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: 49.99 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!

Watching on a computer? For the best streaming experience, use the ExpressVPN browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.

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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!

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.

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!

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.

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

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 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 NHL games this week

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Tampa Bay Lightning [Apr 20, 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time (U.S.)]

With a combination of an extremely deep group of blueliners and rock-solid goaltending, the Hurricanes have managed to sustain a level of excellence that has them entering the week ahead of the defending champs in the Central Division. The Lightning can eat into their advantage with a win in this one, and although they’re still the favorites to end the season atop the Central, the Hurricanes look like a serious threat to their supremacy.

Washington Capitals vs. New York Islanders [Apr 22, 7:00 p.m. ET]

At the outset of the week the Capitals and Islanders have virtually identical records and literally identical goal differentials. Although they appear evenly-matched, they play very different brands of hockey, with the Capitals focusing on lighting the lamp while the Islanders pride themselves on playing shutdown defense. Alex Ovechkin is on one of his trademark tears right now, which could make life tough for the Islanders.

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Winnipeg Jets [Apr 24, 7:00 p.m. ET]

It wasn’t long ago that the Maple Leafs seemed to have sewed up the North Division, but they’ve hit a rough patch and the Jets refuse to go away. Winnipeg’s combination of top-end offensive talent and world-class goaltending makes them tough customers, even if there are some holes on their blueline. The good news for Toronto is that trade deadline acquisition Nick Foligno should be joining the team this week.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Boston Bruins [Apr 25, 3:30 p.m. ET]

While the Islanders and Capitals sit atop the East Division, these two clubs aren’t far behind. Any game between them presents an opportunity for one to separate itself from the other, and get closer to the two teams at the top. Right now the Bruins look best equipped to make that leap considering they haven’t lost since acquiring Taylor Hall, but you can never count out a Sidney Crosby-led team.

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 which could lead to a career-high in goals—or at least goals-per-game in this shortened season.

(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.

(Preseason prediction: Alexis Lafrenière, New York Rangers)

Vezina Trophy (Top Goalie) – Andrei Vasilevskiy

Andrei Vasilevskiy and Philipp Grubauer 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 has gotten off to a strong start in 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) – Victor Hedman, Tampa Bay Lightning

The reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner has come in the top three for this award four consecutive seasons, including a win in 2017-18. He’s starting to look like the top dog again this season thanks to his all-around contribution to an excellent Lightning team. Not only does Hedman provide an offensive boost, he also logs massive minutes against tough competition. He might be the most indispensable player on the league’s best team.

(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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