How to live stream the NHL with a VPN
With a VPN, you can watch the NHL on any network, even on restricted Wi-Fi at work or school.
- Get ExpressVPN.
- Connect to a server location that matches the broadcaster you want to watch. For example, United States hockey fans can connect to a server in the U.S. to catch games on Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, or YouTube TV.
- Let’s hit the ice!
Watching on a computer? For the best streaming experience, use the ExpressVPN browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
Why you need a VPN to stream the NHL
Some internet and network providers might slow your connection if they think you’re streaming too much, causing laggy streams and buffering. But by using a VPN, you can encrypt your traffic, keep your online activity private from your ISP, and bypass throttling to watch NHL games without any issues.
If you’re working at night and the Wi-Fi at your job blocks streaming services, you could miss out on watching some games. But with a VPN, your activity is encrypted and anonymized, allowing you to unblock streaming platforms with ease. Just make sure you don’t cheer too loudly and catch your bosses’ attention.
Best VPN for watching the NHL in 2024
ExpressVPN has a global network of servers in 105 countries, which work seamlessly with sports streaming services that broadcast the NHL, such as ESPN+ and Fubo. Our 10-Gbps servers give you a blazing-fast VPN connection, so you never have to worry about buffering or lag during those tense finishes.
You can connect up to 8 devices to the VPN at once with a single account, so you can watch any game of your choosing on your smart TV while your family streams their favorite shows or movies on their own devices. Try ExpressVPN now with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
How to stream the NHL with NHL.TV
If you live outside of the U.S. or Canada, you can live stream every NHL game this season on NHL.TV. Similar to NBA League Pass or NFL Game Pass, NHL.TV is designed for viewers who live in countries where NHL games are not widely available. The NHL’s official website has a full list of regions where NHL.TV is available, although notable countries include France, Germany, Japan, the Czech Republic, and the United Kingdom. Prices vary depending on your region.
Live stream exclusive NHL games on ESPN+ and Hulu
The NHL announced ahead of the 2024-25 season that ESPN, ESPN+, Hulu, and ABC will air 100 exclusive games in the coming months. Any game airing on ABC, ESPN, or ESPN 2 will also air on ESPN+ or Hulu. You may need proof of subscription to another service, whether it’s a cable company or a streaming service like Hulu + Live TV, to live stream some of those games.
Hulu + Live TV offers a 3-day free trial you could use to catch select nationally-televised showdowns. ESPN+ does not offer a free trial at this time. You need a U.S. credit or debit card to subscribe to either service.
Stream the NHL using services with free trials
Canada
Live stream the NHL on Amazon Prime Video
You can watch select NHL games featuring Canadian teams on Amazon Prime Video during the 2024-25 season. If you’re a new customer or are returning after more than 12 months without a subscription, you can use Prime Video’s 30-day free trial to watch some of these games for free, as well as enjoy the Prime Video library in Canada. You’ll need a local payment method to subscribe.
United States
| Service | Channels | Free trial length |
| DirecTV Stream | ABC, ESPN, NHL Network (Choice plan and up), TNT, select regional sports networks | 5 days |
| Fubo | ABC, ESPN, NHL Network (Sports Plus add-on), select regional sports networks | 7 days |
| Hulu + Live TV | ABC, ESPN, NHL Network (Sports add-on), TNT, select regional sports networks | 3 days |
| YouTube TV | ABC, ESPN, TNT | 7 days |
We’ll keep this page updated with more ways to watch the NHL as they’re announced.
Other ways to live stream the NHL
United States
Watch the NHL on Sling TV
Channels: ABC, ESPN, NHL Network (Sports Extra), TNT, select regional sports networks
In the United States, Sling TV offers every channel airing nationally-televised NHL games. You’ll need a valid U.S. payment method to start streaming the NHL on Sling.
Live stream the NHL on all your streaming devices
ExpressVPN is compatible with all major streaming devices, from smartphones and tablets to gaming consoles and smart TVs. You’re set to watch the NHL at home or on the go. You can even connect up to eight devices with a single account.
Key dates for the 2024-25 NHL season
The 2024-25 NHL season officially begins Tuesday, October 8. Here are some key dates to keep in mind throughout the league’s 108th season.
| Date | Event |
| October 4, 2024 | NHL Global Series (Buffalo Sabres vs. New Jersey Devils in Prague) |
| October 8, 2024 | NHL Opening Night |
| October 22, 2024 | Frozen Frenzy |
| November 1-2, 2024 | NHL Global Series (Florida Panthers vs. Dallas Stars in Finland) |
| December 31, 2024 | NHL Winter Classic (Chicago Blackhawks vs. St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field in Chicago) |
| January 18, 2025 | Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada |
| February 12-20, 2025 | NHL 4 Nations Face-Off |
| March 1, 2025 | NHL Stadium Series (Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Detroit Red Wings at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio) |
| April 19, 2025 | NHL Playoffs begin |
Recent NHL Stanley Cup Final 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 | Florida Panthers (First title) |
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 live streaming the NHL in 2024
Can I use a VPN to watch the NHL from another country?
Some users might watch the NHL 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 games?
You can try, but free VPNs often have limited server networks, so you might not find a server in the location you need. They typically provide slower speeds and limit your bandwidth, so you may have to deal with constant buffering or disconnects during matches. ExpressVPN offers high-speed servers so you can seamlessly stream NHL games in HD or even UHD when available. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free with our 30-day money-back guarantee.
Can I stream the NHL outside the United States?
You can watch the NHL on NHL.TV in more than 100 countries. Watching outside the U.S. means you won’t have to put up with blackouts. The price varies by region.
Does the NHL Network have live NHL games?
Yes, the NHL Network does broadcast live NHL games. Please note local blackouts may apply, meaning the game might not be available in certain markets if a local broadcaster holds the rights. For example, a Los Angeles resident would be unable to watch a Kings-Rangers game airing on NHL Network.
How long is the NHL regular season?
The 2024-25 NHL season begins Friday, October 4, 2024, and ends April 17, 2025. Each team will play 82 games across those 195 days.
What day does the NHL season start?
The 2024-25 NHL season technically begins Friday, October 4, when the New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres face off in Prague. However, the regular season officially starts on Tuesday, October 8.
How many games are in the 2024-25 NHL season?
The 2024-25 NHL season is 1,312 total games, with each team playing 82 games from October 4, 2024, through April 17, 2025.
How do I subscribe to the NHL Network?
As of 2024, the NHL Network does not offer individual subscriptions. You can access the NHL Network via cord-cutting services such as Fubo or YouTube TV.
Is the NHL Network free?
No, the NHL Network is not free. You need a subscription to a cable company or cord-cutting service (i.e. Hulu+Live TV) to watch the NHL Network.
How much does NHL TV cost?
The NHL TV price varies by country, and the NHL’s official website has a full list of countries where NHL.TV is available.
How can I watch NHL games in Europe?
You can live stream NHL games in Europe via NHL.TV. The price varies depending on your country. In Germany, you can watch select NHL games for free through ProSieben and its sports streaming platform, Ran.de.
What is the cheapest way to watch the NHL?
As of 2024, Sling TV remains the cheapest way to watch NHL games. Prices are always changing across cord-cutting services, though, and some services even offer discounts at select times during the year.
How can I get NHL games for free?
As of 2024, there is no way for U.S. or Canadian viewers to watch every NHL game for free. However, cord-cutting services like DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Hulu+Live TV, and YouTube TV all offer free trials if you don’t want to commit to a subscription.
