How to watch 2023-24 NHL playoff games in your country
From the preseason through the Stanley Cup Finals, you can stream every 2023-24 NHL game with ExpressVPN by following just a few simple steps:
- Get ExpressVPN.
- Connect to the server location that matches your desired broadcaster. For example, Canadian fans can connect to a Toronto server to watch the free CBC stream.
- Check the schedule of the broadcaster you want to watch, such as CBC, and find the match you want to stream.
- Enjoy the hockey!
Can I use a VPN to watch NHL games from another country?
Some users watch NHL games by connecting to a VPN server in a country other than their own, but doing so may violate copyright or the streaming service’s terms of use. ExpressVPN is a privacy and security tool, and using it to circumvent copyright is against our Terms of Service. We cannot see or control what you do while connected to our VPN, so you are responsible for ensuring that your use complies with all relevant terms and laws.
Should I use a free VPN to watch NHL games?
Rather than use a free VPN to watch NHL games, hockey fans should instead use ExpressVPN all season long. ExpressVPN offers high-speed servers in 105 countries and easy-to-use apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. Additionally, ExpressVPN is available on platforms that other VPN companies may not support, like Linux, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and routers, plus browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. If you need help along the way, ExpressVPN offers 24/7 live chat support and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee!
Best VPN for watching NHL games in 2024
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for safely and securely streaming NHL games in 2024. With next-gen 10-Gbps servers in locations around the world, you can enjoy the full privacy protections of a VPN without ever missing a second of the action. ExpressVPN has easy-to-use apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, not to mention a range of ways to stream on your big-screen TV. If you need help along the way, ExpressVPN offers 24/7 live chat support and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee!
2023-24 NHL schedule key dates
The 2023-24 NHL season begins in October 2023 and ends in June 2024. Considering how easy it is to forget what you had for breakfast in the morning (pumpkin-flavored waffles are always a winner!), we won’t blame you if the idea of a nine-month season sounds overwhelming. Luckily for you, we’re here to break down some of the most important dates and games on the 2023-24 NHL schedule.
| Event | Date | What to know |
| Opening Night | October 10, 2023 | NHL Opening Night features three games: Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Nashville Predators; Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Chicago Blackhawks; and Vegas Golden Knights vs. Seattle Kraken |
| 2023 Heritage Classic | October 29, 2023 | The Edmonton Oilers will host the Calgary Flames outdoors at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton. This Sunday showdown marks the first outdoor game in the Battle of Alberta rivalry. |
| NHL Thanksgiving Showdown | November 23, 2023 | The NFL isn’t the only sport playing on Thanksgiving Day. Hockey fans can enjoy Turkey Day clashes featuring the Pittsburgh Penguins at Buffalo Sabres and the Colorado Avalanche at Minnesota Wild) |
| 2024 Winter Classic | January 1, 2024 | Happy New Year! The Seattle Kraken will host the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Park (home of baseball’s Seattle Mariners) on Monday, January 1. |
| Scotiabank Hockey Day | January 20, 2024 | All seven Canadian hockey teams hit the ice! The slate features three-all Canada games: Ottawa-Winnipeg; Edmonton-Calgary; and Toronto-Vancouver. Additionally, Montreal will play at Boston that day. |
| All-Star Weekend | February 2-3, 2024 | Hockey fans are headed north of the border for the 2024 NHL All-Star Game, held at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. Who will earn All-Star honors, and which of your favorite players will shine at the All-Star Skills Competition? |
| Stadium Series | February 17-18, 2024 | Get ready for more outdoor hockey! MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, welcomes the New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia Flyers to town on Saturday, February 17. One night later, the New York Rangers will play the crosstown Islanders at MetLife. The Philadelphia Flyers will face the New Jersey Devils at MetLife Stadium. |
| End of regular season | April 18, 2024 | Will your favorite team make the postseason? You better hope they have a playoff berth locked up by the season’s final week! |
| 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs | April-June 2024 | Who will win the Stanley Cup Finals? |
2024 NHL Playoffs schedule
You can find the complete NHL playoffs schedule on the NHL’s website.
