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 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:

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!

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.

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!

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. 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 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:

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!

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:

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. Visit AT&T TV Now and use a free trial.
4. 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:

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!

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.

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!

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:

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!

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 upcoming NHL games

Philadelphia Flyers vs. Boston Bruins [Jan 21, 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time (U.S)]

With the NHL’s divisions reconfigured this season, the Bruins and Flyers are slated to be top contenders for the crown in the new East. The Flyers have exploded out of the gate, largely due to Travis Konecny’s hot start. The Bruins have lagged behind thus far, but their veteran lineup is as proven as they come and their first line is capable of winning games single-handedly. It looks like this matchup is going to be a treat all year long.

Edmonton Oilers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs [Jan 22, 7:00 p.m. ET]

The Oilers and Maple Leafs are going to play a lot of fun, high-scoring games this year as each club is far more adept at filling their opponent’s nets than keeping the puck out of their own. Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews are two of the most electric centers in the league, and it will be fascinating to see them go head-to-head in this one. McDavid possesses the speed advantage, while Matthews has the edge when it comes to strength and shot power. If you like grind-it-out defensive hockey, don’t bother tuning into this one.

Dallas Stars vs. Nashville Predators [Jan 22, 8:30 p.m. ET]

Dallas-Nashville isn’t the type of matchup that traditionally draws the spotlight, but there’s added intrigue here. After a surprise run to the Stanley Cup Finals last season, the Stars have been dealing with a significant Covid-19 outbreak and this will be their season debut. They were a hard team to figure out prior to this development, and now what they’ll bring to the ice is an even bigger mystery.

New York Rangers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins [Jan 24, 7:00 p.m. ET]

The Rangers don’t project to be serious contenders, but they have entertainment value thanks to their rising cohort of young stars. Alexis Lafrenière has yet to make a significant impact, but he has proven star potential, while last year’s second overall pick, Kappo Kakko, is looking to take the next step. On the Penguins side, the appeal of watching Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin go to work is evergreen.

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 runningmates are healthier this time around, he could put up some eye-popping stats.

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.

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 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 the 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:

If you’re interested in being a true contrarian, here are the five teams with the longest odds:

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