Which streaming service has NHL hockey? Your Ultimate Guide to Catching Every Game

Which streaming service has NHL hockey? Your Ultimate Guide to Catching Every Game

For hockey fans in the United States, figuring out where to stream your favorite NHL teams can feel like navigating a tricky penalty kill. The National Hockey League's broadcast rights are split across a few different platforms, meaning there's no single "one-stop shop" for every single game. But don't worry, we're here to break down exactly which streaming services will get you the puck drop you're craving.

The Big Players: ESPN+ and TNT / TBS

When it comes to live NHL action on streaming, two major players dominate: ESPN+ and the games broadcast on TNT and TBS. These services carry a significant portion of the league's games, but it's important to understand what each offers.

ESPN+

ESPN+ is your primary streaming destination for a vast majority of NHL games that aren't exclusive to national broadcasts. Think of it as the league's streaming home for out-of-market games and many of the games that would have previously been on regional sports networks (RSNs).

• What you get with ESPN+:
  • Access to over 1,000 NHL out-of-market games throughout the regular season.
  • Exclusive presentation of many games.
  • The ability to watch games on your computer, smartphone, tablet, and connected TV devices.
  • Additional NHL content, including analysis and documentaries.

Important Note for Local Fans: If you want to watch your local NHL team, you'll likely need to subscribe to the team's regional sports network. Many of these RSNs are now available for streaming via services like Hulu + Live TV or DIRECTV STREAM. This is a crucial distinction – ESPN+ primarily focuses on games *outside* of your local market.

TNT and TBS Games

Games broadcast on TNT and TBS are part of the NHL's national broadcast deal. These are often high-profile matchups featuring some of the league's biggest stars and rivalries.

• How to stream TNT and TBS games:
  • Sling TV (Blue or Orange + Blue): Sling TV offers TNT and TBS as part of its Blue package or the combined Orange + Blue package. This is often one of the most cost-effective ways to get these channels.
  • Hulu + Live TV: Hulu's live TV offering includes both TNT and TBS, along with a broad selection of other sports and entertainment channels.
  • YouTube TV: Similar to Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV provides access to TNT and TBS as part of its comprehensive channel lineup.
  • DIRECTV STREAM: This service also carries TNT and TBS, along with a variety of other sports-focused channels.

Please be aware: While these services give you access to the channels, the *specific games* broadcast on TNT and TBS will vary week to week. You won't see every NHL game on these channels.

The NHL.TV Situation (No Longer a Standalone Option in the US)

For many years, NHL.TV was the go-to streaming service for out-of-market games. However, as part of the NHL's new broadcast agreement, NHL.TV has been discontinued in the United States. Its functionality has largely been absorbed by ESPN+.

This means if you're looking to stream out-of-market NHL games, your primary option in the U.S. is now ESPN+.

What About Other Streaming Services?

You might be wondering about other popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Peacock. As of now, these platforms do not carry live NHL hockey games. Their content focuses on movies, original series, and sometimes specific leagues or sporting events, but the NHL is not among them.

So, Which Service is Right for You?

The best streaming service for you depends on your specific needs:

• For most out-of-market games: ESPN+ is your essential subscription.
• For nationally televised games (TNT/TBS): You'll need a live TV streaming service that carries these channels, such as Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, or DIRECTV STREAM.
• To watch your local team: You will likely need a streaming service that offers your local regional sports network (RSN), such as Hulu + Live TV or DIRECTV STREAM.

Many fans find themselves subscribing to a combination of services to ensure they don't miss any action. For instance, an ESPN+ subscription paired with a live TV streaming service that includes TNT and TBS can cover a significant portion of the NHL schedule.

FAQ: Your NHL Streaming Questions Answered

How can I watch my local NHL team if I don't have cable?

To watch your local NHL team without cable, you typically need a streaming service that carries your regional sports network (RSN). Services like Hulu + Live TV and DIRECTV STREAM often include these RSNs in their packages. Check the channel lineup for your specific RSN to confirm availability.

Why isn't there one single streaming service for all NHL games?

The NHL has agreements with multiple broadcast partners, including ESPN and Warner Bros. Discovery (which owns TNT and TBS). These partnerships dictate where different sets of games will be televised and streamed. This is common in professional sports, where broadcast rights are valuable and often sold to different entities.

Can I still watch Stanley Cup Playoff games?

Yes, you can watch Stanley Cup Playoff games! Games are broadcast across ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, TNT, and TBS. To access these, you would need a combination of ESPN+ (for ESPN/ESPN2 games) and a live TV streaming service that includes ABC, TNT, and TBS.

What's the cheapest way to stream NHL games?

The most cost-effective approach often involves subscribing to ESPN+ for out-of-market games and then opting for a more budget-friendly live TV streaming service like Sling TV (Blue or Orange + Blue) for your TNT/TBS needs. Bundling these can be more affordable than a full-fledged cable package.

Does NHL.TV still exist in the US?

No, NHL.TV as a standalone streaming service is no longer available in the United States. Its functionality for streaming out-of-market games has been integrated into ESPN+.