Watching NHL games without cable is easier than it used to be, but finding the right setup can still feel like navigating a crowded neutral zone. Between national broadcasts, local team coverage, and out-of-market games, there’s no single streaming option that works the same way for every hockey fan.
The good news is you don’t need to head to the sports bar or spring for a traditional TV plan to keep up with the action. Whether you’re following the Anaheim Ducks, Winnipeg Jets, or anyone in between, we’ll break down the best ways to watch the NHL without cable. That includes live TV streaming services, ESPN plans, over-the-air (OTA) broadcasts, and free trials.
1. Stream national and local NHL games without cable
If you’re a diehard NHL fan and want to watch as many games as possible, we recommend DIRECTV. Its MySports package includes key national channels like ESPN, TNT, TBS, and NHL Network, plus ABC in eligible markets and ESPN Unlimited at no extra cost. HBO Max is another handy option for streaming select TNT Sports NHL games without a traditional TV plan.
Local coverage is where your setup may need some fine-tuning. Some teams still rely on regional sports networks (RSNs), while others offer standalone streaming services for in-market fans. DIRECTV’s MyHome Team add-on can cover eligible local channels, while Fubo also carries many RSNs.
Check out our Best Streaming Services for Sports guide for more ways to live stream NHL games and other major league events.
2. Watch out-of-market games with NHL Power Play
If you follow an NHL team outside your home market, NHL Power Play on the ESPN app is your best friend. ESPN Select and ESPN Unlimited both include more than 1,000 out-of-market games throughout the regular season, while Unlimited also adds the full lineup of ESPN networks for more national NHL coverage.
Better yet, you may already get ESPN Unlimited with your live TV service. Eligible DIRECTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV subscribers may already have access through the ESPN app. That can save you from paying separately for an ESPN plan just to get NHL Power Play.
Just remember that blackout restrictions still apply. Regional games picked up by NHL Network are also unavailable through NHL Power Play, so you’ll need a separate TV service with NHL Network for those matchups.
3. Get free NHL games with an antenna or streaming trial
An OTA antenna is one of the easiest ways to watch NHL games without paying for cable or satellite. ABC airs select national NHL games, so you can watch those matchups for free if your local ABC station is within range.
Depending on where you live, an antenna may get you even more hockey. Some NHL teams air local games on free broadcast stations, giving fans another way to follow their home team without a cable or streaming subscription. Our How To Watch NHL Games guide breaks down the local viewing options for each team.
Free trials can also help if you need a streaming service for a particular matchup, but offers change frequently. Check out our free streaming TV trials page for current options, or see our Best OTA Antennas guide if you’re ready to add free broadcast TV to your setup.
How to watch the NHL without cable FAQ
How can I watch NHL games without cable?
You can watch NHL games without cable by subscribing to a streaming TV service like DIRECTV or Hulu + Live TV. ESPN Select and ESPN Unlimited include NHL Power Play for out-of-market games, HBO Max streams select TNT Sports games, and an OTA antenna can get you ABC and some local NHL broadcasts for free.
Can I watch my local NHL team without cable?
Yes, but your options depend on your team and location. Some NHL teams use regional sports networks, while others offer games through local broadcast stations, Amazon Prime Video, or team-specific streaming services.
How can I watch the Stanley Cup without cable?
Under the NHL's current U.S. media-rights deal, the Stanley Cup Final alternates between ABC and TNT. You can watch without cable through a live TV streaming service that carries the appropriate network. When ABC has the Final, you can also watch for free with an OTA antenna; when TNT has it, games stream on HBO Max.
Can I watch the NHL on Hulu?
Yes. Hulu + Live TV carries national NHL games on ABC, ESPN, and TNT, while regular Hulu streams select exclusive national games alongside ESPN+ and Disney+. Eligible Hulu + Live TV subscribers also get ESPN Unlimited access through the ESPN app.
Why you should trust us
Our CableTV.com Internet Editor, Eric Chiu, researched the NHL’s national, local, and out-of-market viewing options and compared the streaming services that carry them. He examined channel lineups, streaming access, blackout restrictions, pricing, and ease of use to determine the best ways to watch NHL games without cable or satellite TV.
Check out our How We Rank page to learn more about our methods.
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