How to watch blackout NHL games on ESPN+ and NHL.tv in 2025

Have you ever tried streaming your favorite NHL team on ESPN+ or NHL.tv – only to find the game is blacked out in your area? NHL blackouts happen when local or national broadcasters hold exclusive rights to air certain games. So, because your IP address determines your location, if you’re inside that blackout zone, you can’t watch the game live – even with a paid ESPN+ or NHL.tv subscription.

To get around NHL blackouts, the most effective solution is to use a VPN. A VPN encrypts your connection and hides your IP, letting you appear in another location – so you can stream out-of-market NHL games without restrictions.

After testing 20+ VPN providers, NordVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, TotalVPN, and IPVanish stood out as the best VPNs to watch blackout NHL games. They were chosen for their consistent streaming speeds, server locations in blackout-free states, and ability to unlock ESPN+ and NHL.tv without issues. That said, keep reading to find out how to set your VPN up and stream every NHL game without limits.

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Top 5 best NHL VPNs in 2025

1. NordVPN

   Overall best VPN to watch blackout NHL games on ESPN+
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   Reliable NHL TV VPN with servers in 22+ US cities
   9.5
3. Proton VPN

   Security-focused VPN to get around NHL blackouts
   8.6
4. TotalVPN

   Cheapest NHL VPN with decent speeds
   8.2
5. IPVanish

   User-friendly VPN for NHL blackout restrictions
   8.4

Why is NHL game blackout on ESPN Plus and NHL.tv?

If you can’t watch your desired NHL games on ESPN+ or NHL.tv, you’re most likely affected by a regional or national blackout. These happen due to broadcasting rights and agreements with local stations and national networks.

Both ESPN+ and NHL.tv determine your location by checking your IP address and blocking some content if you’re in a blackout zone.

You can bypass NHL blackouts by using a reliable VPN. By connecting to a VPN server, you’ll get an IP address from a location outside the blackout area. This will let you access restricted NHL games on ESPN+ or NHL.tv.

To get around a regional NHL blackout, simply connect to a VPN server in a state where neither team is based and then access ESPN+. If you want to bypass a national blackout, connect to a VPN server outside the US – like the Netherlands – and access NHL.tv. This will allow you to enjoy uninterrupted coverage of your favorite games without restrictions.

Additionally, you can use an NHL blackout zip code tool to check what games are available in your region. All you have to do is enter your zip code to get real-time blackout information.

Best VPNs to watch blackout NHL games: detailed list

1. NordVPN – overall best VPN to watch all NHL games on ESPN+ and NHL.tv
2. Surfshark – NHL TV VPN with plenty of US servers to bypass regional blackouts
3. Proton VPN – high-privacy VPN that works with NHL blackout restrictions
4. TotalVPN – affordable VPN for watching NHL games without restrictions
5. IPVanish – easy-to-use VPN to bypass NHL blackouts

Like most streaming platforms, ESPN+ uses your IP address to identify your geo-location and enforce broadcasting restrictions. If it doesn’t hold the rights to stream a game in your area, the event will be blacked out. A VPN can make it seem like you're connecting from a different state, allowing you to access these games, but ESPN+ actively blocks many VPN services, so not every option will work. Therefore, I’ve tested more than 20 VPN providers to find the best NHL VPN for bypassing ESPN+ and NHL.tv blackouts. I focused on server lists, especially US servers, unblocking capabilities, connection speed, built-in security features, and overall value. Based on these results, I compiled a list of the top 5 VPNs for NHL streaming in 2025.

1. NordVPN – the best VPN for watching blackout NHL games on ESPN+

NordVPN is the best VPN for bypassing NHL blackouts on ESPN+ and NHL.tv, as it offers 1970+ streaming-optimized US servers across 19+ states, plus a massive 7400+ servers fleet in 118+ countries. Additionally, there are many security-focused features to keep you safe online.

Bypass NHL blackouts with NordVPN’s 1970+ US servers

NordVPN has 7400+ servers in 118 countries, including 1970+ US servers and 300+ Canada servers, making it easy to bypass NHL blackouts on ESPN+ and NHL.tv. To bypass NHL regional blackouts in your location, simply choose a server outside of your state, such as connecting to New York if you’re in California or using a Denver server if you’re in Texas.

