The 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs are underway, sparking excitement and curiosity among fans.
Will the Vegas Golden Knights keep Lord Stanley’s Cup? Can the New York Rangers turn their Presidents’ Trophy win into a championship? Amid these uncertainties, one thing is clear: you can easily watch all the playoff games, running through May 5, without a cable subscription.
How & Where to Watch the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs
Fans looking to cut the cord have several great options to stream the games live as 16 teams compete for the championship. The main channels airing the NHL Playoff games this year are ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, TBS and truTV.
This article provides all the details you need to stream the NHL playoffs smoothly and affordably. Here is a quick overview that compares six options for streaming the NHL playoffs, including prices, channels and free trials.
| Streaming Service | Free Trial | Monthly Price | Key Channels |
| Sling TV | Yes | $40 | ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, TBS |
| Max | No | Starts at $9.99 (ad-supported) | TNT, truTV, TBS |
| Hulu + Live TV | Yes | $76.99 | ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, TBS, ABC, local networks |
| DIRECTV STREAM | Yes | $79.99 | ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, TBS, ABC, local networks |
| YouTube TV | Yes | $72.99 | ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, TBS, truTV, FS1, ABC, local networks |
| Fubo | Yes | $79.99 | ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, local networks |
Sling TV: Affordable Option to Stream NHL Playoffs
Sling TV offers an affordable way to stream NHL playoffs games live. The Sling Orange plan includes ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, and TBS, covering all your bases for the playoffs.
Sling TV’s Orange plan is priced at $40 per month. First-time and returning users benefit from a 50% discount on the first month. The plan provides 31 channels and 50 hours of Cloud DVR, making it easy to record your favorite moments.
You can stream live TV on one device at a time with Sling Orange. Sling TV supports a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Chromecast with Google TV.
You can also use Sling TV on iPhones and iPads with the latest iOS software. Additionally, gamers can stream on their Xbox or PlayStation consoles.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Orange | $40/month | 32 |
| Blue | $40/month | 41 (Locals included) |
| Orange + Blue | $55/month | 88 |
Max: Cost-Effective Streaming NHL Playoffs on TNT, truTV & TBS
Max provides a cost-effective method to stream NHL Playoff games on TNT, truTV, and TBS. Although you won’t find games from ESPN and ESPN2, Max still offers a wide selection of movies, TV shows, and exclusive HBO content.
The Bleacher Report Sports add-on is a popular choice for sports fans looking to watch live NBA, MLB, and NHL games without a traditional cable subscription. This add-on streams games directly from TNT, TBS, and truTV.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| With Ads | $9..99/month | Sports from TBS, TNT and TruTV (with B/R Add-on) |
| Ad-Free | $15.99/month | Sports from TBS, TNT and TruTV (with B/R Add-on) |
| Ultimate Ad-Free | $19.99/month | Sports from TBS, TNT and TruTV (with B/R Add-on) |
Hulu + Live TV: Stream NHL Playoffs on Major Networks
Hulu + Live TV provides access to ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, TBS, and local ABC stations as well as ESPN Plus.
It’s ideal for catching all the NHL Playoff action across streaming and traditional cable TV networks. With a subscription, you get 90 live TV channels and unlimited Cloud DVR storage. The monthly fee is $76.99 and includes Disney+ and ESPN+.
You can watch live TV on two screens simultaneously. Hulu’s Live TV service also includes local NBC, CBS, and FOX stations, covering a broad range of content across the U.S.
The service is compatible with many streaming devices, including Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV. You can explore the full channel lineup directly on Hulu’s website.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Hulu (With Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (With Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads) | $76.99/month | 90+ |
| Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (No Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads) | $89.99/month | 90+ |
DIRECTV STREAM: Comprehensive Coverage for NHL Playoffs
DIRECTV STREAM includes TBS, TNT, ESPN, ESPN2, and local ABC channels in its Entertainment bundle, perfect for following the NHL Playoffs. The service is priced at $79.99 per month.