2024 Stanley Cup Finals schedule
| Game | Date and time |
| Florida Panthers 3, Edmonton Oilers 0 | Saturday, June 8, 8 p.m. ET / 1 a.m. BST |
| Florida Panthers 4, Edmonton Oilers 1 | Monday, June 10, 8 p.m. ET / 1 a.m. BST |
| Florida Panthers 4, Edmonton Oilers 3 | Thursday, June 13, 8 p.m. ET / 1 a.m. BST |
| Edmonton Oilers 8, Florida Panthers 1 | Saturday, June 15, 8 p.m. ET / 1 a.m. BST |
| Florida Panthers vs. Edmonton Oilers | Tuesday, June 18, 8 p.m. ET / 1 a.m. BST |
| Edmonton Oilers vs. Florida Panthers (If necessary) | Friday, June 21, 8 p.m. ET / 1 a.m. BST |
| Florida Panthers vs. Edmonton Oilers (If necessary) | Monday, June 24, 8 p.m. ET / 1 a.m. BST |
Live stream the 2024 NHL Playoffs for free
Canada
CBC
CBC is one of the official NHL broadcasters in Canada. Signing up is painless, although you may need a valid Canadian postal code (e.g., R3T 4A7, V1M 1Y8.) to connect to CBC Gem. Note that Canadian viewers can watch select playoff games on CBC.
Germany
Ran.de
The German free-to-air channel ProSieben and its sports streaming platform, Ran.de, will also air select NHL playoff games. German fans can always check the Ran.de hockey page for specific games and timings.
What are NHL TV blackouts?
NHL TV blackouts are geo-restrictions that prevent users from watching certain games in certain regions. Each NHL team has a number of regional games that are exclusively sold to regional broadcasters. For example, games involving the Bruins are blacked out in the Boston TV market; fans can watch on NESN, but they cannot watch a simulcast on ESPN+ or NHL.tv.
As a result, if you live in a region where a game is being broadcast by a regional broadcaster, you will not be able to watch that game on NHL.tv or the NHL Network. This is true even if you have an NHL.tv subscription.
Why are NHL games blacked out?
NHL games are blacked out for a number of reasons, including regional broadcasting rights, local television contracts, and cable and satellite distribution agreements. Does VPN work for NHL TV? Yes, you can watch NHL TV with a VPN.
How to live stream the 2024 NHL Playoffs with a VPN
NHL.tv, ESPN+, and Hulu+Live TV are all among the best ways to watch NHL games this postseason. Learn more about the services below.
United States
ESPN+
Price: 11 USD/month
For Americans, ESPN+ is the go-to source for watching the NHL anywhere, on any device. Keep in mind that games broadcast on local television in a particular region may be blacked out on ESPN+, as are some games shown nationally. So if you’re on the road and your game is blacked out when it shouldn’t be, make sure you’ve selected a server location outside the affected region.
Hulu + Live TV
Price: 77 USD/month
Channels: ABC, ESPN, TBS, TNT
Hulu does not offer a free trial, but it does have a live TV package for American fans that includes all the main channels for secure NHL streams as well as many regional sports networks. Hulu and ESPN+ will also have exclusive NHL games this season.
Sling TV
Price: Varies
Channels: ABC, ESPN, NHL Network (Sports Extra) TBS, TNT
Sling TV provides U.S. viewers with access to most channels airing NHL games, and ABC is also available in select markets. Please note that Sling no longer offers a free trial.
Watching on a computer? For the best streaming experience, use the ExpressVPN browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
NHL.TV
Price: Varies
Country: International
NHL.tv allows fans in most regions outside of the United States and Canada to live stream every game on multiple devices. The NHL.tv price varies depending on your country. For example, hockey fans in the United Kingdom need to pay roughly 15 GBP (roughly 19 USD) per month. The NHL’s official website has a complete list of countries where NHL.tv is available.
Want it on the big screen? Learn about all the ways to get ExpressVPN on your TV.
Why is my VPN not working with NHL.tv or ESPN+?
