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How to watch the NHL Playoffs live in 2024
This post was written in partnership with Sling TV.
The NHL playoffs are a must-watch event for any hockey fan. The tournament starts on April 20, and culminates with the Stanley Cup, starting on June 3rd with a best-of-seven series.
If you’re a fan of a team in the playoffs or just want to watch playoff hockey, we can help. Our guide shows you which channels air the games and how to watch those channels with live TV streaming services, so you can tune in to playoff games without cable.
Where to watch NHL Playoffs
You’ll need access to ESPN, TNT, ABC, TBS and ESPN 2 to catch all of the playoff games. ESPN Plus subscribers will also be able to catch some games live and replays of every playoff contest. You can buy a subscription as a standalone service through ESPN or with a Hulu plan.
Here’s a look at which streaming services offer these options:
| Sling TV |
DIRECTV STREAM |
Fubo |
Hulu + Live TV |
YouTube TV |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
ABC |
✓* |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
TBS |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
|
TNT |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
|
ESPN |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
ESPN 2 |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
*Local channels only available in select markets | |||||
Watch on Sling TV (Featured partner)
Sling TV is perfect for hockey fans wanting to stream playoff games and save money. The Sling Orange package offers ESPN, ESPN 2, TBS and TNT. In turn, you can stream many playoff games live.
The only issue with Sling TV concerns local channels. If you don’t live in an area where Sling TV offers ABC, you’ll need a digital antenna to supplement coverage. It’s pivotal as the Stanley Cup Finals will air on ABC.
Watch on DIRECTV STREAM
DIRECTV STREAM is a wise choice for hockey fans. With each package, you’ll receive ESPN, ESPN 2, TBS, TNT and ABC, allowing you to stream playoff games live. Also, each plan features unlimited device streams and unlimited DVR recording room.
DIRECTV STREAM can be expensive, depending on which package you choose and which add-ons you need to get extra channels. That aside, you won’t need another subscription to stream playoff games. Therefore, DIRECTV STREAM might be worth the expense for dedicated hockey fans.
Watch on Fubo
Fubo offers hockey fans a way to stream some but not all of the playoff games live. The Pro package has almost 200 channels and 1,000 hours of DVR. You can stream hockey games on ESPN, ESPN 2 and ABC with this base plan.
Most notably, the service doesn’t offer TNT or TBS. Considering some early-round playoff games air on these channels, you might need another subscription to supplement viewing, like ESPN Plus. That aside, Fubo offers exceptional value and a wide variety of sports channels.
Watch on Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV is the best way for hockey fans to stream playoff action. With Hulu, you’ll receive access to more than 95 channels, unlimited DVR recording and on-demand content from Hulu, Disney Plus and ESPN Plus.
The ESPN Plus access alone is beneficial as it allows hockey fans to stream some playoff games live while catching replays of every game. In addition, you receive access to every channel you need, like ESPN, ESPN 2, ABC, TNT and TBS in the Hulu + Live TV channel lineup, making the service one of the best ways to stream all playoff games live.
Watch on YouTube TV
If you want unlimited recording space and over 100 channels, YouTube TV is a smart fit. The base package includes all the channels hockey fans need, including ESPN, ESPN 2, ABC, TBS and TNT.
Moreover, the service is easy to use, with a cable-like channel guide, easy-to-navigate interface and a Library section on the main menu for shows, movies and games you’ve recorded. YouTube TV offers unlimited DVR space up to 3 simultaneous streams.
Watch on ESPN Plus
Another way to stream playoff hockey is with a subscription to ESPN Plus. ESPN Plus airs some playoff contests live and will offer replays of every postseason game. You can subscribe to the service directly through ESPN or with the Disney Bundle. Hulu + Live TV subscribers also have the service included at no additional charge if you package your live TV with the Disney Bundle.
NHL Playoffs schedule 2024
The NHL playoffs begin on April 20. The playoffs culminate with the Stanley Cup Finals, beginning on June 3rd. The finals are a best-of-seven series that won’t go any longer than June 17th. You can visit the NHL's website to see a weekly schedule of games.
FAQ
Who is broadcasting the NHL playoffs?
ESPN, ESPN 2, ABC, TBS and TNT all air playoff games. You’ll need a streaming service like DIRECTV STREAM, Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV that offers all these channels.
Will the NHL playoffs be on ESPN Plus?
Yes, you’ll be able to stream some playoff games live on ESPN Plus. Further, you’ll be able to catch a replay of every playoff matchup.
Can you stream NHL games on Amazon Prime?
Amazon Prime doesn’t air playoff hockey games. You can use your Prime Video to download streaming apps having the channels you need, like Sling TV or Fubo.
