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Quick Reply: 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, offering some of the best tournament action of any sport. Highlights of the first round included an intense series between the rivals Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs, which saw the Bruins advance with a 2-1 victory in Game 7.
No matter what team you follow, you'll need a good way to watch the NHL playoffs this year. Below are some of the best ways for cord cutters to stream the NHL playoffs live online, including an option for streamers who want to watch games for free.
How to watch the NHL playoffs online without cable
This year, ESPN and TNT will broadcast NHL playoff games on their respective channel families (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 some streaming services that will allow you to watch the NHL Playoffs live online, whether through your smart TV, phone, laptop, or any other streaming device.
stream the NHL playoffs on DirecTV stream
Our top pick for streaming the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs is DirecTV stream, which brings ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, TBS and TruTV to its most affordable package, the Entertainment plan. This plan starts with a free five-day trial and then costs $98.99 per month for three months. After this introductory period, the price increases to $108.99 per month. Shop DirecTV stream deals here.
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stream the 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), plus free subscriptions on Disney+ , ESPN+ and Hulu on-demand content. Get a free three-day trial here.
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Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV combines Hulu's on-demand library and more than 95 live TV channels, including local channels and nearly all popular national channels. Subscriptions also include ESPN+ and Disney+ at no extra cost. Hulu + Live TV costs $76.99 per month after a three-day free trial.
stream the NHL playoffs on Sling
A more affordable streaming service 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 live NHL playoff streams. Sling Orange + Blue costs $55 per month, but doesn't come with a free trial. Shop Sling deals here.
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Sling
Sling is one of the most affordable live TV streaming services, with plans starting at $40 per month. You can get up to 46 channels on the Sling Orange + Blue plan, plus more with Sling's add-ons.
stream the NHL playoffs on ESPN+
The cheapest way to watch NHL Playoff games online is ESPN+. For just $10.99 per month, you'll be able to stream live 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, but it's worth checking out for such a low price.
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ESPN+
ESPN+ offers extensive live and on-demand content in nearly every sport. The service costs $10.99 per month or $109.99 per year for an annual plan.
stream the NHL Playoffs on Max + B/R Sports
This year, Max is also offering limited live NHL playoff streams through the B/R Sports add-on. You'll be able to watch all the games aired on TNT channels for only $9.99 per month (on top of your existing Max plan – they also start at $9.99 per month).
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Maximum
Max (formerly HBO Max) offers a deep library of on-demand movies and exclusive series. Subscriptions range from $9.99 per month to $19.99 per month. You can also get live sports coverage with Max's new B/R Sports add-on for an additional $9.99 per month.
Can You Get Free NHL Playoff Live Streams?
Don't want to pay more to watch the Stanley Cup Playoffs? You're lucky. Thanks to free trials from DirecTV stream and Hulu + Live TV, you can watch NHL playoff games for free for eight days. This won't get you every game for free, but it's a great way to watch a few games without paying. Just remember to cancel your subscription before the trial ends to avoid any charges.
How to Get NHL Playoff tickets
The only thing better than streaming the NHL playoffs live online is, of course, watching a game in person.
Playoff games are played all over the US and Canada, so you probably have a chance to catch a game somewhere near your area. Visit 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? Schedule 2024, Bracket
This year's NHL playoffs started on Saturday, April 20 and will continue until June when we have the 2024 Stanley Cup Final. Here is the schedule of upcoming games.
(Times in ET)
Eastern Conference
New York Rangers (Metropolitan 1) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (Metropolitan 2)
Game 1: Rangers 4, Hurricanes 3
Game 2: Tuesday, May 7, Hurricanes at Rangers, 7 p.m. on ESPN
Game 3: Thursday, May 9, Rangers at Hurricanes, 7 p.m. on TNT, truTV
Game 4: Saturday, May 11, Rangers at Hurricanes, TBD on TNT, truTV
*Game 5: Monday, May 13, Hurricanes at Rangers, TBD
*Game 6: Thursday, May 16, Rangers at Hurricanes, TBD
*Game 7: Saturday, May 18, Hurricanes at Rangers, TBD
Florida Panthers (Atlantic 1) vs. Boston Bruins (Atlantic 2)
Game 1: Monday, May 6, Bruins at Panthers, 8:00 PM on ESPN
Game 2: Wednesday, May 8, Bruins at Panthers, 7:30 p.m. on ESPN
Game 3: Friday, May 10, Panthers at Bruins, 7 p.m. on TNT, truTV
Game 4: Sunday, May 12, Panthers at Bruins, TBD on TBS, truTV
*Game 5: Tuesday, May 14, Bruins at Panthers, TBD
*Game 6: Friday, May 17, Panthers at Bruins, TBD
*Game 7: Sunday, May 19, Bruins at Panthers, TBD
Western Conference
Dallas Stars (Central 1) vs. Colorado Avalanche (Central 3)
Game 1: Tuesday, May 7, Avalanche at Stars, 9:30pm on ESPN
Game 2: Thursday, May 9, Avalanche Stars, 9:30 p.m. on TNT, truTV
Game 3: Saturday, May 11, Stars at Avalanche, TBD on TNT, truTV
Game 4: Monday, May 13, Stars at Avalanche, TBD, ESPN
*Game 5: Wednesday, May 15, Avalanche at Stars, TBD
*Game 6: Friday, May 17, Stars at Avalanche, TBD
*Game 7: Sunday, May 19, Avalanche at Stars, TBD
Vancouver Canucks (Pacific 1) vs. Edmonton Oilers (Pacific 2)
Game 1: Wednesday, May 8, Oilers at Canucks, 10pm on ESPN
Game 2: Friday, May 10, Oilers at Canucks, 10 p.m. on TNT, truTV
Game 3: Sunday, May 12, Canucks at Oilers, TBD on TBS, truTV
Game 4: Tuesday, May 14, Canucks at Oilers, TBD on ESPN
*Game 5: Thursday, May 16, Oilers at Canucks, TBD
*Game 6: Saturday, May 18, Canucks at Oilers, TBD
*Game 7: Monday, May 20, Oilers at Canucks, TBD
* If it is necessary
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