How to Watch the 2024 NHL Playoffs Online: Livestream Hockey Without Cable
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Quick Answer: The best way to watch the 2024 NHL playoffs is with a live TV streaming service like DirecTV Stream or Hulu + Live TV.
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The 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs are here, delivering some of the best tournament action of any sport. First-round highlights included an intense series between rivals Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs, which saw the Bruins move on with a 2-1 win in Game 7.
No matter what team you’re you’re following, you’ll need a good way to watch this year’s NHL playoffs. Below are a few of the best ways for cord-cutters to livestream the NHL playoffs online, including an option for streamers looking to watch games for free.
How to Watch NHL Playoffs Online Without Cable
This year, ESPN and TNT will be broadcasting NHL playoff games across their respective families of channels (so, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, TNT, TBS, and TruTV). But, if you don’t have cable, you can still stream the NHL Playoffs online. Below are a few streaming services that will let you watch the NHL Playoffs live online, whether through your smart TV, phone, laptop, or any other streaming-enabled device.
Stream NHL Playoffs on DirecTV Stream
Our top pick for streaming the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs is DirecTV Stream, which carries ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, TBS, and TruTV in its most affordable package, the Entertainment plan. This plan starts with a five-day free trial and then costs $98.99 a month for three months. After this introductory period, the price increases to $108.99 a month. Shop DirecTV Stream deals here.
DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream is one of the most comprehensive live TV streaming services with up to 160+ channels, including local channels, regional sports networks, and all popular national channels. Packages start at $79.99 a month and all subscriptions start with a five-day free trial.
Stream NHL Playoffs on Hulu + Live TV
Another live TV streaming service that you can use to watch the NHL playoffs online is Hulu + Live TV. The big draw with Hulu + Live TV is the value: For $76.99 a month, you get access to more than 95 live TV channels (including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, TNT, TBS, and TruTV), as well as complimentary subscriptions to Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu on-demand content. Get a three-day free trial here.
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV bundles together Hulu’s on-demand library and over 95 live TV channels, including local channels and almost all popular national channels. Subscriptions also include ESPN+ and Disney+ at no additional cost. Hulu + Live TV costs $76.99 a month after a three-day free trial.
Stream NHL Playoffs on Sling
A more affordable streaming service that you can use to watch the Stanley Cup Playoffs is Sling. With the service’s Orange + Blue plan, you get access to 46 channels, including ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, TBS, and TruTV for NHL playoff livestreams. Sling Orange + Blue costs $55 a month, but doesn’t come with a free trial. Shop Sling deals here.
Sling
Sling is one of the most affordable live TV streaming services, with packages starting at $40 a month. You can get up to 46 channels in the Sling Orange + Blue plan, plus more with Sling’s add-ons.
Stream NHL Playoffs on ESPN+
The cheapest way to watch NHL Playoff games online is ESPN+. For just $10.99 a month, you’ll be able to live stream NHL Playoffs games on smart TVs, laptops, smartphones, and any other smart devices. The catch? ESPN+ has limited coverage of the tournament, as you won’t be able to watch any of the games shown on but it’s worth checking out for such a low price.
ESPN+
ESPN+ offers extensive live and on-demand content across just about every sport. The service costs $10.99 a month or $109.99 a year for an annual plan.
Stream NHL Playoffs on Max + B/R Sports
This year, Max is also offering limited NHL playoff livestreams through its B/R Sports add-on. You’ll be able to watch all games shown on TNT channels for only $9.99 a month (on top of your existing Max plan — those also start at $9.99 a month).
Max
Max (formerly HBO Max) delivers a deep on-demand library of blockbuster movies and exclusive series. Subscriptions range from $9.99 a month to $19.99 a month. You can also get live sports coverage with Max’s new B/R Sports add-on for an additional $9.99 a month.
Can You Get Free NHL Playoff Livestreams?
Don’t want to pay more to watch the Stanley Cup Playoffs? You’re in luck. Thanks to the free trials from DirecTV Stream and Hulu + Live TV, you can watch NHL playoff games for free for eight days. That won’t get you every game for free, but it’s a great way to catch a few games without paying. Just remember to cancel your subscription before the trial ends to avoid any charges.
How to Get Tickets to NHL Playoff Games
The only thing better than live streaming the NHL playoffs online is of course catching a game in person.
Playoff games are happening all over the U.S. and Canada, so you likely have an opportunity to see a game somewhere near your area. Head to trusted resale sites like StubHub, Vivid Seats, and Seat Geek to check locations and get the best prices on authentic tickets (even last minute).
When Are the NHL Playoffs? 2024 Schedule, Bracket
This year’s NHL playoffs started on Saturday, April 20, and run until June when we’ll have the 2024 Stanley Cup Final. Here’s the schedule of upcoming games.
(Times in ET)
Eastern Conference
New York Rangers (Metropolitan 1) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (Metropolitan 2)
Game 1: Rangers 4, Hurricanes 3
Game 2: Tuesday, May 7, Hurricanes at Rangers, 7 p.m. on ESPN
Game 3: Thursday, May 9, Rangers at Hurricanes, 7 p.m. on TNT, truTV
Game 4: Saturday, May 11, Rangers at Hurricanes, TBD on TNT, truTV
*Game 5: Monday, May 13, Hurricanes at Rangers, TBD
*Game 6: Thursday, May 16, Rangers at Hurricanes, TBD
*Game 7: Saturday, May 18, Hurricanes at Rangers, TBD
Florida Panthers (Atlantic 1) vs. Boston Bruins (Atlantic 2)
Game 1: Monday, May 6, Bruins at Panthers, 8 p.m. on ESPN
Game 2: Wednesday, May 8, Bruins at Panthers, 7:30 p.m. on ESPN
Game 3: Friday, May 10, Panthers at Bruins, 7 p.m. on TNT, truTV
Game 4: Sunday, May 12, Panthers at Bruins, TBD on TBS, truTV
*Game 5: Tuesday, May 14, Bruins at Panthers, TBD
*Game 6: Friday, May 17, Panthers at Bruins, TBD
*Game 7: Sunday, May 19, Bruins at Panthers, TBD
Western Conference
Dallas Stars (Central 1) vs. Colorado Avalanche (Central 3)
Game 1: Tuesday, May 7, Avalanche at Stars, 9:30 p.m. on ESPN
Game 2: Thursday, May 9, Avalanche at Stars, 9:30 p.m. on TNT, truTV
Game 3: Saturday, May 11, Stars at Avalanche, TBD on TNT, truTV
Game 4: Monday, May 13, Stars at Avalanche, TBD, ESPN
*Game 5: Wednesday, May 15, Avalanche at Stars, TBD
*Game 6: Friday, May 17, Stars at Avalanche, TBD
*Game 7: Sunday, May 19, Avalanche at Stars, TBD
Vancouver Canucks (Pacific 1) vs. Edmonton Oilers (Pacific 2)
Game 1: Wednesday, May 8, Oilers at Canucks, 10 p.m. on ESPN
Game 2: Friday, May 10, Oilers at Canucks, 10 p.m. on TNT, truTV
Game 3: Sunday, May 12, Canucks at Oilers, TBD on TBS, truTV
Game 4: Tuesday, May 14, Canucks at Oilers, TBD on ESPN
*Game 5: Thursday, May 16, Oilers at Canucks, TBD
*Game 6: Saturday, May 18, Canucks at Oilers, TBD
*Game 7: Monday, May 20, Oilers at Canucks, TBD
* If necessary
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