How to watch the NHL playoffs: Where to live stream every game online

The Boston Bruins and the Florida Panthers face off in the first round of the 2023 NHL playoffs. Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

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The NHL playoffs continue this weekend with 15 teams left competing for a chance to play in the Stanley Cup Finals. NHL playoff games are broadcast across ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, and TBS, and we're here to help you figure out exactly what you need to watch every matchup on cable or with a live TV streaming service.

The NHL playoffs use a best-of-seven series format. The first round is still in play, but the Vegas Golden Knights have already cemented their place in the second round after winning their series against the Winnipeg Jets. Once the first round is complete, a total of eight teams will advance to the second round, followed by four teams moving on to the Conference Finals, which will then leave two teams remaining to go head-to-head for the 2023 Stanley Cup in June. 

NHL Playoffs live stream quick links

• US: ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, TBS via Sling Orange + Blue ($55 $27.50 for the first month)
• Watch from anywhere: Use ExpressVPN to stream from Sling TV
• Upcoming games: NHL playoff schedule

How to watch the NHL playoffs in the US

You can watch the NHL playoffs on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, and TBS, with different games spread across each channel. If you have access to local TV with an antenna, you can watch the ABC games for free, but you'll need to have cable, satellite, or a live TV streaming service to tune into the national ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, and TBS broadcasts.

If you don't already have a pay-TV provider with those channels, you can sign up for a live TV streaming service like Sling TV or Hulu + Live TV to watch NHL playoff games. 

Sling's Orange package is the cheapest way to live stream the NHL playoffs. This plan includes ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, and TBS. Sling Orange usually costs $40 a month, but new members can get their first month for just $20. Though Sling Orange doesn't have ABC, you can add ABC to your package in select cities by upgrading to the Sling Orange + Blue plan. This package costs $55-$60 a month depending on your location, but new members get 50% off their first month.   

Sling TV Subscription

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What if you're not in the US?

If you're not in the US right now, you might be in a region that doesn't have access to the NHL playoffs. But don't worry, there's an easy solution with a VPN. A virtual private network, or VPN, will let you to watch the NHL playoffs through Sling TV no matter where you are, while giving you a more secure connection at the same time.

Our recommendation for the best VPN service is ExpressVPN. New members get a 30-day money-back guarantee. For more VPN options, check out our full guide to the best VPN providers.

ExpressVPN Plan

With its consistent performance, reliable security, and expansive global streaming features, ExpressVPN is the best VPN out there, excelling in every spec and offering many advanced features that makes it exceptional. Better yet, you can save up to 49% and get an extra three months for free today.

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How to watch the NHL Playoffs with a VPN

• Subscribe to a VPN if you don't already have one.
• Install it on the device you're using to watch the NHL playoffs.
• Turn the VPN on and set it to any US location.
• Sign up for Sling TV's Orange plan or Orange + Blue plan — 50% off the first month 
• Open Sling TV and select the channel the game is playing on.

2023 NHL Playoffs schedule and channels

Note: The use of VPNs is illegal in certain countries and using VPNs to access region-locked streaming content might constitute a breach of the terms of use for certain services. Insider does not endorse or condone the illegal use of VPNs.