Speed: up to 400+Mbps when streaming NHL games on ESPN+ and NHL.tv

With the fast NordLynx protocol, you will get the best speed results. When connected to one of NordVPN’s US servers, my speeds stayed at 400+Mbps, retaining 94% of my original speed. This means you can enjoy buffer-free NHL games in HD or even 4K without any lag, ensuring a smooth and immersive viewing experience, even during peak streaming times.

Privacy: stay anonymous while watching hockey games

NordVPN uses AES-256 encryption and advanced features to keep your NHL streams private and secure. Threat Protection will protect you from malware or intrusive ads while streaming NHL matches. Additionally, the Kill Switch feature will ensure that your activity stays private if the VPN connection drops. I was never detected while connected to NordVPN, even when streaming NHL in a restricted region.

Price: best value for money

NordVPN has a 7-day free trial that you can test out. If you’re interested in a long-term subscription, you can get it for $3.39/month. All subscriptions come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can use NordVPN on 10 devices simultaneously on major OS, including Linux, as well as routers and smart TVs.

For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark – fast NHL VPN with servers in 22+ US cities

Surfshark is a reliable NHL VPN for watching blackout NHL games on ESPN+ or NHL.tv. It has a wide selection of US servers, so you can enjoy a fast and unrestricted NHL streaming experience.

Watch NHL blackout games using Surfshark’s 600+ US servers

Surfshark offers 3200+ servers in 100 countries, with 600+ US servers in 22+ US cities and over 120 servers in 3+ Canada locations. With servers in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta, Chicago, Boston, New York, and many other locations, you’ll have no trouble bypassing NHL blackouts in the US or Canada. I connected to Surfshark’s Los Angeles server and was able to bypass Chicago Blackhawks restrictions while also having a fast and high-quality streaming experience on ESPN+.

Speed: 400+Mbps for smooth NHL streaming

Surfshark provides a fast and secure WireGuard protocol, which will enhance your speeds. I connected to the New York server, and my speeds remained at 400+Mbps with 93% original speed retention. With these speeds, I was able to stream NHL Los Angeles Kings games without any buffering issues or delays.

Privacy: stay undetected by ESPN+ and NHL.tv

With Surfshark, you can choose from many security features. The robust AES-256 encryption and trustworthy no-logs policy ensures a private and secure experience. Bypasser lets you route only NHL traffic through the VPN, keeping the rest of your apps on a regular connection. On top of that, the Double VPN feature will add an extra layer of security by routing your traffic through a second location.

Price: affordable VPN for the whole family

Surfshark is available for $2.19/month and has a 30-day money-back guarantee. It also offers a 7-day free trial. Surfshark has no connection limitations, so you can use it on all major OSs, routers, and smart TVs.

For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.

3. Proton VPN – privacy-first VPN to bypass NHL blackouts

Proton VPN is a secure and privacy-focused VPN that easily gets around NHL blackouts. With global servers, fast speeds, and reliable unblocking of NHL.tv and ESPN+, it lets you stream games from anywhere – without risking your privacy.

Bypass NHL blackouts with Proton VPN's 3182+ US servers in 17+ cities

Proton VPN has a massive fleet of 13000+ servers in 122+ countries, including 3182+ US servers in 17+ cities and 531+ in Canada. So whether you want to stream ESPN+ without regional restrictions or access NHL.tv from the US or Canada, just connect to a server in a different city or country. For instance, I used Proton VPN’s New York and Vancouver servers to stream blacked-out games with zero issues.

Speed: up to 387Mbps to stream NHL in HD or 4K

With the fast WireGuard protocol and Proton VPN’s VPN Accelerator feature, it performed consistently during tests, averaging 387Mbps and around 90% original speed retention. As a result, you can stream your favorite NHL matches in high quality without any lag, buffering, or interruptions.

Privacy: stay anonymous with Secure Core and Swiss-level security

Based in privacy-friendly Switzerland, Proton VPN is built for anonymity. It uses robust AES-256 encryption and has a strict no-logs policy, so you’ll always be secure and anonymous. On top of that, there’s the advanced Secure Core feature, which routes your traffic through ultra-secure servers before reaching your target location. Proton VPN also comes with the Kill Switch and split tunneling features for a robust privacy toolkit.

