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. Now in the Conference Finals, it’s down to just four teams: The Florida Panthers and the New York Rangers in the East, and the Dallas Stars and the Edmonton Oilers in the West. As of writing, the Stars are up over the Oilers and the Rangers have a lead over the Panthers.

No matter which 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 (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 $79.99 a month after that. 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. 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. We’re now in the tournament’s Conference Finals, which will determine the two teams in the Stanley Cup Final. Here’s the full schedule of games for both conferences:

(Times in ET)

Eastern Conference Finals: Florida Panthers vs. New York Rangers
Game 1: Panthers 3, Rangers 0
Game 2: Rangers 2, Panthers 1 (OT)
Game 3: Rangers 5, Panthers 4 (OT)
Game 4: Rangers at Panthers, Tuesday, May 28, 8 p.m. on ESPN, ABC
Game 5: Panthers at Rangers, Thursday, May 30, 8 p.m. on ESPN, ABC
Game 6*: Rangers at Panthers, Saturday, June 1, 8 p.m. on ESPN, ABC
Game 7*: Panthers at Rangers, Monday, June 3, 8 p.m. on ESPN, ABC

Western Conference Finals: Dallas Stars vs. Edmonton Oilers
Game 1: Oilers 3, Stars 2 (2OT)
Game 2: Stars 3, Oilers 1
Game 3: Stars 5, Oilers 3
Game 4: Stars at Oilers, Wednesday, May 29, 8:30 p.m. on TNT, truTV
Game 5: Oilers at Stars, Friday, May 31, TBD on TNT, truTV
Game 6*: Stars at Oilers, Sunday, June 2, TBD on TNT, truTV
Game 7*: Oilers at Stars, Tuesday, June 4, TBD on TNT, truTV

* If necessary