David Bridges
Comprehensive Guide to the Stanley Cup Playoffs Viewing Options
Discover the most advantageous streaming deals for watching the Stanley Cup Playoffs at a glance, ensuring you don’t miss any thrilling moments of the action.
EXCLUSIVE INTRODUCTORY OFFER
YouTube TV
5-day free trial, then $59.99/month for two months
(save $46)
For hockey enthusiasts, this time of year is both exhilarating and nerve-wracking: it’s the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The inaugural round of the 2025 NHL playoffs commenced in mid-April, following an extraordinary season that saw records shattered. Notably, Alex Ovechkin has claimed his place in history as the greatest goal scorer, surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s long-standing record. Additionally, the Washington Capitals have had a remarkable season, finishing just short of the Winnipeg Jets in the standings, making this playoffs especially competitive.
As any devoted hockey fan understands, the NHL playoffs are unpredictable and full of surprises. If you want to experience the thrill (and occasional heartbreak) of live playoff hockey, here’s a comprehensive overview of what you need to know.
Schedule for the Stanley Cup Playoffs
The first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs began on April 19, featuring a thrilling clash between the St. Louis Blues and the top-seeded Winnipeg Jets. Generally, teams compete every other day, with games scheduled up until May 4, depending on the series outcomes. The timeline for the second round, third round (conference finals), and the much-anticipated Stanley Cup final will be contingent on the first round’s results. The final match is scheduled to occur no later than June 23. For the full schedule, be sure to visit the official NHL website.
Where to Watch NHL Playoff Games
If you possess cable or a cable login, you can catch the live games airing on the ESPN/ESPN2/ABC and TNT/truTV/TBS networks throughout the postseason. Each playoff series may not be exclusively assigned to one broadcaster; for instance, it’s possible for games within a series to broadcast on TNT, ABC, and ESPN all within the same week.
For the specific channels broadcasting the games, refer to the official playoffs schedule on NHL.com, ensuring you don’t miss any of the action.
Live Streaming Options for Stanley Cup Playoffs Without Cable
For those who lack cable access or a cable login, you will require at least one streaming service to watch all the playoff games live. To view the games airing on the TNT family of networks, you can choose to access them via the Max app or through a live TV streaming provider like Sling TV, YouTube TV, or Hulu + Live TV. You may catch a limited number of games airing on ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2 through the ESPN+ platform, but this won’t cover all of them. Therefore, securing a paid TV provider, whether through cable or live streaming services like YouTube TV or Sling TV, is essential.
For passionate hockey fans who dread the thought of missing out on a live game, subscribing to a live TV streaming service is your best option. Though the costs may be slightly higher, you will receive exceptional value.
Unlike traditional cable, live TV streaming services utilize the internet, providing a flexible channel lineup without long-term contracts. You can cancel whenever it no longer meets your needs, giving you complete freedom. While these services are not the cheapest options available, many offer introductory rates that make them more cost-effective compared to standard monthly cable bills. Plus, you will enjoy access to a wide variety of live and local channels that cover news, sports, and entertainment, which will be useful even after the Stanley Cup is awarded.
Here’s an overview of the top services and streaming deals available for watching the Stanley Cup playoffs live.
Best for TNT, TBS, and truTV games: Max Yearly Plan
Until May 7, you can take advantage of a $30 discount on a yearly Max Standard plan, reducing the cost to only $139.99 per year or $11.67 per month. This represents a savings of about 32% compared to the monthly plan. A Max Standard subscription includes the B/R Sports add-on, which provides access to NHL games on TNT (along with simulcast games on TBS and truTV). Keep in mind that this plan covers only about half of the postseason, so you will still need another source for ESPN and ABC broadcasts. Also, after the initial discounted year, the price will revert to the standard annual fee of $169.99.
Mashable Deals
The Most Games for the Lowest Price: Sling TV Orange Plan
Sling TV’s Orange plan is your optimal choice for watching the maximum number of postseason NHL games at the lowest price available. This plan offers access to ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, TNT, and TBS, along with 30 additional channels. Although it does not include ABC, most ABC NHL games can also be accessed through ESPN3, ensuring you stay informed. Sling subscriptions are flexible, allowing you to easily customize your plan and cancel or pause your subscription without hassle. The Orange plan is priced at $46 per month, but new subscribers can enjoy a 50% discount on the first month, bringing the cost down to just $26.
Exclusive Introductory Offer: YouTube TV
YouTube TV
Free 5-day trial, then $59.99/month for your first two months (save $46)
We are huge fans of YouTube TV’s extensive lineup of over 100 channels, which encompasses all the networks required to watch the Stanley Cup playoffs live. However, we do have some reservations about the $82.99 monthly fee. Fortunately, new users can take advantage of a fantastic introductory offer until July 31. Start your subscription with a five-day trial, followed by a rate of just $59.99 per month for the first two months — ample time to enjoy the excitement leading to the Stanley Cup final. After this introductory offer, the price will revert to $82.99, so be sure to cancel before that date if necessary.
Honorable Mentions:
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Fubo TV (no TNT or TBS) — 7-day free trial, then $54.99 for the first month
$84.99 per month(save $30) -
Hulu + Live TV (all networks) — 3-day trial, then $82.99 per month
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ESPN+ (select games) — $11.99/month or as part of the $16.99/month Disney+ bundle
Free Viewing Options for NHL Playoffs
If you are looking to save money, there are opportunities to watch some of the postseason games for free by taking advantage of free trials. Strategic planning will be key to maximizing your viewing experience, and here are the options available to you.
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YouTube TV currently provides a free 20-minute preview, followed by a free five-day trial. To initiate the trial, you will need to enter your credit card details. After the five-day period, you can either cancel or continue with a monthly fee of $59.99 for your first two months, which grants you an impressive $46 in savings.
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You can also benefit from a free seven-day trial of Fubo TV, but be aware that this service does not include access to TNT networks. Ensure to cancel before you incur the charge of $54.99 for the first month.
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Hulu + Live TV offers another three-day trial upon signing up. Be cautious to cancel before the three days conclude to avoid the hefty $82.99 monthly fee.
This totals up to 15 days of free live NHL games. By strategically planning your viewing schedule, you can enjoy a substantial portion of the Stanley Cup playoffs at no cost.
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Ethan Carter
Daniel Mercer
