How to use a VPN to watch NHL games
ExpressVPN is like a two-way player—offensively bypassing restrictions that ruin your streaming quality while defensively protecting your device from cybersnoopers.
- Get ExpressVPN.
- Connect to a server location that matches the NHL stream you want to watch. For example, United States hockey fans can connect to a server in the U.S. to watch on NHL Network or ESPN+.
- Goal!
Why ExpressVPN is the best VPN for NHL games
To be considered great, a hockey team must excel in all three zones: offense, defense, and the power play. A similar principle applies to choosing the best VPN for NHL games. You need a VPN that shines in streaming performance, privacy, and security. This way, you can enjoy every goal and big save in HD, without worrying about anything other than how your favorite team is skating.
- Servers in 105 countries including the U.S. and Canada: There’s always an ExpressVPN server where you need one.
- Streaming compatible: ExpressVPN works with ESPN+, NHL.TV, Sportsnet and other major sports streaming services.
- Ultra-fast speeds: Get flawless streaming performance and watch in pixel-perfect quality.
- Apps for major devices: Watch on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Fire Stick, smart TV, and more.
- 24/7 support: Get instant answers to your questions about streaming with ExpressVPN.
- Money-back guarantee: Try ExpressVPN risk-free for 30 days on all plans.
Where to watch NHL streams in the U.S.
ESPN+ offers 50 exclusive NHL games during the 2024-25 season. Additionally, nearly every other game is available through the ESPN+ Power Play hub, available at no extra cost with your subscription.
The NHL Network streams multiple games every week.
Games on both ESPN+ and NHL Network are blacked out in local markets. If you have cable, you can watch these games on regional sports networks. Here are some of the top teams in the NHL and their RSN.
Where to watch the NHL in Canada
The majority of NHL games are broadcast in Canada on Sportsnet and its streaming platform Sportsnet+ It has national coverage, regional games, the NHL Playoffs, and Stanley Cup—more than 550 games in total. You get access to live broadcasts, pre- and post-game analysis, and comprehensive coverage of all Canadian teams.
You can watch Hockey Night in Canada online for free on CBC Gem. Amazon Prime Video has select games throughout the season, and TSN has regional matchups for Canadian teams.
How to watch NHL teams on regional sports networks without cable
Every NHL team has its own broadcasting and streaming agreements, which means that you can stream some teams on platforms like Fubo, DirecTV Stream, and Sportnet, while for others, you need to subscribe to a team-specific streaming service. Check the tables below to find your team’s local TV and streaming options.
Atlantic Division
| Team | Local Sports Network | Streaming Platform |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | Sportsnet, CBC, TSN | Sportsnet+, TSN Go |
| Florida Panthers | Scripps Sports | PanthersPlus.TV, Fubo |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | FanDuel Sports Network | DirecTV Stream, Fubo |
| Boston Bruins | NESN | Fubo |
| Ottawa Senators | TSN5 and RDS | TSN Go |
| Detroit Red WIngs | FanDuel Sports Network | DirecTV Stream, Fubo |
| Montreal Canadiens | TSN2, RDS (French) | TSN Go |
| Buffalo Sabres | MSG Network | Fubo, Gotham Sports App |
Metropolitan Division
| Team | Local Sports Network | Streaming Platform |
| Washington Capitals | Monumental Sports Network | Monumental+ |
| New Jersey Devils | MSG Networks | DirecTV Stream, FuboTV, Gotham Sports App |
| Carolina Hurricanes | FanDuel Sports Network | DirecTV Stream, Fubo |
| Columbus Blue Jackets | FanDuel Sports Network, ABC 6, The CW | DirecTV Stream, YouTube TV |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | SportsNet Pittsburgh | Fubo |
| New York Rangers | MSG Networks | MSG+, Gotham Sports App, DirecTV Stream, FuboTV, |
| New York Islanders | MSG Networks | MSG+, Gotham Sports App, DirecTV Stream, FuboTV |
| Philadelphia Flyers | NBC Sports Philadelphia | FuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu.+ Live TV |
Central Division
| Team | Local Sports Network | Streaming Platform |
| Winnipeg Jets | TSN3 | TSN Direct |
| Minnesota Wild | FanDuel Sports Network | DirecTV Stream, Fubo |
| Colorado Avalanche | Altitude TV | Fubo, DirecTV Stream |
| St Louis Blues | FanDuel Sports Network | Fubo, DirecTV Stream |
| Utah Hockey Club | Utah 16 (KUPX-TV Channel 16) | UtahHC+ |
| Nashville Predators | FanDuel Sports Network | Fubo, DirecTV Stream |
| Chicago Blackhawks | Chicago Sports Network (CHSN) | Fubo, DirecTV Stream |
Pacific Division
| Team | Local Sports Network | Streaming Platform |
| Las Vegas Golden Knights | Scripps Sports | KnightTime+ |
| Edmonton Oilers | Sportsnet | Sportsnet+ |
| LA Kings | FanDuel Sports Network | Fubo, DirecTV Stream |
| Vancouver Canucks | Sportsnet Pacific | Sportsnet+ |
| Calgary Flames | Sportsnet West | Sportsnet+ |
| Anaheim Ducks | FOX 11 Plus | Victory+ (Free) |
| Seattle Kraken | Kraken Hockey Network (KHN) | Prime Video |
| San Jose Sharks | NBC Sports California | FuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, DirectTV Stream |
Where to watch the NHL outside the U.S. and Canada
NHL.TV is the official streaming service for fans outside of the U.S. and Canada. It gives you a rink-side seat to everything hockey fans love about the game. Stream every regular-season and playoff game, including the Stanley Cup Finals, along with in-depth analysis, behind-the-scenes shows, and exclusive NHL content.
