How to Watch NHL Games Online without Cable (2022 Guide)

Are you looking for a legal way to watch NHL games online without a cable or satellite TV package?

Towards the end of the year, sports fans get the pleasure of enjoying a variety of sporting events. Not only is the NFL season going strong, but the NBA season also begins, and hockey lovers get a chance to enjoy the NHL season!

On the surface, it looks like there are a lot of reasons to need cable in your life.

However, there’s another option.

Instead of paying high cable bills, you can save some money and watch NHL online using live streaming services that offer all of the channels you need at a fraction of the price.

This year the NHL preseason gets its start on Saturday, September 24, 2022, and ends on October 8^th. There’s only a short break before the regular season starts on October 11^th. Games will air on numerous networks, but you can get them all without cable.

You can watch sports online from all over the world. In fact, these days you can watch just about everything without cable.

All you need is an internet connection and the right streaming service.

Streaming services offer a mix of live and on-demand content. Many of them come with additional features including things like cloud DVRs, simultaneous streaming, and access to TV Everywhere apps.

If you’re new to the whole world of streaming, don’t worry. We’ve spent the last 5+ years testing every single major live streaming service exhaustively, so we know exactly what works and is worth your money and what isn’t.

In this guide, we’ll show you step-by-step how to watch NHL games online without cable!

 

WHAT CHANNELS AIR NHL GAMES?

The NHL TV schedule will have a number of games airing nationally on ABC, ESPN, ESPN+, NHL Network, and TNT.

Additionally, you’ll also need your local regional sports channels if you want to follow your local team all throughout the season as that is where the vast majority of regular season games will air. The specific RSN will depend on your location.

 

THE BEST STREAMING SERVICES TO WATCH NHL ONLINE

You’re going to find a lot of sports streaming services that give you a way to watch NHL online. The trick to finding the right one for you is to consider which services give you the most access to the channels or sports that you want. All of the services below will give you a way to watch NHL games and a few of them even offer all the channels that are airing NHL games.

If you don’t feel like reading the full guide, here’s the quick overview: Your best bet to watch all the NHL action this season is to get DIRECTV STREAM and ESPN+. DIRECTV STREAM will give you your local regional sports networks and the major national sports networks, while ESPN+ will be necessary to get the NHL games that are exclusively hosted on the app.

 

DIRECTV STREAM

DIRECTV STREAM is a live streaming service that gives you an experience like cable at a much cheaper price.

Multiple plans are available starting at $69.99/month with no contracts and no hidden fees.

The basic plan has 65+ channels, but there are larger packages that include everything from major networks to premium movie channels.

Depending on your package, you’ll have local channels, regional sports networks, ESPN, ESPN2, TBS, TNT, USA, and other popular channels. DIRECTV STREAM even offers NHL Network in some packages. Additional add-on channels can be added to any package for a fee. You can find full details in the DIRECTV STREAM channels list guide.

Package features give subscribers access to 40,000 hours of on-demand entertainment. You also receive a cloud-based DVR, TV Everywhere app usage, and the ability to stream on simultaneous devices at the same time.

Streaming is possible on everything from smart TVs and computers to Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, and mobile devices.

Visit our DIRECTV STREAM review to learn more.

A 5-day DIRECTV STREAM free trial is available.

 

ESPN+

ESPN+ is another streaming service that will be helpful if you want to watch NHL online. Many of the live events during NHL season will stream exclusively on ESPN+ and the only way to watch those games is to subscribe to the service.

ESPN+ is a completely different network than ESPN. You need to order the streaming service, as it is not available on cable. Even though the networks sound similar, all of the content the two networks air is completely different.

ESPN+ offers both live and on-demand content. Beyond NHL, you’ll have access to tons of college sports, international sports, and lots of more unique, less mainstream sports. If nothing is on live that you want to watch, you’ll also have a full on-demand library. You can stream documentaries, sports news, and much more!

There’s only one package with ESPN+, but you can opt to pay for it monthly or yearly. It’s $10 for the month and $100 for the year, which gives you a little discount if you pay annually. There’s no free trial available, but you can cancel whenever you want.

Check out the details on ESPN pricing to see how you can save some money by bundling Hulu and Disney+.

You can stream ESPN+ on Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, mobile devices, and more.

Don’t forget to read our ESPN+ review to learn more.

Try ESPN+, today!

 

fuboTV

fuboTV is one of the top ways to enjoy sports without cable. It’s a live streaming service that offers a mix of dozens of channels starting at $69.99/month.

When it comes to watching NHL games online, fuboTV has packages that offer regional sports channels and ESPN. You can add on channels like NHL Network.

You can find out everything that fuboTV has to offer in our fuboTV review.

You can stream fuboTV on most streaming devices. Some options include Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, computers, mobile devices, Apple TV, Roku, and more. Just connect your device to your Wi-Fi and you’re good to go!

Depending on your package, you’ll have more channels than you might need. Top networks like AMC, FX, Syfy, and Disney are all included.

If you don’t have enough channels, you can add complete channel bundles or single packages for sports like NBA League Pass. You can find full package details in our guide to the fuboTV channel lineup.

Each package includes a variety of added features like cloud-based DVR recording, an on-demand library, and use of TV Everywhere apps. Simultaneous streaming is also included, which is a great addition for families.

Click here to try fuboTV free for 7 days.

 

Hulu Live

Hulu with Live TV is one of the top options in live streaming right now. One plan is available that includes more then 85 channels for $70 a month. Local channels are included, so most areas will have access to ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC. ESPN and ESPN2 are included, as well as TNT. NHL Network is not included. You can find out even more about what channels Hulu Live has to offer with the Hulu with Live TV lineup.