Price: premium privacy for a fair price

While Proton VPN offers a free version, it doesn’t support streaming or access to US servers, so you’ll need the premium plan to watch NHL games without blackouts. That said, you can get Proton VPN for $3.59/month with a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can set it up on 10 devices simultaneously, including Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, and smart TVs – perfect for streaming the NHL wherever you are.

4. TotalVPN – reliable VPN to get rid of blackout restrictions on NHL TV and ESPN+

TotalVPN is an easy-to-use VPN that reliably bypasses NHL blackouts. Its simple interface makes it a solid pick for VPN beginners who want to stream ESPN+ and NHL.tv without restrictions.

Avoid NHL blackout restrictions with TotalVPN’s 50+ servers in 35+ countries

TotalVPN offers only 50+ servers in 35+ countries – enough to unlock NHL.tv in the US or Canada. Total VPN offers US servers in 11 cities, which will help you stream your favorite NHL games on ESPN+ from anywhere. For instance, I was able to stream Minnesota Wild games using Los Angeles server.

Speed: 361+Mbps for smooth NHL streaming on ESPN+

Even though TotalVPN doesn’t support the WireGuard protocol, I was able to stream NHL matches without any speed loss. With the secure OpenVPN protocol, my speeds stayed at 361+Mbps, retaining 84% of my original speed – more than enough for lag-free NHL streams.

Privacy: watch NHL games securely with IP and DNS leak protection

While the list of additional features is quite short, TotalVPN ensures your security and privacy with AES-256 military-grade encryption. Plus, TotalVPN’s IP and DNS leak protection keeps your location hidden at all times, and the built-in Kill Switch adds an extra layer of security in case any VPN disruption occurs while streaming NHL.

Price: cheap NHL VPN for up to 5 devices

You can try TotalVPN risk-free with a 7-day free trial. If you’re interested in a paid subscription, you can get a long-term plan from $1.59/month with a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can use TotalVPN on up to 5 devices on all major operating systems.

5. IPVanish – user-friendly NHL TV VPN for bypassing blackout restrictions

IPVanish is a fast and beginner-friendly VPN that helps bypass NHL blackouts on ESPN+ and NHL.tv. With over a thousand US servers, it gives you smooth access to every game without interruptions.

Watch all NHL games without blackout with IPVanish servers in 109+ countries

IPVanish offers 2400+ servers in 109+ countries, including 1020+ US servers across 20+ cities and 50+ servers in 3+ Canadian cities. That means you can easily bypass blackout restrictions on NHL.tv or ESPN+ by connecting to a server outside your team’s market. For example, I streamed a Rangers game using IPVanish’s Phoenix server without any restrictions.

Speed: delivers 86% speed retention for seamless HD and 4K hockey streaming

Thanks to the fast WireGuard protocol, during my tests, IPVanish reached speeds of 369Mbps, maintaining 86% of my original connection. This was more than enough for HD and even 4K streaming – no lag, no buffering, even during high-traffic hours.

Privacy: avoid any data leaks and stay safe with strong security features

IPVanish uses the industry standard AES-256 encryption and offers essential features like a Kill Switch and IP/DNS leak protection. Besides that, IPVanish also owns its entire server infrastructure, adding another layer of control and privacy. That said, IPVanish is a solid option if you want your NHL streaming to stay private and undetected.

Price: low-cost NHL VPN for unlimited devices

You can get IPVanish for only $2.19/month with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day free trial on mobile. It supports unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can stream NHL on all major operating systems, Linux, routers, and smart TVs.

Best NHL VPNs comparison

How to watch all NHL games without blackouts: detailed guide

You can watch locally blacked-out NHL games on ESPN+ without restrictions by using a streaming-friendly VPN like NordVPN. With a VPN, you can change your IP address and stream blacked-out NHL games from anywhere. Here's a detailed guide on how to watch every NHL game blackout-free in 2025 on ESPN+ using a VPN:

Step 1: Subscribe to a reliable VPN with servers across the US

To watch blacked-out NHL games online, you’ll need a VPN with consistent speeds and US servers in multiple states. On top of that, strong unblocking capabilities and solid privacy features are also important. For that, NordVPN is my top choice – it has 1970+ servers in 19+ US states, a robust security toolkit, and successfully unblocks blackout games on both ESPN+ and NHL.tv.

