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 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 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

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

[Want to stay up-to-date on all the biggest events in the world of sports? Sign up for the ExpressVPN sports newsletter.]

Bypass blackouts and stream all hockey games

While ESPN+ 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.

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 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:

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: 55 USD/month and up

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!

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: 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.

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:

1. Get ExpressVPN.
2. Connect to a server location in Ireland.
3. Head to Premier Sports to sign up.
4. You’re all set to stream!

Want it on the big screen? Check out this handy guide.

Top upcoming NHL games

Below are some of our favorite matchups to stream in the upcoming week, all times listed are EDT.

Seattle Kraken vs. Las Vegas Golden Knights – October 12, 10:00 p.m.

The Kraken’s first NHL game should be a special one, and it comes against the franchise that wrote the book on how to contend as an expansion team. Seattle has a solid group of defense-oriented blueliners and a couple of strong options between the pipes. The biggest question for the Kraken is how their offense will look, and this game could provide some early answers.

New York Rangers vs. Washington Capitals – October 13, 7:00 p.m.

The Rangers appear to be the rising power in the Metropolitan Division while the Capitals might be on their last legs as Stanley Cup contenders. That makes this matchup a good test for both teams. New York is hoping this is the season that top-two picks Alexis Lafreniere and Kaapo Kakko break out, and if it is, the club could be trouble for more than just its division rivals.

Calgary Flames vs. Edmonton Oilers – October 16, 10:00 p.m.

The Battle of Alberta might be the nastiest and most physical rivalry in the game, so it’s always a treat to see how it gets started each year. The Oilers are consistently more entertaining than they are effective, but Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are must-see TV. On Calgary’s side, it will be interesting to see how the team reacts to losing captain Mark Giordano to the Kraken, and whether upgrading the goaltending upgrade Jacob Markstrom provides moves the needle.

NHL Awards predictions

Hart Trophy (MVP): Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers

This is without question a boring pick, but McDavid is undoubtedly the most effective player in the NHL. Last year, the center led the league in points by 21, which is an astounding margin in a 56-game season. He’s always had the speed and playmaking abilities, but McDavid’s scoring has improved in recent years, making him a complete—and dominant—offensive force.

Norris Trophy (Top defenseman): Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche

It’s tough to bet against a 22-year-old who scored at a point-per-game pace from the blueline last season. If the Avalanche defender hadn’t missed 12 games due to injury in the 2020-21 campaign, he probably would’ve snagged this trophy, and he’s only getting better. Makar isn’t physically dominant, but his work with the puck is fantastic and his contribution without it is underrated.

Vezina Trophy (Top goaltender): Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets

The easy answer here is Andrei Vasilevskiy, due to his track record and his enviable position as the Tampa Bay Lightning’s goaltender, but with such a strong supporting cast he might not get enough credit to win this award. Hellebuyck is in a very different position. The Jets’ blueline is utterly barren which means he’ll be called upon to make big saves on a consistent basis, but the Jets offense is good enough that he could pile up some W’s. That could be a Vezina-winning formula.

Calder Trophy (Top rookie): Cole Caufield, Montreal Canadiens

What the 5’9”, 162-pound Caufield lacks in size he makes up for in just about anything else. The youngster has speed, hands, and dogged determination to chase down loose pucks, which will serve him well on Montreal’s first line. During the Canadiens’ improbable playoff run last season, he was one of their best players and that should carry over to this year.

Jack Adams Award (Top coach): Barry Trotz, New York Islanders

This award should probably go to Trotz every year. His ability to squeeze the most out of a seemingly average Islanders roster on a consistent basis needs to be rewarded. No coach in the NHL can match Trotz’s knack for getting his players to commit to their defensive responsibilities.

Who will be the Stanley Cup winner in 2021?

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.

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 and Pittsburgh Penguins are both 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.

Here are the odds heading into the season according to Vegas Insider:

Key dates for the 2021-2022 NHL season

ExpressVPN is a VPN service not intended to be used as a means of copyright circumvention. Please read the ExpressVPN Terms of Service and your content provider’s Terms of Use for more details.