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The NHL playoffs continue this weekend with the second round of play nearing its conclusion. NHL playoff games are broadcast across ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, and TBS, and we're here to help you figure out exactly what you need to watch every matchup on cable or with a live TV streaming service.
The NHL playoffs use a best-of-seven series format. Seven teams remain as the competition nears the end of its second round. The Carolina Hurricanes already secured their spot in the next round after defeating the New Jersey Devils. Once the second round is complete, a total of four teams will advance to the NHL Conference Finals, which will then leave two teams remaining to go head-to-head for the 2023 Stanley Cup in June.
How to watch the NHL playoffs in the US
You can watch the NHL playoffs on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, and TBS, with different games spread across each channel. If you have access to local TV with an antenna, you can watch the ABC games for free, but you'll need to have cable, satellite, or a live TV streaming service to tune into the national ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, and TBS broadcasts.
If you don't already have a pay-TV provider with those channels, you can sign up for a live TV streaming service like Sling TV or Hulu + Live TV to watch NHL playoff games.
Sling's Orange package is the cheapest way to live stream the NHL playoffs. This plan includes ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, and TBS. Sling Orange usually costs $40 a month, but new members can get their first month for just $20. Though Sling Orange doesn't have ABC, you can add ABC to your package in select cities by upgrading to the Sling Orange + Blue plan. This package costs $55-$60 a month depending on your location, but new members get 50% off their first month.
What if you're not in the US?
If you're not in the US right now, you might be in a region that doesn't have access to the NHL playoffs. But don't worry, there's an easy solution with a VPN. A virtual private network, or VPN, will let you to watch the NHL playoffs through Sling TV no matter where you are, while giving you a more secure connection at the same time.
Our recommendation for the best VPN service is ExpressVPN. New members get a 30-day money-back guarantee. For more VPN options, check out our full guide to the best VPN providers.
How to watch the NHL Playoffs with a VPN
- Subscribe to a VPN if you don't already have one.
- Install it on the device you're using to watch the NHL playoffs.
- Turn the VPN on and set it to any US location.
- Sign up for Sling TV's Orange plan or Orange + Blue plan — 50% off the first month
- Open Sling TV and select the channel the game is playing on.
2023 NHL Playoffs schedule and channels
Game | Date and time | Channel |
Florida Panthers at Toronto Maple Leafs | May 12, 7 p.m. ET | TNT |
Edmonton Oilers at Vegas Golden Knights | May 12, 10 p.m. ET | TNT |
Dallas Stars at Seattle Kraken | May 13, 7 p.m. ET | ESPN |
Vegas Golden Knights at Edmonton Oilers | May 14, TBD | TBD |
Toronto Maple Leafs at Florida Panthers | May 14, TBD | TBD |
Seattle Kraken at Dallas Stars | May 15, TBD | ESPN |
Edmonton Oilers at Vegas Golden Knights | May 16, TBD | TNT |
Florida Panthers at Toronto Maple Leafs | May 16, TBD | TNT |
Note: The use of VPNs is illegal in certain countries and using VPNs to access region-locked streaming content might constitute a breach of the terms of use for certain services. Insider does not endorse or condone the illegal use of VPNs.