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Montreal Canadiens right wing Ivan Demidov plays the puck and swings around the Capitals' goal against Capitals right wing Tom Wilson

Apr 27, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens right wing Ivan Demidov (93) plays the puck against Washington Capitals right wing Tom Wilson (43) during the third period in game four of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

How to watch the NHL Playoffs live and online without cable in 2025

By Sean Jackson | Last updated May 1, 2025 11:29 AM ET

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Springtime means game time.

The NHL playoffs are a highlight for sports fans, who are ready to lock in to fast-paced hockey games with high stakes and immense pressure on the line. We are already off to the races with the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, which began on Saturday, April 19.

The 2025 Stanley Cup Finals are scheduled to begin on Saturday, June 7, 2025, and, if necessary, could extend to (but will be no later than) Monday, June 23, 2025.

We've got you covered with how to catch these playoff series and how to watch the right channels with a live TV streaming services, so that you can stream the best part of the season in your living room.

Where to watch the 2025 NHL Playoffs: A visual guide for streaming providers and channels needed

You’ll need access to ESPN, TNT, ABC, TBS and ESPN 2 to catch all of the NHL playoff games. For ESPN Plus subscribers, you'll also be able to catch some games live and replays of most playoff contests. For ESPN Plus, you do have the option of buying a subscription as a standalone service through ESPN or with a Hulu + Live TV plan.

Here’s a look at which streaming services off the channels you'll need for the 2025 NHL Playoffs:

	DIRECTV	Fubo	Hulu + Live TV	Sling TV	YouTube TV
ABC	✓	✓	✓	✓*	✓
TBS	✓		✓	✓	✓
TNT	✓		✓	✓	✓
truTV	✓		✓	✓	✓
ESPN	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
ESPN 2	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
*Local channels only available in select markets

Watch the 2025 NHL Playoffs on DIRECTV with a 5-day free trial

DIRECTV is a wise choice for hockey fans. With each package, you’ll receive ESPN, ESPN 2, TBS, TNT and ABC, allowing you to stream playoff games live. Also, each plan features unlimited device streams and unlimited DVR recording room.

DIRECTV can be expensive, depending on which package you choose and which add-ons you need to get extra channels. That aside, you won’t need another subscription to stream playoff games. Therefore, DIRECTV might be worth the expense for dedicated hockey fans.

Watch the 2025 NHL Playoffs on Fubo with a 5-day free trial

Fubo offers hockey fans a way to stream some but not all of the playoff games live. The Essential package has 211+ channels and unlimited Cloud DVR. You can stream hockey games on ESPN, ESPN 2 and ABC with this base plan.

Most notably, the se rvice doesn’t offer TNT or TBS. Considering some early-round playoff games air on these channels, you might need another subscription to supplement viewing, like ESPN Plus. That aside, Fubo offers exceptional value and a wide variety of sports channels.

Watch the 2025 NHL Playoffs on Hulu + Live TV with a 3-day free trial

Hulu + Live TV is the best way for hockey fans to stream playoff action. With Hulu, you’ll receive access to more than 95 channels, unlimited DVR recording and on-demand content from Hulu, Disney Plus and ESPN Plus.

The ESPN Plus access alone is beneficial as it allows hockey fans to stream some playoff games live while catching replays of every game. In addition, you receive access to every channel you need, like ESPN, ESPN 2, ABC, TNT and TBS in the Hulu + Live TV channel lineup, making the service one of the best ways to stream all playoff games live.

Watch the 2025 NHL Playoffs on Sling TV with 50% off your first month

Sling TV is perfect for hockey fans wanting to stream playoff games and save money. The Sling Orange package offers ESPN, ESPN 2, TBS and TNT. In turn, you can stream many playoff games live.

The only issue with Sling TV concerns local channels. If you don’t live in an area where Sling TV offers ABC, you’ll need a digital antenna to supplement coverage. It’s pivotal as the Stanley Cup Finals will air on ABC.

Watch the 2025 NHL Playoffs on YouTube TV with a 10-day free trial

If you want unlimited recording space and over 100 channels, YouTube TV is a smart fit. The base package includes all the channels hockey fans need, including ESPN, ESPN 2, ABC, TBS and TNT.

Moreover, the service is easy to use, with a cable-like channel guide, easy-to-navigate interface and a Library section on the main menu for shows, movies and games you’ve recorded. YouTube TV offers unlimited DVR space up to 3 simultaneous streams.

Watch the 2025 NHL Playoffs on ESPN Plus

Another way to stream playoff hockey is with a subscription to ESPN Plus. ESPN Plus airs some playoff contests live and will offer replays of every postseason game. You can subscribe to the service directly through ESPN or with the Disney Bundle. Hulu + Live TV subscribers also have the service included at no additional charge if you package your live TV with the Disney Bundle.

