By Oscar Hartzog
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The 2025 NHL playoffs are underway. All 16 teams are still in the running for the Stanley Cup as we near the end of the first round. The No. 1 Jets, this year’s Presidents Trophy recipients, are facing tough opposition from the No. 4 Blues. In the East, every series is at 3-1, including Alex Ovechkin‘s No. 1 Capitals in their series against the No. 4 Canadiens.
If you’ve cut the cord since last year’s Stanley Cup Playoffs, figuring out how to stream the hockey tournament can be tricky. Ahead, we’ve put together a quick guide on the best ways to watch NHL playoff games online without cable, as well as key information about the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
2025 NHL playoff games are broadcast on ESPN channels (ESPN, ESPN2) or TNT channels (TNT, TBS, TruTV). ESPN games will be simulcast on ESPN+, and TNT games will also be shown on Max.
If you don’t have cable, the best way to watch every game is with a live TV streaming service that carries both ESPN and TNT (and their sister networks). Alternatively, you can get ESPN+ and Max and switch between the two of them.
Here’s a rundown of the best live TV streaming services you can use to watch the NHL playoffs online:
DirecTV now offers hardware-free streaming options to rival any cable package. Their best offering for hockey fans is the MySports plan, which carries 20+ top sports channels — including ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, and TBS to livestream every Stanley Cup Playoff game this year. ESPN+ is also included. The package costs $69.99 a month, and you get a five-day free trial to start. Overall, it’s probably the best package for sports fans, and makes a great option if you’re also looking to stream the NBA Playoffs or any other sports right now.
One of the best ways to watch the 2025 NHL playoffs is Sling. The budget-friendly streaming service carries ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, and TBS in its most affordable package, the Orange plan. This package starts at $46.99 a month, but right now you can score 50% off your first month. The whole lineup is 34 channels, which is fewer than the options below, but you’re paying significantly less. The only real downside is that Sling does not offer a free trial.
Another streaming service that carries all the channels you need to livestream the NHL playoffs is Hulu + Live TV. This one offers a three-day free trial to start, but it’s pricier than the above at $82.99 a month. However, you do get more channels (95+), as well as complimentary access to ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu’s entire on-demand library. This makes it a great option for anyone looking to overhaul their streaming setup and watch the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Note: Fubo is another popular live TV streaming service, but it does not carry TNT/TBS, so we left it off this list.
The 2025 NHL playoffs started on Saturday, April 19. The tournament will end no later than June 23.
Here’s the full schedule for the first round:
Edmonton Oilers vs. Los Angeles Kings: Series tied 2-2
Game 1: Kings 6, Oilers 5
Game 2: Kings 6, Oilers 2
Game 3: Oilers 7, Kings 4
Game 4: Oilers 4, Kings 3 (OT)
Game 5: Oilers at Kings — Tuesday, April 29, 10 p.m. ET, TBS
Game 6: Kings at Oilers — Thursday, May 1, TBD
* Game 7: Oilers at Kings — Saturday, May 3, TBD
* If necessary
St. Louis Blues vs. Winnipeg Jets: Series tied 2-2
Game 1: Jets 5, Blues 3
Game 2: Jets 2, Blues 1
Game 3: Blues 7, Jets 2
Game 4: Blues 5, Jets 1
Game 5: Blues at Jets — Wednesday, April 30, 9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
Game 6: Jets at Blues — Friday, May 2, TBD
* Game 7: Blues at Jets — Sunday, May 4, TBD
* If necessary
Colorado Avalanche vs. Dallas Stars: Stars lead 3-2
Game 1: Avalanche 5, Stars 1
Game 2: Stars 4, Avalanche 3
Game 3: Stars 2, Avalanche 1 (OT)
Game 4: Avalanche 4, Stars 0
Game 5: Stars 6, Avalanche 2
Game 6: Stars at Avalanche — Thursday, May 1, TBD
* Game 7: Avalanche at Stars — Saturday, May 3, TBD
* If necessary
Minnesota Wild vs. Vegas Golden Knights: Series tied 2-2
Game 1: Golden Knights 4, Wild 2
Game 2: Wild 5, Golden Knights 2
Game 3: Wild 5, Golden Knights 2
Game 4: Golden Knights 4, Wild 3 (OT)
Game 5: Wild at Golden Knights — Tuesday, April 29, 9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
Game 6: Golden Knights at Wild — Thursday, May 1, TBD
* Game 7: Wild at Golden Knights — Saturday, May 3, TBD
* If necessary
Ottawa Senators vs. Toronto Maple Leafs: Maple Leafs lead 3-1
Game 1: Maple Leafs 6, Senators 2
Game 2: Maple Leafs 3, Senators 2 (OT)
Game 3: Maple Leafs 3, Senators 2 (OT)
Game 4: Senators 4, Maple Leafs 3 (OT)
Game 5: Senators at Maple Leafs — Tuesday, April 29, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN
* Game 6: Maple Leafs at Senators — Friday, May 1, TBD
* Game 7: Senators at Maple Leafs — Saturday, May 3, TBD
* If necessary
Florida Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning: Panthers lead 3-1
Game 1: Panthers 6, Lightning 2
Game 2: Panthers 2, Lightning 0
Game 3: Lightning 5, Panthers 1
Game 4: Panthers 4, Lightning 2
Game 5: Panthers at Lightning — Wednesday, April 30, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
* Game 6: Lightning at Panthers — Friday, May 2, TBD
* Game 7: Panthers at Lightning — Sunday, May 4, TBD
* If necessary
Montreal Canadiens vs. Washington Capitals: Capitals lead 3-1
Game 1: Capitals 3, Canadiens 2 (OT)
Game 2: Capitals 3, Canadiens 1
Game 3: Canadiens 6, Capitals 3
Game 4: Capitals 5, Canadiens 2
Game 5: Canadiens at Capitals — Wednesday, April 30, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN
* Game 6: Capitals at Canadiens — Friday, May 2, TBD
* Game 7: Canadiens/at Capitals — Sunday, May 4, TBD
* If necessary
New Jersey Devils vs. Carolina Hurricanes: Hurricanes lead 3-1
Game 1: Hurricanes 4, Devils 1
Game 2: Hurricanes 4, Devils 1
Game 3: Devils 3, Hurricanes 2 (2OT)
Game 4: Hurricanes 5, Devils 2
Game 5: Devils at Hurricanes — Tuesday, April 29, 7:30 p.m. ET, TBS
* Game 6: Hurricanes at Devils — Friday, May 2, TBD
* Game 7: Devils at Hurricanes — Sunday, May 4, TBD
* If necessary
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