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.

The 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs are here, delivering some of the best tournament action of any sport. The Vegas Golden Knights enter this year’s NHL playoffs as the reigning champs, but they’ll face tough competition in teams like the New York Rangers, Dallas Stars, Carolina Hurricanes, and Winnipeg Jets.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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 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 Schedule

(1) New York Rangers vs. (WC2) Washington Capitals
Game 1: Rangers 4, Capitals 1
Game 2: Rangers 4, Capitals 3
Game 3: Friday, April 26, 7 p.m. at WSH on TNT
Game 4: Sunday, April 28, 8 p.m. at WSH on TBS
Game 5*: Wednesday, May 1, TBD at NY on TBD
Game 6*: Friday, May 3, TBD at WSH on TBD
Game 7*: Sunday, May 5, TBD at NY on TBD

(2) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (3) New York Islanders
Game 1: Hurricanes 3, Islanders 1
Game 2: Hurricanes 5, Islanders 3
Game 3: Thursday, April 25, 7:30 p.m. at NY on ESPN2
Game 4: Saturday, April 27, 2 p.m. at NY on TBS
Game 5*: Tuesday, April 30, TBD at CAR on TBD
Game 6*: Thursday, May 2, TBD at NY on TBD
Game 7*: Saturday, May 4, TBD at CAR on TBD

(1) Florida Panthers vs. (WC1) Tampa Bay Lightning
Game 1: Panthers 3, Lightning 2
Game 2: Panthers 3, Lightning 2 (OT)
Game 3: Thursday, April 25, 7 p.m. at TB on: TBS
Game 4: Saturday, April 27, 5 p.m. at TB on TBS
Game 5*: Monday, April 29, TBD at FLA on TBD
Game 6*: Wednesday, May 1, TBD at TB on TBD
Game 7*: Saturday, May 4, TBD at FLA on TBD

(2) Boston Bruins vs. (3) Toronto Maple Leafs
Game 1: Bruins 5, Maple Leafs 1
Game 2: Maple Leafs 3, Bruins 2
Game 3: Wednesday, April 24, 7 p.m. at TOR on ESPN
Game 4: Saturday, April 27, 8 p.m. at TOR on TBS
Game 5: Tuesday, April 30, TBD at BOS on TBD
Game 6*: Thursday, May 2, TBD at TOR on TBD
Game 7*: Saturday, May 4, TBD at BOS on TBD

Western Conference Schedule

(1) Dallas Stars vs. (WC2) Vegas Golden Knights
Game 1: Golden Knights 4, Stars 3
Game 2: Wednesday, April 24, 9:30 p.m. at DAL on ESPN
Game 3: Saturday, April 27, 10:30 p.m. at VGK on TBS
Game 4: Monday, April 29, TBD at VGK on TBD
Game 5*: Wednesday, May 1, TBD at DAL on TBD
Game 6*: Friday, May 3, TBD at VGK on TBD
Game 7*: Sunday, May 5, TBD at DAL on TBD

(2) Winnipeg Jets vs. (3) Colorado Avalanche
Game 1: Jets 7, Avalanche 6
Game 2: Avalanche 5, Jets 2
Game 3: Friday, April 26, 10 p.m. at COL on TNT
Game 4: Sunday, April 28, 2:30 p.m. at COL on TNT
Game 5: Tuesday, April 30, TBD at WPG on TBD
Game 6*: Thursday, May 2, TBD at COL on TBD
Game 7*: Saturday, May 4, TBD at WPG on TBD

(1) Vancouver Canucks vs. (WC1) Nashville Predators
Game 1: Canucks 4, Predators 2
Game 2: Predators 4, Canucks 1
Game 3: Friday, April 26, 7:30 p.m. at NSH on TBS
Game 4: Sunday, April 28, 5 p.m. at NSH on TBS
Game 5: Tuesday, April 30, TBD at VAN on TBD
Game 6*: Friday, May 3, TBD at NSH on TBD
Game 7*: Sunday, May 5, TBD at VAN on TBD

(2) Edmonton Oilers vs. (3) Los Angeles Kings
Game 1: Oilers 7, Kings 4
Game 2: Wednesday, April 24, 10 p.m. at EDM on TBS
Game 3: Friday, April 26, 10:30 p.m. at LA on TBS
Game 4: Sunday, April 28, 10:30 p.m. at LA on TBS
Game 5*: Wednesday, May 1, TBD at EDM on TBD
Game 6*: Friday, May 3, TBD at LA on TBD
Game 7*: Sunday, May 5, TBD at EDM on TBD

* If necessary