Subscribers gain access to over 75 channels, unlimited Cloud DVR storage, and 40,000 on-demand shows. DIRECTV STREAM also offers a free 5-day trial to new users.
The Entertainment bundle features a variety of channels, including A&E, CNN, Discovery, and HGTV. You can stream live TV on an unlimited number of screens within your home.
Subscriptions are flexible, allowing you to cancel anytime. DIRECTV STREAM is compatible with Smart TVs, Roku, Android TV, Fire TV devices, Apple TV, and mobile devices.
You can explore all available channel lineups on DIRECTV STREAM’s website before making a decision.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Entertainment | $79.99/month | 75+ |
| Choice | $108.99/month | 105+ |
| Ultimate | $119.99/month | 140+ |
| Premier | $164.99/month | 150+ |
YouTube TV: Extensive Channel Selection for NHL Playoffs
YouTube TV offers 128 channels, including local NBC, ABC, CBS, and FOX stations. For sports fans, ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, TBS, truTV, and FS1 are readily available. The service costs $72.99 per month and includes unlimited Cloud DVR and an on-demand movie library.
Subscribers can watch live TV on up to three screens simultaneously. YouTube TV supports various devices, including Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, and Android TV. You can look over the entire YouTube TV channel lineup.
Additionally, there’s a free 7-day trial available for new users.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | $72.99/month | 128 |
fubo: ESPN Coverage with the Pro Plan
fubo’s Pro plan offers a wide selection of over 202 channels, including ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC. Please note, TNT, TBS, and truTV are not available on fubo. The Pro plan is priced at $79.99 per month. Additionally, there is a regional sports fee of $11.99 per month, or $14.99 per month if you have two RSNs in your area.
Before subscribing, it’s advisable to review the channel lineup specific to your area. With fubo, you can record up to 1,000 hours of content with Cloud DVR and watch live TV on up to ten screens simultaneously.
The Sports Plus add-on, available for $10.99 per month, includes 30 channels such as MLB Network, NHL Network, and NBA TV, enhancing your sports viewing options.
fubo is compatible with virtually all devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Fire Stick, Google TV, and Android TV Smart TVs. fubo offers a 7-day free trial and flexible, month-to-month subscriptions with no long-term commitments required.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Pro | $79.99/month | 202 |
| Elite | $89.99/month | 269 |
Watching 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs FAQs
Can I watch the NHL Playoffs for free?
Yes, you can watch some games for free. DIRECTV STREAM, YouTube TV, and Hulu with Live TV offer free trials that give temporary access to ESPN and other networks airing the 2024 NHL Playoffs. If you cancel before the free trial ends, you won’t be charged. During the Conference Finals, you can also use a TV antenna to watch games on ABC for free.
Are the NHL playoffs on ESPN+?
Yes, ESPN+ will simulcast select games airing on ABC and ESPN during the 2024 NHL Playoffs. The service also offers full-match replays of every game. An ESPN+ subscription costs $10.99 per month.
Can I watch NHL playoffs on Amazon Prime?
No, Amazon Prime does not have the rights to stream the NHL Playoffs. The rights are currently held by Disney and Turner Sports.
What’s the best way to watch the NHL playoffs without cable?
Sling TV is the most budget-friendly option to watch the NHL playoffs without cable:
- Sling Orange plan: Costs $40 per month. Sign up now and get 50% off your first month.
- DIRECTV STREAM: Offers a 5-day free trial with plans starting at $64.99 per month after promotional offers. The Entertainment package includes all necessary channels for enjoying the NHL Playoffs and the Stanley Cup finals.
Methodology
I spend hundreds of hours throughout the year conducting hands-on testing of streaming services, including Peacock, DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Sling TV, YouTube TV, Hulu Live TV. I do the same rigorous testing for TV antennas and TV-related hardware. Check out the review policy to see how I compare products and services. The Cord Cutting Report is a reader-supported publication, and may earn affiliate commissions when you pick a streaming service through a recommendation. Read our affiliate policy for more information.
