How to Watch the 2023 NHL Games Live Online (Without Cable)
Like any avid hockey fan, I can’t stand missing games for any reason, but I’m blocked from watching NHL games and the Stanley Cup whenever I travel outside the US. Even when I’m in Detroit, I can’t watch any Red Wings games due to in-market blackouts. I quickly found that the only way to watch every NHL match is with a good VPN!
A VPN lets you mask your IP address, so it appears as if you’re in another country or city. With a good VPN, you can log in to your preferred streaming service and watch any NHL match from anywhere in the world. However, not all VPNs will work, so I tested more than 25 vendors to find the best services for the job.
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for live-streaming hockey games on all the NHL’s official broadcasters. You can try ExpressVPN for streaming the NHL with its 30-day money-back guarantee. If it doesn’t meet your expectations, getting a refund is easy.
Watch every NHL game with ExpressVPN
Quick Guide: 3 Steps to Watch Every NHL Game From Anywhere
- Get a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN’s blazing-fast server speeds to watch the NHL without any lag or buffering whenever you’re abroad.
- Connect to a server in the US or Canada. Now, you’ll be able to sign in to your preferred TV service provider broadcasting the NHL games online.
- Start watching the 2023 NHL season from anywhere.
Unblock the NHL games with ExpressVPN
How a VPN Helps You Watch NHL Games From Anywhere
Even though the NHL fanbase is growing worldwide, it’s surprisingly difficult to watch the NHL outside the US and Canada. You’ll still face national and in-market blackouts if you’re currently in North America and have a subscription to the official broadcasters (Hulu, ESPN+, TNT, and Sportsnet Now). One way to solve this problem is to subscribe to multiple streaming platforms to get every RSN and national broadcaster, which will cost hundreds of dollars every month. The other (more cost-effective) option is a premium VPN.
With a VPN, you can beat national and local blackouts by spoofing your location. For instance;
- If you’re traveling outside the US, you can connect to a US server and access your streaming accounts with Hulu, ESPN+, fuboTV, YouTube TV, and more.
- If you’re a Blackhawks fan living in Chicago, you won’t be able to watch your team’s games on ESPN+ due to in-market blackouts. This is meant to encourage you to sign up for a streaming service that carries your local RSN. To beat this, you can simply connect to a server in Michigan or Wisconsin. Then, you’ll have access to your team’s games on ESPN+, even if you don’t have a cable or streaming subscription that carries NBC Sports Chicago.
- If you’re subscribed to NHL.TV in the UK, you won’t have access to any games being broadcast on Premier Sports. By connecting to a server in another country, you’ll be able to watch every game on NHL.TV.
I recommend ExpressVPN for the fastest, most reliable worldwide connections to watch every NHL game from anywhere. And, with a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try ExpressVPN totally risk-free. When I tested the guarantee, my refund was approved within 10 minutes in the 24/7 live chat. The money was back in my account in just 4 days.
Note: Before you connect to a VPN, read through your streaming provider’s Terms of Service. Though using a VPN may not violate them, streaming from a country where you didn’t purchase your account could — especially if the platform isn’t available there yet.
Access the NHL with ExpressVPN
The Best VPNs to Watch NHL Games in 2023
1. ExpressVPN — The Fastest Servers to Access and Stream NHL Games Live Without Lag
Key Features:
- 3,000+ servers in 94 locations globally, with hundreds in the US and Canada, so you can connect and stream NHL matches from anywhere in the world
- Extremely fast speeds for seamless streaming on any sports streaming platform
- Watch the NHL on up to 8 devices at once
- 24/7 live support via email or chat to help you with any streaming issues
- 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it out risk-free
ExpressVPN is my top pick for streaming every 2023 NHL game — it delivered consistently fast speeds for lag-free livestreams on long-distance connections. In contrast to other providers that significantly diminished my speed, ExpressVPN enabled me to relish HD live coverage seamlessly on every server I connected to. Regardless of the chosen viewing quality, I encountered no buffering or decline in visual excellence.
During testing, my team and I found that ExpressVPN could access every streaming service we tested, including platforms that carried national channels and RSNs, including:
| ESPN+ | Hulu + Live TV | DirecTV Stream | fuboTV | YouTube TV |
| CBC (Canada) | SportsNet Now (Canada) | Premier Sports (UK) | NHL.TV | …and more! |
In addition to its fast speeds, ExpressVPN is available on multiple OSs, including Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, and more. You can even connect your Roku and Apple TV devices to its servers so you can stream hockey on the big screen. Plus, you can connect up to 8 devices simultaneously, making it easy to switch between devices when traveling.
