vegas Golden Knights [May 7, 10:00 p.m. ET]

The battle-tested and bruising Blues will be a tough opponent in the playoffs, and it looks like the Golden Knights are on a collision course with them in Round 1. This game could provide a series preview and test whether St. Louis has the firepower to keep up with a dynamic Vegas squad.

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Nashville Predators [May 8, 8:00 p.m. ET]

After spending the vast majority of the season outside of the playoff picture, the surging Predators look like they’re going to get an opportunity to join the Stanley Cup chase after all. With a strong group of blueliners and a stud between the pipes in Juuse Saros, they could surprise some people, too. This battle against the Hurricanes is a possible first-round matchup, and a strong showing could indicate Nashville is ready to hang out at the big boys’ table.

NHL Awards Races

Hart Trophy (MVP) – Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers

McDavid has been the most dynamic player in the league, racking up both points and highlight reel plays. It seems like the Oilers center is making more of an effort to get his shot off and create offense for himself while maintaining his playmaking excellence. As a result, McDavid is absolutely running away with the league lead in points.

(Preseason prediction: Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche)

Calder Trophy (Rookie of the Year) – Kirill Kaprizov, Minnesota Wild

The Wild have played extremely well of late, and Kaprizov might be their best skater this season. The diminutive Russian has been the team’s top threat, despite having to do all his best work at even strength. Without the 23-year-old, Minnesota would be in dire straits offensively. Although Kaprizov has been headline this race for awhile, Dallas Stars’ playmaking winder Jason Robertson is beginning to breathe down his neck.

(Preseason prediction: Alexis Lafrenière, New York Rangers)

Vezina Trophy (Top Goalie) – Andrei Vasilevskiy, Tampa Bay Lightning

Andrei Vasilevskiy and Semyon Varlamov are all tightly packed at the top of the race with Marc-André Fleury just behind, and it’s all going to come down to the finishing stretch. Vasilevskiy had a strong April, and plays behind the best team in the league, which gives him the best chance to bring this home. But it’s by no means a guarantee.

(Preseason prediction: Andrei Vasilevskiy, Tampa Bay Lightning)

Norris Trophy (Top Defenseman) – Adam Fox, New York Rangers

This award is often given to the most productive offensive defenseman, and there’s no doubt that Fox fits that bill. Not only is he racking up traditional stats like goals, assists, and plus/minus, the Rangers’ blueliner is an analytics darling thanks to a style of play that drives possession and keeps the puck away from the defensive zone.

(Preseason prediction: Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche)

Jack Adams Trophy (Coach of the Year) – Joel Quenneville, Florida Panthers

Quenneville is a future Hall of Famer who has won this award once before (1999-2000) and brought home three Stanley Cup wins. He could be adding to his trophy case this season considering how well the Panthers—a team with middle-of-the-pack talent on paper—are playing. He should be the Jack Adams frontrunner if he can drive this group to its first consecutive playoff berths since the mid-90s.

(Preseason prediction: Rod Brind’Amour, Carolina Hurricanes)

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 Alex 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 and the Sun Belt has two emerging contenders in the Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes. 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 doesn’t seem likely to change this year.

What are the NHL odds for the season?

The odds are consistently moving as the NHL season progresses, but Vegas Insider provides a tracker of what you’ll see at various sportsbooks. Here’s how the odds look this week for the favorites to win the Stanley Cup:

NHL 2021 season key dates

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