How to watch live NHL hockey without cable in 2025
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.
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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)
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Fubo
- ESPN, ESPN2, ABC
- NHL Network
- MSG Network / MSG SportsNet
- NESN
- FanDuel Sports
- Altitude Sports
- ROOT SPORTS Northwest
- Monumental Sports Network
- SportsNet Pittsburgh
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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.