ExpressVPN’s advanced server network is optimized for compatibility with both ESPN+ and NHL.tv, and most users can stream without any issues. But if you should ever encounter a problem, our dedicated Support Team is available by live chat 24/7 to help you overcome any obstacles in trying to watch your favorite hockey team. And all ExpressVPN plans are covered by a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
How to watch the NHL Playoffs with free trials
United States
YouTube TV
Price: 73 USD/month and up
Channels: ABC, ESPN, TNT, TBS
Country: U.S.
YouTube TV offers Americans a variety of channels that carry NHL games, and the subscription costs 73 USD/month. You may need to submit a U.S. ZIP code (e.g., 10022, 48104, etc.), but it accepts a wide array of payment options. If you don’t feel like committing to YouTube TV, use the free trial.
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.
Fubo
Price: 80 USD/month (base package; price increases to watch NHL games)
Channels: ABC, ESPN, NHL Network
Country: U.S.
Although Fubo offers a 7-day free trial, it does not have Turner channels (including TBS and TNT) as of January 2024. However, fans from the United States can watch NHL games through Fubo if you purchase Max and the Bleacher Report Sports Add-On tier for Max, each of which cost 10 USD/month.
Note: You will need a U.S. credit/debit card to subscribe. The billing address used may determine which local channels are available, and you may be unable to change your location.
Watching on a computer? For the best streaming experience, use the ExpressVPN browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
DirecTV Stream
Price: 85 USD/month and up
Channels: ABC, ESPN, NHL Network (Ultimate plan and up), TBS, TNT
DirecTV Stream is often on the pricier side, especially if you want the NHL Network, but it’s a great option for U.S. fans to stream NHL games if you prefer a cord-cutting service over an additional streaming app. DirecTV’s lowest package starts at 65 USD/month (before jumping to its normal price of 75 USD/month after three months), and the service offers a 5-day free trial.
Other ways to watch the 2024 NHL Playoffs
Canada
Sportsnet
Price: 15 USD/month
Sportsnet offers all NHL games, including the Stanley Cup Playoffs and Stanley Cup Final, on all of its platforms in all languages, as well as exclusive rights to special events such as the NHL All-Star Game and NHL Draft. Canadian subscribers who sign up for Sportsnet can get Saturday Hockey Night in Canada games on CBC Television and French-language broadcasts on TVA Sports. Subscriptions start at 15 USD/month or 150 USD/year. Please note Sportsnet does not offer a free trial.
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.
FAQ: FAQ for NHL live streams
Do NHL playoff games face broadcasting restrictions?
Yes, NHL Playoff games face broadcasting restrictions in the United States and Canada. In the United States, games being broadcast on local TV channels in your area will be blacked out on ESPN+, Hulu, and other streaming services. This includes games airing on national TV channels, such as ABC and ESPN. In Canada, games showing on local TV channels in your area will be blacked out on Sportsnet NOW Premium and other streaming services. As with the U.S., this includes games that are being broadcast on national TV channels, such as CBC and Sportsnet.
What’s the reason behind the blackout of the Wild game?
Every NHL team, including the Minnesota Wild, is susceptible to blackouts. The Minnesota Wild have a contract with Bally Sports North, which gives them the exclusive rights to broadcast Wild games in the Minnesota market. If you live in the Minnesota market, you can only watch Wild games on Bally Sports North. If you live outside of the Minnesota market, you can watch Wild games on NHL.tv. However, the game will be blacked out if it is being broadcast on Bally Sports North in another market.
How can I access out-of-market NHL games?
ESPN+ is the best way to watch out-of-market NHL games. Subscriptions start at 10 USD/month.
Does ESPN+ impose blackouts on NHL games?
Yes, ESPN+ imposes blackouts on NHL games in the United States. This means that if you live in the market of a team whose game is being broadcast on a local TV channel, you will not be able to watch that game on ESPN+.
Why do NHL games experience blackouts on ESPN when using Hulu?
NHL games on ESPN+ experience blackouts on Hulu because Hulu uses your location to determine which games are available to you. If you live in the market of a team whose game is being broadcast on a local TV channel, that game will be blacked out on ESPN+ even if you are subscribed to Hulu.