You’ll get the best access to the NHL Draft, showcasing the next generation of talent, and all the events of the All Star weekend, featuring a live stream of the NHL All-Star game, skill competitions, the All Star player draft, and more.
Where to watch the NHL in Europe
Where to watch NHL live in the UK
Viaplay holds the rights to stream up to 1,400 NHL games per season in the UK, offering live coverage of regular-season games, the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and special events.
Where to watch the NHL in Germany and Austria
Sky Deutschland broadcasts around 300 live NHL games per season, covering regular-season matchups, the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and marquee events like the NHL Winter Classic and All-Star Game. There are also select NHL games streaming for free on ProSieben and its sports streaming platform, Ran.de.
Where to watch NHL live in the Netherlands
ESPN televises at least two NHL games per week in the Netherlands, along with coverage of the Stanley Cup Playoffs and special events.
Where to watch NHL live in Poland
Fans in Poland can stream up to 1,400 live NHL games each season on Viaplay, including regular-season games and the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Where to watch NHL live in Nordic Countries
In Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, Viaplay provides comprehensive NHL coverage, including live games and exclusive content.
Where to watch NHL live in France
beIN Sports holds the broadcasting rights for NHL games in France, offering live coverage throughout the season.
Where to watch NHL live in Italy
In Italy, Sky Sport broadcasts NHL games, providing fans with access to live matches and related programming.
Where to watch NHL live in Spain
Fans in Spain can watch live NHL games and special events on Movistar+.
Can I use a free VPN to watch NFL games?
While free VPNs might seem like a convenient option to watch NHL games, they can’t usually access streaming platforms, and often come with limitations like data caps, fewer servers, and slower speeds, which can affect your streaming experience. By comparison, ExpressVPN provides faster speeds, more server locations, and seamless access to streaming platforms, giving you a more reliable way to stream NHL games without interruptions.
What makes ExpressVPN the top choice?
- World’s #1 VPN: Recognized by trusted sources like CNet and PCWorld, ExpressVPN is consistently rated the top VPN for performance and reliability.
- Strong Encryption: ExpressVPN uses industry-leading encryption protocols to keep your data secure and private.
- TrustedServer Technology: ExpressVPN servers run on RAM only, ensuring no browsing data is ever written to a hard drive.
- No-Logs Policy: ExpressVPN will never track, store, or share your browsing data—guaranteed.
FAQ: About watching NHL games with a VPN
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.
Does NHL TV work with a VPN?
NHL.TV works seamlessly with ExpressVPN. Its global server network includes multiple locations in the U.S., Canada, and Europe, making it easy to find one where you need it. Once connected, you’ll be able to bypass streaming blocks at school or work and watch NHL.TV on any network, wherever you are.
Can I use a VPN to watch NHL games?
A VPN is a great tool when it comes to streaming live sports. It allows you to stream on any network, even restricted networks at work, school, or public Wi-Fi that block streaming apps. It also helps you avoid activity-based ISP throttling that can cause buffering or low-quality streams.
What are the NHL regional restrictions?
NHL regional restrictions, or blackouts, prevent certain games from being broadcast in specific areas to protect local broadcasting rights. For example, if you’re in Detroit, you can’t watch live Red WIngs games on ESPN+ Power Play, because FanDuel Sports Network has the local broadcast rights.
What is the best streaming service for NHL?
The best streaming service depends on your location. In the U.S., ESPN+ offers extensive coverage, while Sportsnet is ideal for Canadian fans. Outside North America, NHL.TV is a great option for watching every game.
How can I stream the NHL in Mexico?
None of the streaming services showing the NHL are available in Mexico. Americans traveling to Mexico don’t have to miss any of the games, though. You can connect to an ExpressVPN server in the U.S. and stream the NHL on Fubo, DirecTV Stream, or YouTube TV as if you never left home.