While it’s slightly more expensive than the other VPNs on this list, it’s well worth it for a virtually seamless streaming experience from anywhere. You can also save 49% on your subscription and pay $6.67/month when you sign up for its 1-year + 3 months plan.
Don’t take my word for it — you can try ExpressVPN to watch the NHL at no risk to you. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can claim a refund if you’re not happy. I tested the policy myself and had the money back within 4 days — no questions asked!
ExpressVPN works with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android, iOS, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Fire TV, Nvidia Shield, Xiaomi Mi Box, Google Chromecast, Roku, Android TVs, smart TVs, routers, and more.
2023 Update! ExpressVPN has dropped prices for a limited time to a crazy $6.67 per month for the 1-year plan (you can save up to 49%) + 3 months free! This is a limited offer so be sure to grab it now before it’s gone. See more information on this offer here.
2. CyberGhost — Specialized Streaming Servers to Watch the NHL From Anywhere
Key Features:
- 9,600+ servers in 91 countries and 1350+ servers located in the US and 480+ in Canada for streaming the 2023 NHL games
- Dedicated servers for ESPN+, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and more for smooth, buffer-free HD streaming
- Stream the NHL on 7 different devices simultaneously without any bandwidth limits
- 45-day money-back guarantee
CyberGhost has optimized streaming servers for access to US-based NHL channels and platforms, including ESPN+, Hulu, and YouTube TV. These servers are designed for the best streaming experience and are maintained to ensure they are not detected by proxy-detection technology.
When reviewing it, I found that its servers maintain stable connections with fast speeds for zero-buffering. Even on its regular servers, CyberGhost easily accessed American and international services, including:
| ESPN+ | YouTube TV | Hulu + Live TV | Sling TV | DirecTV Stream |
| fuboTV | SportsNet Now (Canada) | Premier Sports (UK) | Star+ (Latin America) | …and more! |
It also has an incredibly user-friendly interface. CyberGhost makes it easy to find the best server manually by sorting servers into different categories for streaming, gaming, torrenting, and more. It also shows the server load for every server, so you can choose a low-load server for the best streaming experience.
One issue I found is that CyberGhost has slightly lower speeds on non-optimized servers than on streaming servers. However, the difference was small, and I could still watch the game in HD with minimal buffering.
While its short-term plans can be quite expensive, you’ll pay just $2.11 a month when you sign up for its 2-year + 3 months plan. If you only need a VPN for a short while, you should check out these VPNs with the best monthly deals.
Your other option is to try CyberGhost’s optimized servers completely free using its generous 45-day money-back guarantee. After testing it for a few weeks, I contacted customer support to ask for a refund. I waited 15 minutes for a response, but my request was approved minutes later. The money was credited to my PayPal account within 5 working days.
CyberGhost works with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Raspberry Pi, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku, smart TVs, routers, and more.
Unblock the NHL with CyberGhost
2023 Update! You can subscribe to CyberGhost for as low as $2.11 per month + get extra 3 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 84%)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it’s gone. See more information on this offer here.
3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Large Server Network to Access the NHL Season on International Platforms
Key Features:
- 35,000+ servers in 84 countries for reliable NHL livestreams on international platforms, including NHL.TV, ESPN+, Sportsnet Now, Premier Sports, and more
- Large server network minimizes the chances of overcrowding and server slowdowns
- Supports up to unlimited device connections at the same time
- 24/7 customer service with live chat and email support
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Private Internet Access (PIA) has the largest server network of any VPN I’ve tested. With access to 35,000+ servers in 84 countries, you’ll be able to find a nearby speedy server, no matter where you are. When I tested it, I didn’t have issues with user congestion, and I could connect to servers in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and more to access:
| ESPN+ | NHL.TV | Hulu + Live TV | fuboTV |
| Premier Sports (UK) | CBC (Canada) | Sling TV | YouTube TV |
I connected to more than 40 PIA servers and had great speeds for HD streaming on most of them. However, the quality was best on nearby servers — I watched the puck drop and saw every shift in the game in high definition. PIA sorts its servers by latency, so all you have to do is choose servers with a low ping rate or an optimized streaming server to get fast speeds.
PIA worked seamlessly on all the devices I tested. Connecting to a server only took a few clicks on all devices, and I wasn’t surprised to find that it is one of the best VPNs for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and other operating systems. You can connect up to unlimited devices simultaneously or install it on your router and connect all your devices to your preferred location.
While it’s not as fast as ExpressVPN or CyberGhost, PIA offers excellent value for money; you pay just $2.11 a month on a 2-year + 3 months subscription.
You can also use its 30-day money-back guarantee to watch the NHL with PIA for free. There’s no small print (I checked!) — as long as you request a refund before the guarantee ends, PIA will give you your money back without an issue.
