Finding the best TV plan for NHL action can be tricky for hockey fans who want the most coverage without a cable TV plan. But we’ve got you covered if you still need to get your viewing options in order this season.
These days, you won’t need to head to the sports bar or spring for a cable plan if you want to catch every NHL game this season. Whether you’re an Anaheim Ducks or Winnipeg Jets fan, here’s what you need to know about watching the NHL without a cable or satellite subscription.
1. Subscribe to a live TV streaming service
There’s a reason why cord-cutters love live TV streaming services—you can get full TV coverage without running wires into your house or paying expensive equipment fees.
If you’re a diehard NHL fan and want to watch as many games as possible, we recommend subscribing to Stream with DIRECTV. The DIRECTV streaming service carries every NHL broadcast channel, including every ESPN network and stellar regional sports network (RSN) coverage. You’ll really want NHL RSN coverage for the most possible locally televised games.
But if you’re mainly interested in national NHL games, you can save a few bucks with competing services like Fubo or Sling TV. RSN coverage varies by service, but you’ll typically get major NHL channels like TNT, ESPN, and NHL Network. Check out our Best Streaming Services for Sports guide for more ways to live stream NHL games and other major league events.
2. Get Hulu + Live TV for out-of-market games
If you can’t miss a Los Angeles Kings game or regularly travel during NHL season, you’ll want to spring for a subscription to Hulu + Live TV for $81.99–$95.99/mo.
ESPN+/Hulu is the NHL’s home for streaming out-of-market games—you’ll get live access to every out-of-market NHL game and nearly 50 exclusive games. Also, with ESPN+, you can watch every NHL game on-demand after it airs. And if that wasn’t enough, it also has loads of exclusive NHL shows and documentaries in its content library.
The great thing about Hulu + Live TV is ESPN content is integrated into its platform, do you don’t need to switch between apps to watch hockey.
If you’re a fan of a Canadian NHL team like the Toronto Maple Leafs, an ESPN+ subscription at $11.99 per month would be better for you because those teams don’t appear on U.S. channels much.
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3. Watch free NHL games by getting an antenna or a free trial
Most NHL games will be on TV channels like TNT and ESPN. But if you’re mainly interested in the biggest matchups, you can watch ABC coverage for free with an over-the-air (OTA) antenna.
OTA antennas hook up to your TV and give you free access to local stations affiliated with networks like ABC and NBC. For the 2025–2026 NHL season, ABC will air roughly 15 regular-season matchups and portions of the NHL Playoffs.
If you’re traveling and need a makeshift way to catch an NHL game, many streaming services are watchable on your phone or laptop and offer free trials. Check out our free streaming TV trials page and Best OTA Antennas guide to learn more about the best ways to watch NHL games for free.
How to watch the NHL without cable FAQ
How can I watch NHL games without cable?
You can watch NHL games without cable if you subscribe to a streaming TV service like DIRECTV or Hulu + Live TV. You can also watch NHL games on ESPN+ or by hooking up an OTA antenna to your TV.
How can I watch NHL Network without cable?
If you’re trying to avoid cable TV, NHL Network is available on live TV streaming services like DIRECTV, Fubo, and Sling TV.
How can I watch the Stanley Cup without cable?
You can watch ABC’s NHL playoff games for free with an OTA antenna. However, live TV streaming services like DIRECTV offer every NHL playoff channel, so you can tune in without a cable or satellite TV plan.
Can I watch the NHL on Hulu?
Hulu + Live TV will get you access to national TV games of U.S. teams because it includes channels like ESPN, ESPN+, TNT, and ABC.
Why you should trust us
Our CableTV.com senior writer, Eric Chiu, researched the entire 2025–2026 NHL schedule. Using that information, he examined channel listings and compared popular TV providers to determine the best ways to watch the NHL without needing cable or satellite service. He based his provider recommendations on game counts, pricing, and ease of use.
Check out our How We Rank page to learn more about our methods.
