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
- Get ExpressVPN.
- Connect to a server location where games ARE NOT being aired (this way you can avoid blackouts).
- Visit NHL TV and sign up.
- 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 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:
- Get ExpressVPN.
- Connect to a server location in Canada.
- Go to CBC Gem and sign up. (You may need to enter a valid Canadian postal code, e.g., R3T 4A7, V1M 1Y8.)
- 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:
- Get ExpressVPN.
- Connect to a server location in the United States, such as Chicago. For assistance, contact ExpressVPN Support via live chat.
- Visit YouTube TV and sign up. If you’re watching through a web browser, use the ExpressVPN browser extension.
- 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:
- Get ExpressVPN.
- Connect to a server location in the United States, such as San Francisco. For assistance, contact ExpressVPN Support via live chat.
- Sign up at Sling TV. If you’re watching through a web browser, use the ExpressVPN browser extension.
- 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.
- Get ExpressVPN.
- Connect to a server location in the United States, such as Chicago. For assistance, contact ExpressVPN Support via live chat.
- Visit Hulu and use the free trial.
- 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:
- Get ExpressVPN.
- Connect to a server location in the United States, such as Chicago. For assistance, contact ExpressVPN Support via live chat.
- Visit fuboTV and sign up. If you’re watching through a web browser, use the ExpressVPN browser extension.
- 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
Colorado Avalanche vs. St. Louis Blues [Apr 14, 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time (U.S.)]
Although the Blues haven’t factored into the top of the West Division standings as projected entering the season, they are still a physical squad that can give the Avalanche some trouble. Colorado will need to get very comfortable with this matchup, though, because they face the Blues three more times in April after this contest and are on course to lock horns with them in the first round of the playoffs.
Florida Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning [Apr 15, 7:00 p.m. ET]
The potential for an inter-Florida rivalry between these teams hasn’t materialized in recent years because the Panthers have been irrelevant while the Lightning have consistently been among the NHL’s elite. That’s changed this year with the Panthers finding a new level. The result: the Floridian squads are locked in an intense battle for supremacy in the Central Division.
New York Islanders vs. Boston Bruins [Apr 16, 7:00 p.m. ET]
The Bruins will be one of the most interesting teams to follow this week as everyone watches to see what Taylor Hall can add to their offense. The Islanders represent a formidable test of the former MVP’s impact, as no team plays as disciplined a brand of defensive hockey.
Edmonton Oilers vs. Winnipeg Jets [Apr 17, 10:00 p.m. ET]
Of all of the potential playoff matchups in the NHL, this one might be the most certain to happen. Neither the Oilers nor Jets look like they will catch the Toronto Maple Leafs or get caught by the Montreal Canadiens, which means they can get used to the idea of a seven-game series in May. The Oilers have the best one-two punch in the league with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, while the Jets have a more balanced lineup and superior goaltending.
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:
| Team | Odds |
| Colorado Avalanche | +400 |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | +600 |
| Vegas Golden Knights | +750 |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | +900 |
| Carolina Hurricanes | +1200 |
| Washington Capitals | +1200 |
| New York Islanders | +1400 |
| Minnesota Wild | +1800 |
| Boston Bruins | +2000 |
| Montreal Canadiens | +2000 |
NHL 2021 season key dates
| Trade deadline | April 12 |
| Final day of the regular season | May 8 |
| Final possible day of the Stanley Cup Finals | July 9 |
| Seattle Kraken expansion draft | July 21 |
| NHL Draft | July 23-24 |
| Free agency begins | July 28 |
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