NHL Playoff schedule 2025: Series and matchups

Game	Matchup	Date	Time (ET)	Result / Networks
Eastern Conference
Ottawa Senators (WC1) vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (1A) — Toronto leads series 3‑2
1	Maple Leafs vs. Senators	—	—	Maple Leafs 6, Senators 2
2	Senators at Maple Leafs	—	—	Maple Leafs 3, Senators 2 (OT)
3	Maple Leafs at Senators	—	—	Maple Leafs 3, Senators 2 (OT)
4	Maple Leafs at Senators	—	—	Senators 4, Maple Leafs 3 (OT)
5	Senators at Maple Leafs	—	—	Senators 4, Maple Leafs 0
6	Maple Leafs at Senators	Thursday, May 1	7 p.m.	SN, CBC, TVAS, TBS, MAX
7	Senators at Maple Leafs	Saturday, May 3	TBD *	—
Florida Panthers (3A) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (2A) — Florida leads series 3‑1
1	Panthers at Lightning	—	—	Panthers 6, Lightning 2
2	Panthers at Lightning	—	—	Panthers 2, Lightning 0
3	Lightning at Panthers	—	—	Lightning 5, Panthers 1
4	Lightning at Panthers	—	—	Panthers 4, Lightning 2
5	Panthers at Lightning	Wednesday, April 30	7:30 p.m.	ESPN2, SN360, TVAS2, FDSNSUN, SCRIPPS
6	Lightning at Panthers	Friday, May 2	TBD *	—
7	Panthers at Lightning	Sunday, May 4	TBD *	—
Montreal Canadiens (WC2) vs. Washington Capitals (1M) — Washington leads series 3‑1
1	Capitals vs. Canadiens	—	—	Capitals 3, Canadiens 2 (OT)
2	Canadiens at Capitals	—	—	Capitals 3, Canadiens 1
3	Capitals at Canadiens	—	—	Canadiens 6, Capitals 3
4	Capitals at Canadiens	—	—	Capitals 5, Canadiens 2
5	Canadiens at Capitals	Wednesday, April 30	7 p.m.	ESPN, SNE, SNO, SNP, CBC, TVAS, MNMT
6	Capitals at Canadiens	Friday, May 2	TBD *	—
7	Canadiens at Capitals	Sunday, May 4	TBD *	—
New Jersey Devils (3M) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (2M) — Carolina wins series 4‑1
1	Hurricanes vs. Devils	—	—	Hurricanes 4, Devils 1
2	Devils at Hurricanes	—	—	Hurricanes 3, Devils 1
3	Hurricanes at Devils	—	—	Devils 3, Hurricanes 2 (2OT)
4	Hurricanes at Devils	—	—	Hurricanes 5, Devils 2
5	Devils at Hurricanes	—	—	Hurricanes 5, Devils 4 (2OT)
Western Conference
St. Louis Blues (WC2) vs. Winnipeg Jets (1C) — Series tied 2‑2
1	Jets vs. Blues	—	—	Jets 5, Blues 3
2	Jets vs. Blues	—	—	Jets 2, Blues 1
3	Jets at Blues	—	—	Blues 7, Jets 2
4	Jets at Blues	—	—	Blues 5, Jets 1
5	Blues at Jets	Wednesday, April 30	9:30 p.m.	SN, CBC, TVAS, ESPN, FDSNMW
6	Jets at Blues	Friday, May 2	TBD	—
7	Blues at Jets	Sunday, May 4	TBD *	—
Colorado Avalanche (3C) vs. Dallas Stars (2C) — Dallas leads series 3‑2
1	Avalanche vs. Stars	—	—	Avalanche 5, Stars 1
2	Stars vs. Avalanche	—	—	Stars 4, Avalanche 3 (OT)
3	Stars at Avalanche	—	—	Stars 2, Avalanche 1 (OT)
4	Stars at Avalanche	—	—	Avalanche 4, Stars 0
5	Avalanche at Stars	—	—	Stars 6, Avalanche 2
6	Stars at Avalanche	Thursday, May 1	9:30 p.m.	TBS, MAX, SNE, SN360, TVAS, Victory+, ALT
7	Avalanche at Stars	Saturday, May 3	TBD *	—
Minnesota Wild (WC1) vs. Vegas Golden Knights (1P) — Vegas leads series 3‑2
1	Golden Knights vs. Wild	—	—	Golden Knights 4, Wild 2
2	Wild at Golden Knights	—	—	Wild 5, Golden Knights 2
3	Golden Knights at Wild	—	—	Wild 5, Golden Knights 2
4	Golden Knights at Wild	—	—	Golden Knights 4, Wild 3 (OT)
5	Wild at Golden Knights	—	—	Golden Knights 3, Wild 2 (OT)
6	Golden Knights at Wild	Thursday, May 1	7:30 p.m.	ESPN, SN360, TVAS2, FSSNNO, SCRIPPS
7	Wild at Golden Knights	Saturday, May 3	TBD *	—
Edmonton Oilers (3P) vs. Los Angeles Kings (2P) — Edmonton leads series 3‑2
1	Kings vs. Oilers	—	—	Kings 6, Oilers 5
2	Oilers at Kings	—	—	Kings 6, Oilers 2
3	Kings at Oilers	—	—	Oilers 7, Kings 4
4	Kings at Oilers	—	—	Oilers 4, Kings 3 (OT)
5	Oilers at Kings	—	—	Oilers 3, Kings 1
6	Kings at Oilers	Thursday, May 1	10 p.m.	SN, CBC, TVAS2, ESPN, FDSNW
7	Oilers at Kings	Saturday, May 3	TBD *	—

FAQ

How can I watch the 2025 NHL playoff games?

You can snag free trials with DIRECTV (5-day free trial), Hulu + Live TV (3-day free trial), or YouTube TV (2-day free trial), which will give you comprehensive viewing access to ESPN, ESPN 2, ABC, TBS, and TNT broadcasting the 2025 NHL playoff games. Fubo (5-day free trial) also has a free trial, but lacks access to TNT, TBS, and truTV due to contract disputes. Sling TV also has all the right stations you'll need, but only offers 50% off per month.

Will the 2025 NHL playoffs be on ESPN Plus?

According to the current deal 2021-2028 NHL, ESPN/ABC, and Turner Sports contract, 2025 playoff games that ESPN and ABC broadcast —including the first two rounds and the conference final ESPN/ABC chooses — are simulcast on ESPN Plus.

What channels and stations will the 2025 NHL playoffs be on?

You'll want the full suite of ESPN, ESPN 2, ABC, TBS, and TNT, which will all broadcast the 2025 NHL playoff games and allow you to cycle through specific team coverage.

Sean is a creative writer and editor with specialties in sports, travel, home, tech, and finance.