How to Stream NHL Games (Legally)

The 2021 NHL regular season finally kicked off on Wednesday, January 13 thus bringing back some long-awaited hockey action to fans of the game. While the campaign has been shortened to 56 games instead of the 82 showdowns that we are used to in a normal season, there is still a lot of excitement about the return of the game especially after the mighty long hiatus caused by COVID-19.

Aside from all of the new measures that have been put in place due to the coronavirus pandemic, the 2021 NHL season is set to be very exciting for both fans and the teams. As always, one of the most common questions that we get asked at this time of the year is where to watch the NHL games. If you have also been wondering about that, then you have come to the right place.

With this guide, we are going to help you narrow down on some very useful information to assist you in making a choice of where you will be watching the hockey games. Let’s begin.

Watching the 2021 NHL Season on TV

Now, as much as being part and parcel of the action at the stadiums is perhaps something that every hockey fan would never want to miss out on. However, as mentioned earlier, thanks to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, these spaces will not be able to accommodate everyone. This does not mean that they will totally miss out though as they can still follow all the action on TV.

The majority of this season’s NHL games will be aired on NBC which means that you will be able to enjoy all the action right from the comfort of your home. All you need is a decent TV and an antenna that will enable you to tap into the broadcast.

Other games in the seasons will also be available on NBCSN, the USA Network, and the NHL Network but these are far from being the only options that hockey fans in the United States will have.

Stream NHL Games (Legally) Without Cable TV

For those that do not have cable TV there several ways that you can watch the NFL games from wherever you may be. The available streaming options are so robust and fully featured that you can rest assured of being part of the action right from the start till the very end.

All the following have a free-trial (at the time of writing) to let you watch NBA TV live stream free so you can sign up to them and cancel straight away. Note their annual costs outside of that free trial so be sure to check your regional availability and local offers before committing to any free trials and cancel before renewal.

In previous seasons, some fans found ways of watching an NHL live stream (free) with links shared on community forums like Reddit but these are often slow, unreliable and of a low quality. Currently the only viable option to watch NHL games free with the use of free trials (see below). Still, if you are looking to save a buck or two, there are legal options to view an official NHL Network stream for free that offer you just that.

Free NHL Streaming (Using Free Trials)

So, if you are not up for the idea of watching the games on cable, you might want to consider some of these streaming platforms. Not only will they let you enjoy all the NHL gaming action with no compromises but some of them even offer amazing deals such as trials that can let you get started for free.

1. Sling TV

Free Trial: 3 Days

Sling offers an amazing streaming package for just $30 a month – this grants you online access to the USA Network and NBCSN. For an extra $10 you receive the “Sports Extra” package that adds the NHL Network and many more. You can get started with a three-day free trial and there is even a special offering that could get you the Sports Extra package free for the first month, making this our first choice for NHL hockey streams.

2. fuboTV

Free Trial: 7 Days

This is easily one of the most polished streaming platforms for not only an NHL streaming service but live sports in general. A subscription here gets you access to NHL games on NBC, NBCSN, USA and the NHL Network, and even ESPN and Fox Sports for post-game analysis for just $64.99 monthly. Its 7-day free trial could also help you stream NHL online free while you decide on whether the platform tickles your fancy or not.

3. Hulu + Live TV

Free Trial: 7 Days

Hulu is already quite popular as an entertainment service and with the Hulu + Live TV service, it extends its reach even further. This service offers unlimited streaming of Hulu’s on-demand content and at least 60 live TV channels including those that broadcast the NHL games. For just $54.99 a month, this is an amazing deal that will not only quench your thirst for hockey action but also give you the chance to enjoy some movies and shows.

Honorable Mentions:

1. NHL.tv

This one doesn’t have a free trial but we can’t leave out the official NHL Network package if you’re interested in watching NHL games this year. This is the best end-to-end live streaming option for those that don’t want all the other channels and strictly NHL.

Since it is the league’s official streaming service, it comes with some exclusive perks for very reasonable prices. The All-Access Pass goes for $99.99 and offers an out-of-market coverage of every single team through this year’s playoffs and Stanley Cup. Alternatively, fans can opt for the $24.99 Monthly Pass of the $84.99 Single Team Pass.

2. Sportsnet Now+ and NHL Live

Recently, subscribers of Sportsnet Now’s top-of-the-line Sportsnet Now+ offering were treated to an amazing new addition in the form of access to the NHL Live app. For hockey lovers, this is an amazing deal that is certainly worth checking out even if you are not a Sportsnet Now subscriber yet.

What About Watching NHL Blackout Games

Blackouts are certainly the last thing that you will want when watching local games, especially when using NHL.tv, the league’s streaming services. Similarly, the subscription is often useless when you are traveling abroad. But wait, there is a way of fixing this.

All you will need is an amazing VPN service to help you dial back into a connection back in the United States. Even if you are in the country and are experiencing a blackout, a VPN can get you back in the loop by dialing you back into a connection in another state where there is no blackout. That’s it. This is all the info that you need to enjoy some hockey streaming this year.