Step 2: Download and install the VPN app on your device

After choosing and subscribing to a VPN, install its app on your preferred device. For mobile users, it is recommended to disable location services or to use a GPS spoofing app (especially on Android) to avoid ESPN+ flagging your real location.

However, if you’re streaming on a Smart TV or game console, native VPN apps may not be supported. In such cases, use Smart DNS, sideload the VPN (on Fire Stick), or install it on a VPN-compatible router to cover all your devices.

Pro tip: before launching ESPN+ or NHL.tv, clear your cookies and cache or use incognito mode. This helps avoid leaks from stored location data and gives you a clean slate for streaming blackout-free games.

Step 3: Connect to a server in a US state where the NHL games are not blacked out

The key to bypassing NHL and ESPN+ blackouts is picking the right VPN server. For instance, if you’re blacked out in New York, switch to a VPN server in California, Illinois, or Texas to stream New York Rangers games on ESPN+.

On the other hand, if you’re using NHL.tv outside the US or Canada, connect to a VPN server in the Netherlands, Germany, or another country. Since these locations don’t apply NHL blackout restrictions, you’ll have full access to every game, anywhere.

Step 4: Open the ESPN+ or NHL.TV app, log in and start watching!

Now that you’re connected, open ESPN+ or NHL.TV, log in, and enjoy the game! You should be able to stream NHL games from anywhere, with no regional blocks or interruptions. However, if you’re still seeing a ESPN+ blackout warning, try switching servers, connecting to a different network, or using a private browser window. If any issues persist, don’t hesitate to contact your VPN’s support team – they’ll usually have a fix.

Enjoy NHL games without blackouts with NordVPN

Can you use free VPN to get around regional NHL blackouts?

Free VPNs are generally not reliable for bypassing regional NHL blackouts. Even if the free VPN provider offers servers in different locations, it is not guaranteed that this will be enough to bypass blackouts on ESPN+ or NHL.tv. Additionally, most free VPNs lack necessary security measurements, limited bandwidth, server quality, and cannot guarantee secure and private browsing and streaming experiences.

Instead, I recommend using a reputable VPN with a free trial, like NordVPN. NordVPN successfully bypasses NHL blackouts with a wide selection of US servers in different locations. Plus, NordVPN is a trustworthy VPN that uses military-grade encryption and guarantees privacy at all times. You can try it risk-free with a 7-day free trial or use the 30-day money-back guarantee to test it during the NHL season.

Can you stream NHL hockey for free?

Yes, you can stream NHL games for free on CBC Gem in Canada and Ran.de in Germany. If you’re outside these countries, you can use a VPN to change your virtual location and access these streaming services. To stream NHL matches on CBC Gem, simply connect to a VPN server in Canada. For Ran.de, connect to a server in Germany. By doing this, you will mask your IP address, and you will appear as if you’re browsing from that country, allowing you access to free NHL streams from anywhere.

Does ESPN+ stream all NHL games?

Yes, ESPN+ streams over 1050 games, but not all the season. You can find the rest on ESPN and TNT, which also stream NHL games. However, due to blackout rules, not all games are accessible in all US states. To watch all NHL games on ESPN+ without any restrictions, you can use a reliable VPN service. A VPN will change your IP address, providing you access to all NHL matches on ESPN+ regardless of your location.

ESPN+ guarantees you access to 100 exclusive 2024/25 season games for only $11.99/month, which is definitely cheaper than NHL TV. You can also watch the Stanley Cup finals with an ESPN+ subscription. Even if you experience blackouts with ESPN+, you can use a reliable sports streaming VPN and bypass them easily.

Watch NHL games with NordVPN

NHL 2024/25 schedule

The NHL 2024/25 season games began on October 4, 2024, with international games in Europe, followed by the North American opener on October 8. The regular season will continue until April 17, 2025, and then lead straight into the Stanley Cup Playoffs, starting April 19, 2025. There will be hundreds of matchups during this season, so be sure to mark your calendar to not miss your favorite NHL games. That said, below you will find an updated schedule of upcoming NHL games.

