How to watch the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs 2022

Whether you’re looking to stream NHL playoff games, find the best way to watch hockey on ESPN+, or test cord-cutting services that include NHL action with a VPN, you’ve come to the right place.

On this page, you can find information on how to watch the league you love, plus who looks like a good bet to win the Stanley Cup.

How to stream the NHL playoffs on ESPN+ with a VPN

ESPN+ is your go-to source for watching the Stanley Cup Playoffs 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 U.S. server location.
3. Visit ESPN+ and sign up.
4. Stream without any blackouts!

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

Stream Stanley Cup Playoff games live on CBC

Price: Free

CBC is one of the official NHL broadcasters in Canada, and will be broadcasting about half of the playoff slate. Best of all, it’s completely FREE. Be sure to check CBC’s hockey schedule to know when to tune in. Signing up is painless.

To watch NHL streams live on the CBC:

1. 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 playoff 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 as they include NHL broadcasters like ESPN and ABC (which will broadcast some Finals games). 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. Just follow these steps and select your preferred cord-cutting service:

1. Get ExpressVPN.
2. Connect to a server location in the U.S.
3. Go to Sling TV Orange (35 USD/month) or YouTube TV (65 USD/month) and use a free trial.
4. Tune in and enjoy!

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

Sling TV

Price: 35 USD/month and up

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 through its app.

YouTube TV

Price: 65 USD/month and up

YouTube TV includes all the channels you need to watch the NHL. A five-day free trial is available.

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.

Hulu + Live TV

Price: 70 USD/month

Hulu does not offer a free trial, but its live TV package includes seven channels for secure NHL streams.

When are the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs?

The Stanley Cup playoffs began May 2, 2022. A total of 16 teams (eight from each conference) compete across four rounds, with a maximum of seven games each round, so the longest the playoffs could last would be to June 30, 2022. Seeding is based on points scored. Check out the full game schedule here.

What teams are in the 2022 NHL playoffs?

The following teams are competing in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs:

Atlantic Division

Florida Panthers (1) vs. vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (3) [Lightning won 4-0]

Metropolitan Division

Carolina Hurricanes (1) vs. New York Rangers (2) [Hurricanes lead 3-2]

Central Division

Colorado Avalanche (1) vs. St. Louis Blues (3) [Avalanche lead 3-2]

Pacific Division

Calgary Flames (1) vs. Edmonton Oilers (2) [Oilers won 4-1]

How is the NHL playoff bracket set up?

In each of the NHL’s four divisions, the top three teams earned playoff berths. In each conference, the next two teams (in terms of total points) earned wild-card spots, regardless of division. The top seed in each division plays one of the wild-card teams from its conference. For instance in the Eastern Conference, while the Boston Bruins had more points than the Pittsburgh Penguins, they finished fourth in their division while the Penguins finished third, so the Penguins are a 3-seed and the Bruins are a 4-seed wild-card.

Each round will consist of a best-of-7 series, with a 2-2-1-1-1 format. Teams will not be re-seeded in the second round to ensure that teams in a division compete each other again in the bracket.

Who will be the Stanley Cup winner in 2021-22?

Below are the Stanley Cup Playoff odds according to Vegas Insider:

Team	Stanley Cup Odds
Colorado Avalanche	+170
Tampa Bay Lightning	+310
Carolina Hurricanes	+475
Edmonton Oilers	+900
Calgary Flames	+1000
New York Rangers	+2000
St. Louis Blues	+3500
Florida Panthers	+4000

NHL Awards races picks

Hart Trophy (MVP): Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers

With the Oilers clinching a playoff spot and McDavid atop the points leaders, the 25-year-old is back in the driver’s seat. The Canadian center is simply a wizard with the puck on his stick—he’s set a new career record with 43 goals and counting—and is possibly the most dynamic skater in the sport to boot. Every season he’s healthy McDavid is a threat to put another Hart Trophy on his shelf.

Finalists: Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs); Connor McDavid; Igor Shesterkin [Preseason prediction: Connor McDavid]

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

Although Makar has missed some time, when he’s been on the ice there’s been no defenseman capable of matching his contribution. The 23-year-old trails only Nashville’s Roman Josi as the top scoring blue liner, and he doesn’t sacrifice defensive responsibility to be such an offensive force.

Finalists: Viktor Hedman (Tampa Bay Lightning); Roman Josi (Nashville Predators); Cale Makar [Preseason prediction: Cale Makar]

Vezina Trophy (Top goaltender): Igor Shesterkin, New York Rangers

Shesterkin’s statistical case for this award is beyond reproach as he tops the NHL in both goals against average and save percentage. The young Russian’s ascent has been one of the biggest reasons the Rangers have arrived ahead of schedule, and if he keeps up his current pace no one will want to face New York come playoff time.

Finalists: Jacob Markstrom (Calgary Flames); Juuse Saros (Nashville Predators); Igor Shesterkin [Preseason prediction: Connor Hellebuyck]

Calder Trophy (Top rookie): Mortiz Seider, Detroit Red Wings

Although his teammate Lucas Raymond has put up more points, Seider’s all-around contribution can’t be ignored. The 21-year-old is skating approximately two more minutes per night than any other rookie, and looking like a foundational blueliner for the Red Wings. The young german is a poised defender, fine passer, and major contributor on special teams.

Finalists: Michael Bunting (Toronto Maple Leafs); Moritz Seider; Trevor Zegras (Anaheim Ducks) [Preseason prediction: Cole Caufield]

Jack Adams Award (Top coach): Gerard Gallant, New York Rangers

This one will take a while to shake out, but the Rangers look like a breakout team that could shatter expectations, and that’s exactly the type of club whose coach often takes home the Jack Adams. Gallant is also a great coach in his own right. The 58-year-old has found success in multiple situations and was at the helm of the Vegas Golden Knights’ improbable run to the Stanley Cup Finals in their first year.

[Preseason prediction: Barry Trotz]

Key dates for the 2021-2022 NHL season

Event	Date(s)
Opening Night	October 12, 2021
Winter Classic	January 1, 2022
NHL All-Star Game	February 4-5, 2022
Olympic Break	February 7-22, 2022
End of Regular Season	April 29, 2022
Stanley Cup Playoffs	May 2 – June 30, 2022

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