Hulu Live comes with some of the best added features in all of streaming. You’ll have the standard stuff like a cloud-DVR, access to TV Everywhere apps, and simultaneous streaming.

You also have added subscriptions to both ESPN+ and Disney+. The Hulu on-demand library is also included and that includes Hulu Originals!

Many NHL games air on ESPN+, so signing up to Hulu Live means you have access to both services for one price and you get more hockey! Hulu Live is a contract-free service. Cancel when you want, it’s all up to you!

You can stream Hulu with Live TV with all commonly used streaming devices. You’ll have access on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, mobile devices, computers, gaming consoles, some smart TVs, and other devices.

Find out more with our Hulu Live review.

Try Hulu Live free for 7 days.

 

Sling TV

Sling TV is a great option if you’re a budget-conscious sports fan. Here you will be able to enjoy one of three packages from $35 per month. ABC is not included, but you’ll be able to watch the NHL games airing on ABC on ESPN3, which is included! You’ll have ESPN and ESPN2, in some packages, also. TNT is included and you can add NHL Network to any package for a fee.

The major thing NHL fans will miss here are regional sports networks. If you’re looking to follow your local team for every game throughout the season, Sling TV might not be the best choice as it doesn’t have those regional channels. But if you just want to watch the big national games, it’s a great, budget-friendly choice.

Sling TV offers dozens of add-on options from additional sports channels to content for the kids. As the starting price is so low, you get the chance to build a reasonably priced package that is perfect for you. You can find details on the available plans and all the add-ons with the Sling TV channel lineup.

Package features are the same no matter the package you choose. You’ll have an on-demand library and a cloud-DVR with limited space. You can use TV Everywhere apps, too. Simultaneous streaming is also included, though the number of streams is dependent on the package you choose.

You’ll be able to watch Sling TV from most locations as long as you have a stable internet connection. Possible streaming devices include Chromecast, Roku, computers, mobile devices, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV.

You can find additional details in our Sling TV review.

Click here to try Sling TV.

 

Vidgo

Vidgo could be a good fit for NHL fans because it’s one of the few services that includes NHL Network in the main plan. Vidgo plans are available from $60 a month and include multiple channels and package features.

Vidgo only offers limited access to local channels, but ABC is included. You’ll also have ESPN, but TNT is not part of the package. Many other sports channels are offered. The plan includes channels like ACCN, beIN Sports, Big Ten Network, Pac-12 regional channels, NFL Network, and so much more!

Vidgo streams on mobile devices, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, mobile devices, and more. One of the most unique features offered includes the chance to create watch parties for other Vidgo subscribers.

There is no free trial option available with Vidgo. However, if you think Vidgo is the service for you, they offer the chance to cancel your subscription at any point. If you’re not satisfied, just cancel right from your online account by clicking some buttons. It’s as easy as signing up!

Check out our Vidgo review for more details.

Try Vidgo today.

 

YouTube TV

YouTube TV has grown into one of the top live streaming services around. 85+ channels can be found in the one available plan for $65 per month.

Local channels are available in most parts of the country. You’ll also have TNT, TBS, ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, and dozens of other channels. You won’t have NHL Network and the selection of regional sports networks is thin. The YouTube TV channel lineup has more details on all of the great channels you’d receive.

Add-on channels are also available. You can add things like AMC+, NBA League Pass, additional sports channels, and more! YouTube Originals content is also part of your package. Like with other streaming services, you can cancel your YouTube TV package at any time.

Your plan features an on-demand library and an unlimited cloud-based DVR. You can use TV Everywhere apps, too. Multiple user profiles are allowed for each account. This ensures that families sharing the account can have their own watchlist and DVR. Simultaneous streaming is also included.

You can stream YouTube TV on most popular devices. Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, mobile devices, and more are compatible.

Read our YouTube TV review for more info.

YouTube TV comes with a free weeklong trial.

 

 

FAQ

By now you’ve read tons of information about available streaming services and ways to watch NHL without cable, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if you still had some questions. If you do, you might find the answer here. These are some of the most common questions we receive when it comes to streaming NHL games online.

Can I watch NHL games without cable?

It’s possible to watch the entire NHL season online without cable. All you need to do is pick a streaming service that will air the games and you’ll be all set to go!

How do I stream NHL games?

Once you’ve chosen a streaming service that you want to use, you connect your account to a compatible device, and it will allow you to stream content to your computer, phone, tablet, or TV. As long as you have a reliable internet connection and a compatible device, you’ll be able to watch TV.

What streaming services will allow me to watch NHL games?

All the services listed above allow you to watch NHL games without cable. Some of the services like fuboTV and Hulu Live come with free trials. All the services are also contract-free, which means you can cancel whenever you want.

Is there a legal way to watch NHL games for free?

No. At this time, if you want to watch NHL games legally without cable, you’re going to need to use a streaming service like those listed above.

 

A FINAL WORD ON HOW TO WATCH NHL GAMES ONLINE WITHOUT CABLE

Every service mentioned here will put you on a path to enjoying the NHL season from the comfort of your couch. You won’t need cable, contracts, or hidden fees to do it either. You’ll be able to connect your device, flip to the channel airing the game, and enjoy! It’s just that simple.

Using a live stream service means that you have the freedom to cancel your subscription whenever you want. It also means package freebies like the use of TV Everywhere apps, cloud-DVR services, and on-demand libraries. It’s live TV with some added perks.

If you still haven’t made up your mind about which service to use, consider utilizing some of the free trials. This gives you a few days to a week to test a service to see if you like it. If not, cancel before the trial ends, and you won’t be charged. Not all of the services offer free trials, but many of them do.

That covers how to watch NHL games online for the 2022 season, but if you have any additional questions, feel free to leave them in the comments.