The 2025 quest for the Stanley Cup has arrived, and the conference finals are underway. We've put together everything you need to know about how to watch the NHL Playoffs, including live streaming options for those without cable.
The 2025 Playoffs have been an underdog-worthy tournament so far, with all four top seeds bounced in the second round. Now, the No. 3 Florida Panthers and No. 2 Carolina Hurricanes are facing off in the Eastern Conference Finals, and the No. 2 Dallas Stars and No. 3 Edmonton Oilers are squaring off in the West. Depending on how the conferences pan out, this year's NHL Finals could very well be a repeat of 2024, wherein the Panthers and Oilers duked it out for seven games before Florida ultimately skated away with the Stanley Cup.
So far, the Panthers and Oilers lead their respective series 3-1. The Panthers won the first three games in the Eastern Conference Finals, but the Hurricanes were able to avoid a sweep in Game 4. The Western Conference has seen the opposite, with Dallas winning Game 1 and then losing the next three games to the Oilers. Now, the threat of elimination looms in every game, with the Finals just around the corner.
Whether you're rooting for the Panthers to repeat last year's success or hoping to see a new team rise to the top, we've got you covered. Keep reading to learn how to tune in to each best-of-seven round, no matter where you are.
- See also: See also: Where to watch Formula 1 | Where to watch MotoGP | How to watch NBA Playoffs
What channels are the NHL Playoff games on?
The NHL Playoffs are spread across a few different channels. Games will air on the ESPN/ESPN2/ABC and TNT/truTV/TBS family of networks. As the rounds progress, the games will mainly be on ESPN, ABC, and TNT/truTV. All games will be nationally televised, so (unlike during the regular season) there won't be any streaming-exclusive matchups.
How to watch the NHL Playoffs in the US
For cord-cutters, the best way to ensure you don't miss a game is to subscribe to a streaming service that carries all of the networks. Some of our favorite all-inclusive live streaming services are Sling TV and DirecTV. All of the options below, though, are solid and feature in our roundup of the top sports streaming services.
Sling TV is the cheapest way to watch every single game in the NHL Playoffs. You'll want to opt for Sling Orange, which comes with ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, and TBS, in addition to 31 other live channels. From what we've seen in the network lineup so far, all truTV games appear to be simulcast on TNT or TBS, so you don't need to worry about getting truTV. Additionally, most ABC NHL games are available through ESPN3, which is also included with Sling Orange. Sling subscriptions start at just $46/month, making it the most affordable live streaming channel package with sports, and new users can get 50% off their first month of service.
You can access 35 live channels with Sling Orange, including ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3. Right now, you can get 50% off your first month before subscriptions go back to $46 a month, which you can cancel any time.
DirecTV also carries everything you'll need to watch the NHL Playoffs with its DirecTV MySports package. MySports offers ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, TBS, and ABC (in select regions), in addition to about 20 other popular live sports channels. Subscriptions start at $70/month and come with a five-day free trial for new customers.
DirecTV's MySports pack carries popular sports channels, from mainstays like ESPN to niche offerings like the ACC Network.
The above options are the two core packages we recommend for cord-cutters looking for a way to live stream every single game of the 2025 NHL Playoffs. Other streaming services will be able to help you out with specific games. For example, ESPN Plus will have you covered on ABC/ESPN games starting in the conference finals. Subscriptions start at $12/month.
ESPN Plus is designed for sports, giving subscribers access to live MLB, NHL, NFL, soccer, golf, and UFC fights. You can pay $12 monthly or go for an annual deal, which saves you about $20 a year. There's also a bundle with Hulu and Disney Plus, which offers an even better discount.
Max will live stream every single TNT, truTV, and TBS game through its B/R Sports Add-on. The add-on is included in all ad-free Max subscriptions, which start at $17/month. The ad-free designation is for the on-demand content, so ads will still appear on live sports.
Max's Standard plan includes ad-free on-demand streaming for HBO series, Warner Bros. blockbusters, original Max shows, and much more. Plus, all ad-free subscribers get the B/R Sports Add-on, so they can live stream NBA, NHL, MLB, and more for no extra cost.
How to watch the NHL Playoffs from anywhere
NHL fans traveling outside the US can still keep up with their usual watch options with the help of a VPN, or virtual private network. VPNs are handy tools that allow you to change your virtual location, so you can use your usual websites and apps from anywhere in the world. The services we've recommended require US payment methods, so this option will work best for Americans who are simply abroad at the moment.
ExpressVPN is our top VPN recommendation. It's a breezy, cybersecurity-focused service with a hassle-free 30-day money-back guarantee. You can read more about it in our ExpressVPN review, and see below to learn how to use a VPN.
With its consistent performance, reliable security, and expansive global streaming features, ExpressVPN is the best VPN out there, excelling in every spec and offering many advanced features that make it exceptional. Better yet, you can save more than 60% right now and get up to four months free.
How to watch the NHL Playoffs with a VPN
- Sign up for a VPN if you don't already have one.
- Install it on the device you're using to watch.
- Turn it on and set it to a US location.
- Sign up for one of the above streaming services.
- Enjoy the games!
Round 1
- Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers
- Colorado Avalanche vs. Dallas Stars
- Ottawa Senators vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
- New Jersey Devils vs. Carolina Hurricanes
- Minnesota Wild vs. Vegas Golden Knights
- Edmonton Oilers vs. Los Angeles Kings
- Montreal Canadiens vs. Washington Capitals
- St. Louis Blues vs. Winnipeg Jets
Round 2
- Florida Panthers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
- Carolina Hurricanes vs. Washington Capitals
- Edmonton Oilers vs. Vegas Golden Knights
- Dallas Stars vs. Winnipeg Jets
Conference Finals
- Florida Panthers vs. Carolina Hurricanes
- Edmonton Oilers vs. Dallas Stars
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