PIA works with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Kodi, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, routers, and more.
2023 Update! You can subscribe to PIA for as low as $2.11 per month + get extra 3 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 82%)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it’s gone. See more information on this offer here!
Where to Watch NHL Hockey Games Without Cable in 2023
If you don’t have cable, there are many platforms that broadcast NHL games online live in excellent quality. I’ve researched all the official streaming platforms for NHL. You can start streaming now using ExpressVPN and any platform on this list.
| Broadcasting Platform | National Broadcasts | RSNs/ In-market games | Price |
| ESPN+ (US) | 1000+ out-of-market games | All games for Canadian teams (Flames, Oilers, Canadiens, Senators, Maple Leafs, Canucks, and Jets) | $9.99/month |
| Hulu + Live TV (US) | All nationally televised games on ABC, ESPN, and TNT | NBS Sports RSNs | $69.99/month |
| DirecTV Stream (US) | All nationally televised games on ABC, ESPN, and TNT | Bally Sports RSNs, NESN, MSG, NBC Sports RSNs, Altitude, AT&T SportsNet RSNs (+$20.00) | $69.99/month |
| YouTube TV (US) | All nationally televised games on ABC, ESPN, and TNT | NBC Sports RSNs | $64.99/month |
| fuboTV (US, Canada, Spain) | Nationally televised games on ABC and ESPN (no TNT games or Stanley Cup) | NESN, MSG, NBC Sports RSNs, Altitude, MSG Sportsnet, AT&T SportsNet RSNs, Root Sports Northwest | $69.99/month |
| Sling TV (Orange) (US) | Nationally televised games on TNT and ESPN (no ABC) | None | $35.00/month |
International 2023 NHL Broadcasters
- SportsNet Now Premium (Canada) — With a premium subscription, you can watch every out-of-market game during the regular season and the Stanley Cup Playoffs. You’ll also have access to all the in-market games for the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, and Edmonton Oilers, plus 22 Jets games, 56 Maple Leafs games, 30 Canadiens games, and 27 Senators games.
- CBC (Canada) — Watch Hockey Night free on this Canada-only service that you can now access from anywhere with a VPN.
- Premier Sports (UK) — Watch up to 15 regular season games live weekly and the Stanley Cup Finals.
- Star+ (Latin America) — All 1,300+ games, including the Stanley Cup Playoffs and Final, NHL All-Star Weekend, NHL Winter Classic, and NHL Stadium Series matches. This is the only streaming service that isn’t subject to any NHL blackouts.
- NHL.TV (Worldwide excl. US & Canada) — Blackout restrictions apply to all games being nationally televised in your home country (e.g., UK viewers will not have access to any live broadcasts that are being aired on Premier Sports).
Unblock the NHL Games with ExpressVPN
How to Sign up With ESPN+ and Watch the 2023 NHL Season From Anywhere
You can sign up for ESPN+ using an international credit card or PayPal account. Remember that you need to sign up before you travel because signing up for ESPN+ abroad, even using a VPN, could breach its terms and conditions.
Credit Card Method/PayPal Method
- Download a VPN. ExpressVPN reliably accesses ESPN+ and is the fastest VPN for streaming the 2023 NHL playoffs from anywhere.
- Connect to a US server. Since ESPN+ is only available in the US, that’s where you’ll need to connect.
- Visit the ESPN+ website and sign up for a new account. Enter your personal details and click “Sign Up.”
- Pick a plan. Select a monthly or yearly payment plan, your preferred payment method, and enter your payment details. You can use an international credit card or your PayPal account.
- Enjoy watching the 2023 NHL Season on ESPN+.
FAQs on Watching the 2023 NHL Games With a VPN
How do the Stanley Cup Playoffs work?
The Stanley Cup is the NHL’s post-season trophy, and the Stanley Cup Playoffs is the elimination tournament that decides who wins the Cup. It uses a 16-league format, selecting the top teams from the NHL’s divisions and conferences. The playoffs usually last three months, starting in early April and ending in June, during which it is available on multiple streaming platforms.
Three of the best teams in the NHL’s four divisions (Atlantic, Metropolitan, Pacific, and Central) automatically qualify to compete. Two more teams are selected from the Eastern Conference and Western Conference, the four wildcards. In the end, 16 teams are selected for the playoffs, four from each division and eight from each conference.
The Stanley Cup has four rounds – the 1st Round, 2nd Round, Conference Finals, and Stanley Cup Finals. In the 1st round, the first seed (or best team) in each given division plays against a wildcard team, and the other two teams play each other. Each round’s winner is determined by a seven-game series where the first team to win four games goes to the next round.
