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Most regular season NHL games are broadcast on each team’s local regional sports network (RSNs) to local fans. DIRECTV STREAM “Choice” has the best selection of RSNs, but check your team’s viewing guide below for the best option in your market.
Under the NHL’s current TV contract, national TV games, as well as Stanley Cup Playoff games, and Stanley Cup Finals games, air on ABC, ESPN, ESPN+, TNT, or TBS.
Out-of-market NHL fans can watch their team on ESPN+, and for 75 games each season, NHL Network. For a guide to NHL blackout rules, see this post.
NHL Team Viewing Guides
Because of varied TV contracts with local regional sports networks, it is best to research individual teams rather than look for general NHL live streaming rules. Below, we maintain regularly updated viewing guides for each NHL team.
Atlantic
Boston Bruins
Buffalo Sabres
Detroit Red Wings
Florida Panthers
Montreal Canadiens
Ottawa Senators
Tampa Bay Lightning
Toronto Maple Leafs
Which live TV streaming services carry the important NHL channels?
In the easy to use table below, I list the live TV streaming services that carry ABC, ESPN, NHL Network, TNT, and TBS, the important channels for watching national NHL broadcasts.
| Bally Sports+ | DIRECTV STREAM | Fubo | Hulu + Live TV | Sling Orange & Blue | YouTube TV | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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| $19.99 / month | $74.99 / month | $74.99 / month | $69.99 / month | $50 / month | $72.99 / month |
How can I watch NHL games out-of-market?
After Disney (the parent company of ESPN) signed a new TV deal with the NHL, ESPN Plus became the new home of out-of-market NHL hockey in the United States.
ESPN Plus air over 1,000 out-of-market NHL games every season, as well as 75 ESPN produced streaming exclusive games. If you’ve moved away from home and are looking for the best way to stream your favorite NHL team, ESPN+ is the answer.
ESPN Plus subscribers can choose between the home and away commentary when watching out-of-market NHL games on ESPN Plus.
Important blackout note: ESPN+’s out-of-market NHL coverage is blacked out when the NHL Network has the game, which happens 75 times a season.