How to live stream the NHL Playoffs online in 2024
ExpressVPN is here to help you live stream every NHL playoff game through the Stanley Cup Finals. You just need to follow a few simple steps:
- Get ExpressVPN.
- Connect to the server location that matches the broadcaster you want to watch. For example, Canadian fans can connect to a Toronto server to watch the free CBC stream securely in Canada.
- 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 playoff games from another country?
Some users watch NHL playoff 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 playoff 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 the NHL Playoffs
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!
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.
2024 Stanley Cup odds
Will the Vegas Golden Knights win the Stanley Cup Finals again? Here are the latest odds according to the FanDuel Sportsbook.
| Team | Odds |
| Carolina Hurricanes | +650 |
| Florida Panthers | +750 |
| Dallas Stars | +800 |
| Colorado Avalanche | +800 |
| Edmonton Oilers | +850 |
| New York Rangers | +900 |
| Vegas Golden Knights | +1100 |
| Boston Bruins | +1200 |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | +1400 |
| Winnipeg Jets | +1500 |
| Vancouver Canucks | +1500 |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | +2400 |
| Los Angeles Kings | +2400 |
2024 NHL Playoffs schedule
You can find the complete NHL playoffs schedule on the NHL’s website.
When do the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Finals begin?
The 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Finals begin in June, though an official date has not yet been announced.
Recent NHL Stanley Cup Finals winners
| Year | Winner |
| 2014 | Los Angeles Kings (Second title) |
| 2015 | Chicago Blackhawks (Sixth title) |
| 2016 | Pittsburgh Penguins (Fourth title) |
| 2017 | Pittsburgh Penguins (Fifth title) |
| 2018 | Washington Capitals (First title) |
| 2019 | St. Louis Blues (First title) |
| 2020 | Tampa Bay Lightning (Second title) |
| 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning (Third title) |
| 2022 | Colorado Avalanche (Third title) |
| 2023 | Vegas Golden Knights (First title) |
| 2024 | TBD |
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: About NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs live streams
Can I stream the NHL Playoffs for free?
Yes, users can stream the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs for free, but there’s a catch! Although the CBC (Canada) and ProSieben MAXX (DE) are expected to air select NHL playoff games, they will not air every game throughout the postseason.
What TV channel are the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs on?
The 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs will air on ABC, ESPN, ESPN 2, TBS, and TNT in the United States. The Stanley Cup Finals will air on ABC.
Can I watch the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs live with an app?
Yes, you can watch the NHL Playoffs on several apps, including CBC Gem (Canada), YouTube TV, Fubo, and DirecTV Stream (U.S). Any game airing on ESPN, ESPN 2, or ABC will also air on ESPN+, though proof of subscription to another service, such as YouTube TV or DirecTV Stream, may be required to live stream those simulcasts.
Can I watch the NHL Playoffs on YouTube?
No, you cannot watch the NHL Playoffs on YouTube.
How many games do you have to win to win the Stanley Cup Finals?
The Stanley Cup Finals is a best-of-seven series, meaning teams must win four games to win the Finals. As of 2024, every playoff series is a best-of-seven set, so teams must win 16 total playoff games to secure Lord Stanley’s Cup.
Who has won the most Stanley Cup Finals?
As of 2024, the Montreal Canadiens lead all NHL teams with 24 Stanley Cup titles.
Can I stream the Stanley Cup Finals 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 watch the Stanley Cup Finals on my phone or tablet?
Yes. ExpressVPN has apps for every major mobile device, including iOS and Android.
How can I watch the Stanley Cup Finals 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 Apple TV or gaming consoles. MediaStreamer only needs to be set up once, although it does not provide the full security benefits of a VPN. (Note that by connecting your Apple TV or gaming console to a router, you can get the best of both worlds!)
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.
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.