Conclusion

You can watch NHL 2024/25 games on ESPN+ and NHL.tv, but blackout restrictions might get in the way – especially if you’re trying to catch your local team matchups. Unfortunately, these blackouts are based on your IP address, so your location determines what you can (or can’t) watch.

The easiest way to bypass NHL blackouts? Use a VPN. I recommend NordVPN – with 1970+ US servers, fast speeds, and robust privacy, it’s the best way to change your location and stream every out-of-market NHL game without the usual blocks. No more missed goals, hassle, or annoying restrictions.

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FAQ

Does ESPN+ blackout NHL games?

Yes, ESPN+ enforces NHL blackout restrictions. NHL blackouts happen when games are aired on local or national TV in your area. So, if ESPN+ doesn’t hold the rights for your location, the game won’t be available to stream live.

Why does ESPN black out NHL games?

NHL games are blacked out on ESPN+ due to exclusive TV rights. If a local or national broadcaster is airing the game in your area, ESPN+ must block the stream to avoid violating licensing agreements.

What are the NHL blackout rules?

NHL blackout rules exist to protect local broadcast deals. If a game airs on regional or national TV, streaming platforms like ESPN+ or NHL.tv will block the live stream in that area to avoid overlap.

How to avoid blackout restrictions in NHL?

To bypass NHL blackout restrictions, start by choosing a reliable VPN, like NordVPN. Then, install the VPN app and connect to a server outside the blackout zone. After that, clear your cookies or use incognito mode before opening ESPN+ or NHL.tv. This masks your location and bypasses the blackout.

How can I watch blacked out Chicago Blackhawks games?

You can watch blacked out Blackhawks games by using a VPN. Just connect to a VPN server outside the blackout zone – that is, any US state that’s not in the Blackhawks’ regional market. Afterward, log into ESPN+ and enjoy unrestricted access.

How can I watch the blacked out Pittsburgh Penguins game?

To watch blacked-out Pittsburgh Penguin games, use a VPN, like NordVPN, to bypass regional restrictions. Connect to a server outside the blackout area, then access the game on ESPN+ or NHL.tv to stream it.

How to watch the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight?

To watch the Toronto Maple Leafs game, tune into ESPN+, TSN, or Sportsnet, depending on your region. If the game is blacked out in your area, use a VPN to connect to a server outside the blackout region. This will give you a new IP address and let you access the game without interruptions.

What is the best way to watch Seattle Kraken in Seattle?

To watch Seattle Kraken games in Seattle, subscribe to ESPN+ and use a VPN to bypass regional blackouts. This ensures you can stream the games without interruptions caused by local broadcast restrictions.

Why is the Bruins game blocked in my area?

Bruins games may be blocked in your area due to exclusive broadcasting rights held by Regional Sports Networks (RSNs), which prevent ESPN+ from streaming them locally. To bypass blackout restrictions, you can use a VPN, like NordVPN, to connect to a server in a different state, allowing you to access the game as if you were in that location.

Does NHL TV work with a VPN?

Yes, NHL TV works with a VPN, which can help you bypass blackouts. By using a reliable VPN provider, you will not only be safe while streaming content but also able to access blackout games from anywhere.

What VPN works for nhl66?

The best VPN for nhl66 is NordVPN. NordVPN offers 7400+ servers worldwide and provides fast speeds for buffer-free streaming. It is also a trustworthy VPN that uses strong encryption and does not keep any logs, so you’ll always be protected online.

Is NHL on Hulu free?

No, NHL on Hulu isn’t free. You’ll need Hulu + Live TV, which bundles ESPN+ and other sports channels. Some new users may qualify for a trial, but after that, a paid plan is required to stream NHL games.

Does Hulu blackout NHL games?

Yes, Hulu does blackout certain NHL games. If you’re watching via ESPN+ through Hulu + Live TV, regional blackout restrictions still apply. These are based on your location and broadcasting rights, meaning local games may be unavailable. However, blackout restrictions can be bypassed with a VPN.

What is the cheapest way to stream NHL?

The cheapest way to stream the NHL is via ESPN+, which costs only $11.99/month. With 75 weekly national games and over 1,000 out-of-market games available, ESPN+ offers the largest selection of NHL games this season. Additionally, all NHL games will be accessible to ESPN+ subscribers as on-demand replays, with most replays available shortly after they air.