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How to watch live NHL hockey without cable in 2025

As a cord-cutter since 2010, he’s spent over 15 years covering tech and streaming for sites like TechRadar, Tom’s Guide, and CrackBerry. He also has a soft spot for '80s movies.

Watching live NHL games is easier than ever, thanks to a wide range of streaming options that cater to different fans. Whether you’re looking for a comprehensive package to follow your favorite out-of-market team, a way to stream your local team without cable, or just the most budget-friendly way to catch the action, there’s a service for you.

The NHL continues to offer Fubo, and Hulu, and other digital platforms throughout the season.

Here’s a breakdown of the best ways to stream NHL games this season.

We picked the best live TV streaming services for each NHL team so you can follow every slapshot and save. Be sure to check your team’s schedule before signing up.


Stream NHL Games

We compared the top streaming services to help you choose the best one for NHL action. The best streaming services for sports, including NHL games, depend on your location and which channels carry your favorite team.

Our picks

DIRECTV

  • ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, TNT
  • NHL Network
  • MSG Network / MSG SportsNet (New York Rangers, Islanders, Devils, Sabres)
  • NESN (Boston Bruins)
  • FanDuel Sports (15+ NHL teams)
  • Altitude Sports (Colorado Avalanche)
  • ROOT SPORTS Northwest (Seattle Kraken)
  • Monumental Sports Network (Washington Capitals)
  • SportsNet Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh Penguins)

Fubo

  • ESPN, ESPN2, ABC
  • NHL Network
  • MSG Network / MSG SportsNet
  • NESN
  • FanDuel Sports
  • Altitude Sports
  • ROOT SPORTS Northwest
  • Monumental Sports Network
  • SportsNet Pittsburgh


Local market broadcasts

Most NHL games are shown on your Regional Sports Network (RSN).

If you’re trying to watch your local team, over 75% of games air on your RSN. To stream these games, you’ll need access to the correct RSN via a live TV streaming service.

DIRECTV Fubo Hulu Philo Sling TV YouTube
Free Trial Free Trial Free 3-Day Trial Free Trial Get 50% OFF Sign Up
$19.99 $14.99 $82.99 $33 $4.99 $9.99 $14.99 $29.99 $45.99 $45.99 $82.99
Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) + $70 + $70 - - - - - - -


Watching NHL in Canada

Canadian fans have several options:

  • Sportsnet NOW – Covers the Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, and Vancouver Canucks, plus national coverage including Hockey Night in Canada and the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
  • TSN Direct – Covers regional games for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, and Winnipeg Jets.
  • TVA Sports – The exclusive French-language broadcaster for national NHL coverage in Canada.

Check your region to confirm which service has the rights to your favorite team.


Out-of-market broadcasts

If you’re a fan living away from your favorite NHL team’s market, ESPN is now your go-to streaming service. Since the 2021–22 season, ESPN has taken over from the now-defunct NHL.TV, offering comprehensive access to out-of-market games.

For the 2025 season, ESPN provides:

  • NHL Power Play on ESPN: Over 1,050 out-of-market games, letting you follow your favorite teams and players throughout the regular season.
  • Exclusive National Games: A selection of games that air only on ESPN+ and Hulu, including some marquee matchups each week.
  • Stanley Cup Playoffs Coverage: Select playoff games, including some first and second-round matchups, as well as one conference final.

Keep in mind that while ESPN covers most out-of-market action, some nationally televised games remain exclusive to ABC.


Stanley Cup Playoffs coverage

When it’s time for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, coverage ramps up across both national and Canadian broadcasters:

United States

  • ESPN and TNT split the first two rounds.
  • TNT will air one conference final.
  • ABC airs the other conference final and the entire Stanley Cup Final.
  • All games will also be available via streaming on ESPN+, Hulu, and Max (formerly HBO Max) via the B/R Sports Add-On.

Canada

  • Sportsnet (English) and TVA Sports (French) air all playoff games nationally.
  • Games are available for streaming on Sportsnet NOW and TVA Sports Direct.
  • Check game times closely — some games may be exclusive to streaming platforms, especially in the earlier rounds.

Adam Zeis is the Managing Editor of The Streamable, where he oversees all site content and leads a dynamic team of freelancers. With over 15 years of experience in tech media, Adam has developed a deep expertise in streaming entertainment, technology, and content creation. His passion for the streaming landscape began when he cut the cord in 2010. Since then, he has dedicated his career to exploring and sharing insights on the ever-evolving digital entertainment space.

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