How can I watch NHL games internationally?
NHL.tv is a streaming service that offers live and on-demand streaming of NHL games in most countries outside the United States and Canada. However, it is important to note that NHL.tv does have blackout restrictions in some countries.
Does the NHL Network broadcast all hockey games?
No, the NHL Network does not broadcast all hockey games. However, NHLN will live stream select games throughout the 2023-24 season.
Can I use a free VPN to watch the NHL?
Yes, you can use a free VPN to watch the NHL, though we strongly advise against doing so. Free VPNs are often slower than paid VPNs, may have data caps, and may not be as secure as paid VPNs. Your best bet is going with ExpressVPN!
What causes a game to be unavailable on the NHL Network?
There are a few reasons why a game might be unavailable on the NHL Network, including local blackouts, national blackouts, and scheduling conflicts.
Is it possible to watch full games using the NHL app?
Yes, it is possible to watch full games using the NHL app. However, there are some restrictions. United States viewers must have an ESPN+ subscription to watch full games using the NHL app. In Canada, you can watch full games using the NHL app if you subscribe to Sportsnet NOW Premium. In other countries, you can watch full games using the NHL app if you subscribe to NHL.tv.
Can I stream NHL games on my computer?
Definitely. If you’re accessing the streaming service from a web browser, be sure to also install the ExpressVPN extension for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. The extension has a few features under the hood that can smooth out common streaming issues.
Can I stream NHL games on my phone or tablet?
Yes. ExpressVPN has apps for every major mobile device, including iOS and Android.
How can I stream NHL games on my TV with a VPN?
In brief there are five different ways to stream sports on your TV with ExpressVPN:
-With the native app for a smart TV or streaming device
-By streaming on your computer and connecting to the TV with an HDMI cable
-By mirroring or casting wirelessly to your TV or streaming device from your computer or mobile device
-By connecting to an ExpressVPN-enabled router, which allows for unlimited devices and makes it super simple to connect to different server locations simultaneously
-With MediaStreamer, ExpressVPN’s solution for devices that cannot install a VPN, such as some streaming consoles and gaming consoles. MediaStreamer only needs to be set up once, although it does not provide the full security benefits of a VPN.
For more information on all the ways to get ExpressVPN on your big-screen TV, click here or contact a 24/7 Support agent for step-by-step instructions.
I connected to the VPN but my internet speed is slow!
If your internet speed is slow or your streaming seems to lag, there are a few possible reasons:
-The distance of your selected VPN server location from your physical location
-Your connection type (wired connections are more reliable than wireless connections)
-Suboptimal interconnectivity between the VPN and your ISP
-Slow internet connection speed at your location
-Your device type and processing power
Try each of the following steps to troubleshoot:
-Download the latest version of ExpressVPN
-Connect to a different VPN server location
-Change your VPN protocol
If you try each of the above and are still experiencing issues with your streaming speed, contact the ExpressVPN Support Team 24/7 and someone will be with you in seconds.
I connected to the suggested VPN server location but I can’t log in to the streaming service!
No worries! Server load changes rapidly (especially when lots of people are trying to watch certain events), but that’s exactly why ExpressVPN has high-speed servers all over the world. If you’re trying to access a site in the U.S. or Germany, for instance, try connecting to a different server location in those countries.
If you’re trying to connect to a country with one server location, the first step is to check your location settings. If you’re on a mobile device, disconnect from the VPN, turn off location services, then connect to the VPN again. On both Windows and Mac computers, you can turn off Location Services within the Privacy & Security settings menu.
For more help, you can always talk to a member of our Support Team, available 24/7 by live chat. your sports streaming experience.
What other streaming services can I watch with ExpressVPN?
ExpressVPN works seamlessly with all the most popular streaming apps from around the world. Using a VPN for streaming ensures you watch securely in blazing-fast HD with unlimited bandwidth, free from ISP throttling (which can sometimes slow down speeds). If you want to watch your favorite team from anywhere—even while traveling or on unsecured networks like public Wi-Fi—ExpressVPN is a great way to enhance your sports streaming experience.
