The NHL playoffs started back in 1917. And while the playoff system has changed over the years, it retains that magic as the league’s best teams compete to hoist the Stanley Cup. Some of the favorites entering this year’s event include the New York Rangers, the Dallas Stars, and the returning champion Las Vegas Golden Knights.
Hockey fans hoping to stream every playoff game live can use our guide. We’ll show you which channels you’ll need and the live TV streaming services best suited to your viewing needs. Here’s how to stream every game of playoff hockey live.
Where to watch NHL Playoffs
ESPN, ESPN 2, TBS, TNT, and ABC all air playoff games. If you have an ESPN Plus subscription, you’ll also be able to catch live streams of some games airing on ESPN and stream replays of every playoff game.
Here’s a look at which streaming services offer the channels you’ll need for playoff hockey:
| DIRECTV STREAM | Fubo | Hulu + Live TV | Sling TV | YouTube TV | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESPN | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| ESPN 2 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| TBS | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| TNT | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| ABC | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓* | ✓ |
Watch on DIRECTV STREAM
DIRECTV STREAM offers hockey fans a way to stream every playoff game live. DIRECTV STREAM packages start with over 90 channels, and offer unlimited device streams and unlimited DVR. That means you can record every playoff game to watch or rewatch later.
Further, each package comes with ESPN, ESPN 2, ABC, TNT, and TBS. From the first puck drop to hoisting the Stanley Cup, DIRECTV STREAM allows hockey fans to stream the action all through the playoffs with features, like unlimited device streams, that other services don’t offer.
Watch on Fubo
Fubo’s Pro plan offers 199 channels, 1,000 hours of DVR, and 10 device streams. The channel offerings set Fubo apart as having the most entertainment and sports channels in their base package.
Hockey fans can stream playoff games on ESPN, ESPN 2, and ABC. However, the service doesn’t carry TBS and TNT, meaning you might miss some early-round playoff action unless you supplement coverage with ESPN Plus.
Watch on Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV helps you bundle live TV service with their on-demand content. The live TV package with the Disney Bundle comes with over 95 channels, unlimited DVR, and a subscription to ESPN Plus. You’ll be able to stream some playoff games live on ESPN Plus and catch replays of every playoff game.
On top of that, Hulu + Live TV’s channel list gives you every station needed to catch all the games. The inclusion of ESPN Plus sets it apart from other platforms, as hockey fans can catch all replays and hockey-specific content you won’t find with other services.
Watch on Sling TV
Sling TV is a great option for streaming the playoffs without breaking the bank. The Sling Orange plan offers ESPN, ESPN 2, TBS and TNT. In turn, you can stream many playoff games live.
When it comes to watching hockey, you should note that local channels including ABC aren’t available everywhere. If you don’t live in an area where Sling TV offers ABC, you’ll need a digital antenna to supplement coverage. With the Stanley Cup Finals airing on ABC, it’s a channel you’ll want to make sure you have.
Watch on YouTube TV
YouTube TV comes with ESPN, ESPN 2, ABC, TNT, and TBS for $72.99. Also, you’ll receive over 100 channels and unlimited DVR, making the platform one of the best ways to stream playoff hockey.
Moreover, the service is easy to use. You can set up future recordings of your favorite team by finding them in the guide. YouTube TV also represents an exceptional value since they don’t raise prices every year like other streaming platforms do.
Watch on ESPN Plus
If you don’t want a full live TV subscription, ESPN Plus is a perfect workaround. The service will broadcast some playoff games live and will offer replays of every playoff contest. You can buy the service through ESPN or as part of the Disney Bundle. Hulu subscribers can add it through the Disney Bundle with a basic Hulu subscription, or get it at no extra cost with a Hulu + Live TV plan.
NHL Playoffs schedule 2024
The puck drops for the first playoff game on April 20. The playoffs culminate with the Stanley Cup Finals, starting on June 3. If the series reaches seven games, the last of which will be on June 17th. You can check with the NHL’s website for a weekly schedule as the playoffs resume action.
FAQ
How can I watch the NHL playoffs?
You’ll need a streaming service offering ESPN, ESPN 2, ABC, TNT, and TBS to stream most playoff games live. The best streaming platforms are DIRECTV STREAM, YouTube TV, and Hulu + Live TV since they all have the required channels.
Will the NHL playoffs be on ESPN Plus?
Yes, the platform will broadcast select playoff games live. And they’ll also offer replays of every playoff contest.
What teams are in the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2024?
The playoffs feature the league’s top teams, like the New York Rangers, the Florida Panthers, the Dallas Stars, and the Vancouver Canucks. Also, the Vegas Golden Knights will return to the playoffs where they hope to win a second consecutive Stanley Cup.
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