The NHL season brings fast paced action almost every night, and weekend matchups often feature some of the biggest rivalries and playoff caliber teams. Whether you live in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, India, or anywhere else, watching NHL games has never been easier, but choosing the best method can still be confusing.

This guide breaks down every legal way to watch NHL games live, with step by step instructions, device compatibility, blackout explanations, price considerations, technical optimization tips, platform comparisons, and scenarios tailored to different types of viewers.

What is the cheapest way to watch NHL games

1. How NHL Broadcasting Works

Understanding NHL broadcast rights helps you choose the right platform without wasting money.

• U.S. national rights: ESPN, ESPN+, ABC, TNT, NHL Network

• Canadian rights: Sportsnet, CBC, TSN

• International rights: NHL.TV (International version)

Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) carry games for specific teams in the U.S. and Canada. Local blackouts apply, meaning you may need your RSN instead of a national or streaming service.

2. How To Watch NHL Games in the United States (2025 Guide)

The U.S. offers the most options, but this also means the most overlap and confusion. Here is the breakdown.

A. ESPN+ (Best balance of price and game volume)

ESPN+ is essential for NHL fans. It carries hundreds of out of market games.

What you get

• Massive number of live NHL games

• On demand replays

• In depth NHL analysis shows

• Available on all major devices

How to subscribe

1. Go to espn.com

2. Sign up for ESPN+

3. Install the ESPN app

Who should choose this

Viewers who want many games at the lowest price.

B. ESPN, ABC, and TNT (National broadcasts)

These channels feature:

• Opening night games

• NHL Saturday

• Outdoor specials

• Stanley Cup Playoffs

• Stanley Cup Final

How to watch without cable

• YouTube TV

• Hulu + Live TV

• DirecTV Stream

• Sling TV (for ESPN and TNT)

Why it matters

These games are not always included on ESPN+, so you need national channels to fill the gaps.

C. NHL Network (Specialty channel for hardcore fans)

NHL Network adds:

• Extra live games

• Trade deadline coverage

• Draft analysis

• League wide highlights

Available through:

• Sling TV

• DirecTV Stream

• Fubo

D. Regional Sports Networks (RSNs)

RSNs carry your home team’s games.

Examples:

• Bally Sports

• MSG Network

• SportsNet Pittsburgh

• Altitude Sports

• NESN

• NBC Sports regional channels

Blackout rule explained

If your team is playing and you live in the home region, you must watch through your RSN, not ESPN+.
The blackout is enforced even for cord cutters.

Best U.S. Streaming Setup for Every Viewer Type

For most fans:

ESPN+ + YouTube TV

Coverage: national games + many out of market games + local team games.

For cord cutting budget viewers:

Sling Orange + ESPN+

Cheap and functional.

For fans who want everything:

YouTube TV + RSN app + ESPN+ + NHL Network

3. How To Watch NHL Games in Canada

A. Sportsnet (Primary Canadian broadcaster)

Includes:

• National NHL games

• Regional team broadcasts

• Playoffs (shared with TSN and CBC)

Sportsnet NOW

A cable free streaming subscription for:

• Smart TVs

• Mobile

• Tablets

• Consoles

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B. TSN

TSN carries several Canadian teams depending on region.

TSN Direct

Great for fans who don’t want cable.

C. CBC Gem (Free Option)

CBC streams selected Hockey Night in Canada games for free.

Advantages:

• No login required

• Stable streaming

• Works on many devices

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D. NHL Live (Integrated into Sportsnet)

For out of market games.
Canadian viewers need Sportsnet NOW Premium for full coverage.

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Best Canada Setup

Sportsnet NOW + TSN Direct + CBC Gem for free games.

4. How To Watch NHL Internationally (UK, Australia, India, Europe)

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A. NHL.TV International (Most complete solution outside North America)

NHL.TV International is the global version of NHL streaming with no blackout restrictions.

Benefits

• Every NHL game live

• Playoffs + Finals

• Multi game view

• Full replays

• Works everywhere except U.S. and Canada

Perfect for

Fans in:

• UK

• Australia

• India

• Europe

• Middle East

• Africa

• South America

B. United Kingdom

In addition to NHL.TV:

TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport)

Carries select NHL games.

Available via:

• Sky

• Virgin Media

• Discovery+

C. Australia

NHL games available on:

Kayo Sports

Streams ESPN Australia content.

Features:

• Multi View

• Key Moments

• Live and replay access

Foxtel

Cable alternative.

NHL.TV International

For complete access.

D. India

Most viewers use NHL.TV International.
Some games air on regional sports networks occasionally, but streaming is more reliable.

5. Blackout Rules Explained Clearly

Blackouts apply only in the U.S. and Canada.
They exist to protect:

• Local broadcasters

• Ticket sales

• Regional sports networks

How blackouts work

• If a game airs on your RSN, League Pass won’t show it.

• If a game is nationally televised, your RSN may be blocked.

Ways to avoid blackout frustration

• Always check your RSN schedule

• Use national broadcasters when needed

• Watch replays on ESPN+ after the blackout window

6. Device and Quality Optimization Guide

To ensure NHL action looks smooth at high speeds, optimize your setup.

A. Recommended Internet Speeds

• Minimum: 5 Mbps

• Ideal for 1080p: 25 Mbps

• For 4K (future ready): 50 Mbps

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B. Best Streaming Devices

Budget

• Roku Express

• Amazon Fire Stick Lite

Mid Range

• Roku Ultra

• Apple TV HD

• Chromecast with Google TV

Premium

• Apple TV 4K

• NVIDIA Shield TV

C. TV Picture Settings Tips

• Use Sports Mode

• Turn off “Energy Saver”

• Set backlight high

• Reduce motion blur shakiness

• Keep refresh rate high

7. Troubleshooting Guide

If video freezes

• Restart the stream

• Restart device

• Switch Wi Fi bands

If audio delays

• Pause briefly

• Change audio track

• Reset HDMI connection

If login fails

• Clear app cache

• Update app

• Try another device

8. Comparison Table: U.S., Canada, International NHL Viewing Options

Region	Best Streaming Service	Includes	Blackouts	Cost Level
USA	ESPN+	Hundreds of games	Yes	Low
USA	YouTube TV	National broadcasts	No	Medium
Canada	Sportsnet NOW	National + regional	Yes	Medium
Canada	CBC Gem	Free games	No	Free
UK	NHL.TV	Every game	No	Medium
Australia	Kayo + NHL.TV	ESPN + full season	No	Medium
India	NHL.TV	All games	No	Low

9. FAQs

What is the cheapest way to watch NHL games?

ESPN+ in the U.S. and CBC Gem in Canada offer the lowest cost access.

Can I watch NHL without cable?

Yes. ESPN+, Sportsnet NOW, TSN Direct, YouTube TV, and NHL.TV all support cable free streaming.

Does ESPN+ show every NHL game?

No. It does not show your local team’s games due to blackout rules.

Is NHL.TV available in the United States?

No. NHL.TV International is only for viewers outside the U.S. and Canada.

Can I use a VPN to watch NHL games?

A VPN may help travelers access their home subscriptions legally, but it is not a workaround for blackout restrictions.

Where can I watch NHL games for free?

• CBC Gem (Canada)

• Some games occasionally streamed through free trials of streaming services

Final Thoughts

NHL fans worldwide now have more streaming choices than ever. Whether you want the cheapest option, full league access, national broadcasts, or a cord cutter friendly setup, the right combination depends on your region and your favorite team.

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