The first team to win four games in the Stanley Cup Finals is the winner, and the NHL season is over. No matter where you are, you can watch every single match in the Stanley Cup playoffs with ExpressVPN. You can test ExpressVPN out for yourself, and if you’re not satisfied, you have up to 30 days to claim a refund.
How do I bypass NHL.TV blackouts from the US, UK, Australia, and more?
NHL geo-restrictions make it impossible to watch certain matches whether you have a paid subscription to an NHL-streaming site or not. To bypass NHL.TV geo-restrictions, connect to ExpressVPN and choose a server in a location where the NHL match is available.
If you have an active subscription to watch NHL.TV but can’t access the game, ExpressVPN can help you bypass the restrictions, as it has multiple servers across the US and Canada. Before you refresh your NHL.TV broadcast, clear your browser’s cache, and delete your cookies to remove any information your streaming platform has stored about your actual location.
On Android and iOS devices, the best way to bypass geo-restrictions is by logging in on a browser after you activate your VPN since the NHL.TV app will already have stored your location (or you can use another streaming service showing NHL).
How do I watch Hockey Night in Canada on CBC?
If you’re in a hurry, watch Hockey Night on CBC’s official site on a PC, and use ExpressVPN to access it if you’re outside Canada. CBC is strictly restricted to Canada, but a VPN can connect you to a server in Canada, so you can stream it from the US, UK, or anywhere else.
There are several mobile apps for streaming CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada. You must be subscribed to the CBC to stream Hockey Night on both its app and official site. If you’re not in Canada, none of its many approved mobile apps will work for you unless you use a VPN.
ExpressVPN grants you the access you need, and you can stream Hockey Night at incredible speeds. Plus, it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so it’s risk-free to try it.
Can I watch NHL games on Roku, Firestick, Apple TV, and Samsung Smart TV?
Yes, you can watch NHL games on Roku, Firestick, Apple TV, and Samsung Smart TVs through streaming platforms like Hulu + Live TV, ESPN+, and DirecTV Stream. The games are also available for streaming on gaming consoles, Android, iOS, and good old Windows and macOS through most NHL-streaming websites.
Regardless of what device you use, the VPNs I tested provide excellent speeds and unrestricted access to the games you enjoy at your convenience. There’s no risk in trying it since they’re all backed by a money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied, you can always get a full refund.
What else can a VPN do besides helping me access NHL games?
A VPN can help you access and stream other sporting events and leagues like the EPL, NFL, MLB, NBA, Formula 1, and many more. If you prefer to watch movies and TV shows, good VPNs will unblock the best streaming platforms and help you access geo-blocked libraries on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, etc.
Apart from streaming, quality VPNs keep you anonymous online. Public WiFi in cafes, malls, and hotels are known hotspots for hackers trying to steal user information. In some cases, governments and advertisers are tracking your internet activity without permission. You can use a VPN to protect yourself from them and start surfing the internet safely.
Of all the VPNs I’ve tested, ExpressVPN is the most reliable VPN for unblocking content, staying anonymous, and even bypassing strong censorship in places like China. You can start getting the benefits of a VPN now by trying ExpressVPN. Its 30-day money-back guarantee means you can buy and test it risk-free.
Can I watch NHL Hockey games with a free VPN?
Yes, but I don’t recommend it. It’s difficult to find free VPNs that can bypass geo-blocks on major streaming sites with advanced VPN-detection technology. Unlike the recommended VPNs for streaming NHL matches, free VPNs often have issues with buffering, lag, and poor quality.
This is because their limited servers are almost always overcrowded, which explains why the connection drops every few minutes. Even when I tried the best free VPNs, I missed many goals amidst the lagging and reconnections.
Free VPNs sound good on the surface, but most have shady practices like selling user data, installing malware, and serving tons of annoying ads. If you want a smooth stream on any NHL-streaming service, a paid VPN is a no-brainer. ExpressVPN was the best for NHL hockey games during my tests, and you can try it completely risk-free. If you’re not satisfied, you have up to 30 days to claim a refund.
Unblock the NHL with ExpressVPN
Start Watching NHL Hockey Games From Anywhere Today!
No matter where you are, you’ll probably face blackouts on NHL games — even if you’re subscribed to ESPN+ or Hulu + Live TV. To beat both national and in-market blackouts, you can either rack up hundreds of dollars in subscription fees or get a premium VPN with a fast global network.
ExpressVPN is my top pick for watching the 2023 NHL season from anywhere. It has the best speeds for livestreaming in HD and works with every NHL broadcaster I tested. Best of all, you can try ExpressVPN to watch the NHL risk-free. Thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee, you can claim a refund if you’re unsatisfied with its performance. I tested the policy, and my money was back in my account in 4 days.
