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We’re gliding towards the Stanley Cup as we head into the NHL Playoffs’ second round, eight teams lighter.
Round one of the NHL Playoffs saw a few close series, including two minor upsets: the No. 2 seeded Maple Leafs were sent home early by the No. 3 seeded Lightning (the reigning champions), while the Blues nabbed a similar victory over the higher-seeded Wild. Overall, it was a great start to what will surely be an exciting playoffs season — no matter your team.
Of course, you’ll need a way to catch all the action live. Below, we’ve outlined how to watch the NHL Playoffs online, as well as a couple of ways to stream the NHL Playoffs for free online.
NHL Playoffs Dates 2022
The NHL Playoffs started on May 2 and will run through late June. One team will take home the Stanley Cup trophy no later than June 30.
How to Buy NHL Playoffs Tickets Online
Now that hockey arenas have reopened to fans, it’s a good time to secure tickets to NHL Playoff games.
If you’re looking to buy hockey tickets online, head to Vivid Seats. The website offers NHL tickets from every major arena, including authentic resale tickets when games are sold out. Just be sure to note any Covid-related safety protocols, as they’re different for each arena.
How to Watch the NHL Playoffs on TV
Want to watch the NHL Playoffs on TV? Tune into ESPN, ESPN2, TBS, or TNT. Turner Networks and ESPN are splitting the postseason telecasts in the U.S., but only ESPN will be airing the Stanley Cup Final.
How to Watch NHL Playoffs Online Without Cable
If you won’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, with streams of every game.
1. Stream the NHL Playoffs on DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream turns a traditional cable package into a streaming service, letting you access live TV channels on smart devices, laptops, and tablets. With hockey livestreams on ESPN, TNT, and TBS, DirecTV Stream is one of the best ways to watch the NHL Playoffs online without cable.
DirecTV Stream starts at $69.99 a month (after a five-day free trial) and gets you over 65 live TV channels.
2. Stream the NHL Playoffs on fuboTV
Another great live TV streaming service to watch the NHL Playoffs online is fuboTV. The service has live ESPN coverage, letting you stream the NHL Playoffs and the Stanley Cup Final (which will only be on ESPN). fuboTV costs $69.99 per month, but begins with a generous seven-day free trial before you pay.
3. Stream the NHL Playoffs on ESPN+
The cheapest way to watch the NHL Playoffs online is ESPN+. For just $6.99 a month, you’ll be able to live stream NHL Playoffs games on smart TVs, laptops, smartphones, and any other smart devices. ESPN+ will come in especially handy when you need to watch the NHL Finals on ESPN.
4. Stream the NHL Playoffs on Sling
One of our favorite live TV streaming services is Sling, which gets you live access to ESPN, TNT, and TBS. It’s an easy way to watch the NHL Playoffs online in real-time and costs just $35 per month. Better still, Sling is currently offering new members 50% off their first month, bringing your first bill down to just $17.50.
How to Watch NHL Playoffs Free Online
If you want to watch the NHL Playoffs free online, take advantage of the seven-day free trial from fuboTV and the five-day free trial from DirecTV Stream. Though you won’t get to watch the NHL Playoffs for free in their entirety, you can stream a few hockey playoffs games for free during both trial windows.
NHL Playoffs Standings, Schedule 2022
The current NHL Playoffs standings have the Panthers, the Hurricanes, the Avalanche, and the Flames leading each division. With 122 regular-season points, the Panthers are the No. 1 seed overall. However, the Lightning — who are looking to clinch their third consecutive championship — are also a force to be reckoned with. In other words, every team will need to bring their A-game.
As far as the NHL Playoffs schedule during the first round, fans can expect games every day. Head to NHL.com to see the full, updated Stanley Cup Playoffs schedule.
Want more NHL Playoffs content? Check out Quest For The Stanley Cup, a behind-the-scenes documentary series following the eight remaining teams’ journey towards the Cup. Streaming Fridays on ESPN+, the series lends an inside look at players’ lives off the ice during hockey’s biggest tournament. Be sure to get an ESPN+ subscription (if you don’t already have one0 to watch the series.
How to Watch the NHL Playoffs Online: Live Stream Hockey Without Cable
