How to live stream NHL games in 2024
From the preseason through the Stanley Cup Finals, you can stream every game on the NHL schedule with ExpressVPN by following just a few simple steps:
- Get ExpressVPN.
- Connect to the server location that matches your desired broadcaster. For example, Canadian fans can connect to a Toronto server to watch the free CBC stream.
- Enjoy the hockey!
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.
Where to live stream NHL games
Check out our NHL hub for info on where to stream NHL games in the United States, Canada, and around the world.
2024-25 NHL schedule key dates
| 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 |
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.
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: FAQ for NHL live streams
Do NHL playoff games face broadcasting restrictions?
Yes, NHL Playoff games face broadcasting restrictions in the United States and Canada. In the United States, games being broadcast on local TV channels in your area will be blacked out on ESPN+, Hulu, and other streaming services. This includes games airing on national TV channels, such as ABC and ESPN. In Canada, games showing on local TV channels in your area will be blacked out on Sportsnet NOW Premium and other streaming services. As with the U.S., this includes games that are being broadcast on national TV channels, such as CBC and Sportsnet.
What’s the reason behind the blackout of the Wild game?
Every NHL team, including the Minnesota Wild, is susceptible to blackouts. The Minnesota Wild have a contract with Bally Sports North, which gives them the exclusive rights to broadcast Wild games in the Minnesota market. If you live in the Minnesota market, you can only watch Wild games on Bally Sports North. If you live outside of the Minnesota market, you can watch Wild games on NHL.tv. However, the game will be blacked out if it is being broadcast on Bally Sports North in another market.
How can I access out-of-market NHL games?
ESPN+ is the best way to watch out-of-market NHL games. Subscriptions start at 10 USD/month.
Does ESPN+ impose blackouts on NHL games?
Yes, ESPN+ imposes blackouts on NHL games in the United States. This means that if you live in the market of a team whose game is being broadcast on a local TV channel, you will not be able to watch that game on ESPN+.
Why do NHL games experience blackouts on ESPN when using Hulu?
NHL games on ESPN+ experience blackouts on Hulu because Hulu uses your location to determine which games are available to you. If you live in the market of a team whose game is being broadcast on a local TV channel, that game will be blacked out on ESPN+ even if you are subscribed to Hulu.
How can I watch NHL games internationally?
NHL.tv is a streaming service that offers live and on-demand streaming of NHL games in most countries outside the United States and Canada. However, it is important to note that NHL.tv does have blackout restrictions in some countries.
Does the NHL Network broadcast all hockey games?
No, the NHL Network does not broadcast all hockey games. However, NHLN will live stream select games throughout the 2023-24 season.
Can I use a free VPN to watch the NHL?
Yes, you can use a free VPN to watch the NHL, though we strongly advise against doing so. Free VPNs are often slower than paid VPNs, may have data caps, and may not be as secure as paid VPNs. Your best bet is going with ExpressVPN!
What causes a game to be unavailable on the NHL Network?
There are a few reasons why a game might be unavailable on the NHL Network, including local blackouts, national blackouts, and scheduling conflicts.
Is it possible to watch full games using the NHL app?
Yes, it is possible to watch full games using the NHL app. However, there are some restrictions. United States viewers must have an ESPN+ subscription to watch full games using the NHL app. In Canada, you can watch full games using the NHL app if you subscribe to Sportsnet NOW Premium. In other countries, you can watch full games using the NHL app if you subscribe to NHL.tv.
Can I stream NHL games 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 stream NHL games on my phone or tablet?
Yes. ExpressVPN has apps for every major mobile device, including iOS and Android.
How can I stream NHL games 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 some streaming consoles and gaming consoles. MediaStreamer only needs to be set up once, although it does not provide the full security benefits of a VPN.
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. your sports streaming experience.
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.
