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Hockey continues its surge in popularity heading into the 2026-27 NHL season, fueled by cultural moments and the emergence of young star players. The official season kicks off with high expectations across the league.
At a Glance: How to Watch NHL Games Online Without Cable
This year’s NHL games air nationally across ABC, ESPN, and TNT. Fans can watch hockey on TV with any standard cable package that includes these three networks.
ESPN will broadcast the most games of the season, followed by TNT with its longtime NHL on TNT programming. ABC’s Hockey Saturday begins in January featuring 18 marquee matchups. The network will also host the 2027 NHL All-Star Game live from UBS Arena in New York.
Watch NHL With Antenna
Smart TV Indoor Digital TV Antenna
Cable cutters can access ABC and dozens of other local channels with a digital antenna like this one from Amazon. This compact indoor antenna tucks easily behind your TV or by a window and lets you watch the NHL on ABC without paying for cable.
The NHL season is also available for streaming online, with most games—including out-of-market matchups—accessible through the ESPN+ streaming app. TNT’s broadcasts stream live on HBO Max.
How to Watch NHL Games Online Free
There are several ways to livestream NHL games online without needing cable or expensive subscriptions.
Top Pick
Watch NHL Games With DIRECTV
DIRECTV is a popular streaming service that lets you watch live TV online, with a channel lineup that includes ABC, ESPN, and TNT.
DIRECTV’s “MySports Genre Pack” includes all the above networks plus 20 additional channels, along with a free ESPN+ subscription for just $44.99/month. Prefer not to commit? Take advantage of the five-day free trial to DIRECTV and use it to watch the NHL online without cable for free.
Best Bundle Deal
Watch NHL Games With Hulu + Live TV
Fans can also stream NHL games through Hulu + Live TV, which offers over 100 live television channels in addition to Hulu’s on-demand library. This service includes access to Disney+ and ESPN+, making it one of the best values in streaming.
Currently, Hulu + Live TV is available at 50% off for a limited time. Sign up now to start streaming hockey games online without needing a traditional cable subscription.
Most Flexible Plans
Watch NHL Games With Sling
Sling is another live streaming option for watching NHL games online. Sling carries ESPN and TNT as part of its Sling Orange package, starting at $45.99/month.
Only interested in a specific game? Sling offers 1-day, 3-day, and week-long passes to Sling Orange starting from just $4.99. Subscriptions can be canceled or changed at any time.
All three streaming services allow fans to watch NHL games from home via computer, smartphone, tablet, or smart TV. They also provide complimentary DVR functionality so you can record games you miss and watch replays later.
NHL 2026-27 Season Odds and Favorites
The 2026-27 NHL regular season runs from September 29, 2026, to April 10, 2027, followed immediately by the Stanley Cup Playoffs through June.
The Carolina Hurricanes are the defending Stanley Cup champions after defeating the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2026 finals. Carolina enters the season as a favorite to repeat, alongside 2025 champions Florida Panthers, the Edmonton Oilers, and the Colorado Avalanche.
$1500 In Bonus Bets
See Latest Odds & Wagers
Check the latest NHL wagers and Stanley Cup odds at BetMGM. New customers can claim a first bet offer and receive up to $1500 back in bonus bets if the initial wager doesn’t win.*
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Hockey’s growing popularity follows the success of shows like Heated Rivalry and Off Campus, as well as the rise of young NHL talent including Macklin Celebrini, Conor Bedard, and U.S. Olympic standout Jack Hughes. Attention will focus on 18-year-old Gavin McKenna, the Yukon native selected first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2026 NHL Draft.
Get Official Merch
NHL Premium Home Jerseys
Fans can shop official 2026-27 NHL merchandise online at Fanatics.com, featuring everything from jerseys and t-shirts to hoodies and caps.
SeatGeek reported earlier this year that hockey ticket sales on its platform increased 24% during the week of Heated Rivalry’s season one finale in December, with average ticket prices rising up to 36% following the show’s airing.
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