How to watch blackout NHL games on ESPN+ and NHL.tv in 2024

You can watch NHL games on ESPN+ for out-of-market matchups and NHL.tv for international viewers. Plus, ESPN+ now includes NHL Power Play in its base-tier subscription so that you can stream over 1,050 out-of-market NHL games.

However, due to NHL blackouts that protect local broadcasting rights, you can’t watch certain games unless you bypass the restrictions with a reliable VPN. These blackouts occur because the NHL sells broadcasting rights to specific games to regional sports networks (RSNs) and national broadcasters. ESPN+ determines your location by your IP address and will deny access to some NHL matches in the areas where they fall under the blackouts rule.

You can watch locally blacked out NHL games on ESPN+ using a VPN, which allows you to change your IP address to one outside the blackout area. This will make it appear as though you're in a different US state, allowing you to watch NHL games without restrictions.

I tested more than 20 VPN providers and found that NordVPN, Surfshark, Bitdefender VPN, PrivateVPN, and TotalVPN are the best options for watching NHL blackout games on ESPN+ and NHL.tv. Read on and learn how to get around NHL blackouts with a VPN.

Top 5 best NHL VPNs to watch blacked out games in 2024

You can watch local blackout NHL games on ESPN+ or NHL.tv without any restrictions by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN will allow you to change your IP address to a state where neither of the two teams is located, enabling you to stream blackout NHL games from anywhere. Here are the best VPNs for NHL.tv and ESPN+ that 100% work at bypassing NHL blackouts:

1. NordVPN

   Best overall VPN to bypass NHL blackouts on ESPN+
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   Reliable NHL TV VPN to watch games on ESPN+ and NHL.TV on unlimited devices
   9.5
3. Bitdefender VPN

   Fast and secure VPN to get around NHL blackouts
   8.2
4. PrivateVPN

   Cheapest VPN for NHL blackouts
   8.7
5. TotalVPN

   User-friendly VPN that seamlessly bypasses geo-blocks
   8.2

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 experiencing a blackout in your area. These blackouts happen due to broadcasting rights and agreements with local broadcasters and teams.

Due to blackouts on ESPN+ or NHL.tv, some sports games will not be available in certain regions. These streaming services determine your location by checking your IP address and blocking some content accordingly.

You can bypass blackouts on ESPN+ or NHL.tv 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 your desired NHL match without blackout restrictions.

To bypass a regional NHL blackout, simply connect to a VPN server in a state where neither of the two teams are based, and then access ESPN+. If you want to bypass a national blackout, connect to a VPN server in the Netherlands and access NHL.TV. This allows you to enjoy uninterrupted coverage of your favorite games regardless of location-based 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, and you will be provided with the blackout information.

Best VPNs to watch blackout NHL games on ESPN+ and NHL.tv

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. Bitdefender VPN - secure VPN to watch blackout hockey games from anywhere
4. PrivateVPN - cheap VPN to watch blackout NHL games on ESPN+
5. Total VPN - user-friendly VPN to easily bypass NHL.tv blackouts

Like many over-the-top streaming platforms, ESPN+ tracks user’s IP addresses to identify their geographical location. This allows the service to enforce broadcasting rights restrictions. If ESPN+ doesn’t hold the rights to stream a particular sports event in your region, the game will not be available for viewing. A VPN can make it seem like you're in a different state, allowing you to access these games, but ESPN also blocks most VPN services. Therefore, I’ve tested more than 20 VPN providers to find the best NHL VPN for bypassing ESPN+ and NHL.tv blackouts. I looked into the server list, especially US servers, and unblocking capabilities. Additionally, I tested the VPN’s speed and security features that come with the subscription while also checking the price. After that, I was able to compile a list of the top 5 NHL VPNs.

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 has 1970+ optimized for streaming US servers in 16 different US States, plus a massive 7000+ servers fleet across 118+ countries. Additionally, there are many security-focused features to keep you safe online.

Bypass NHL blackouts with NordVPN 2000 US streaming-optimized servers

NordVPN has 7000+ servers in 118 countries, including 1970+ US servers and 480+ 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: 400+ Mbps for NHL streaming 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 is a security-focused VPN, so you will always be secure with the strongest AES-256 encryption. 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 test out. If you’re interested in a long-term subscription, you can get it for $2.99/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 20+ 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 blackout NHL games with Surfshark 600 US servers

Surfshark offers 3200+ servers in 100 countries with 600 US servers in 20+ 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 Surfhsark’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 allows you to use a VPN for streaming NHL only. And Double VPN 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. Bitdefender VPN – secure streaming VPN to get around regional NHL blackouts

Bitdefender VPN is a reliable VPN for bypassing NHL blackouts. It has a wide selection of worldwide servers and successfully unlocks NHL.tv and ESPN+, so you can enjoy hockey games from anywhere.

Get around NHL blackouts with Bitdefender VPN's 15 servers in the US

Bitdefender VPN offers 4000+ servers in 50 countries, including US servers in 15 locations and 3 in Canada. This allows you to watch the Chicago Blackhawks and other teams’ matches on ESPN+ without any restrictions (just connect to another state’s server, e.g., in Atlanta). By connecting to a server in the UK or Australia, you can stream NHL.tv in the US or Canada.

Speed: 300+ Mbps to watch hockey games without buffering or delays

With the fast WireGuard protocol, Bitdefender VPN guarantees a buffer-free NHL hockey game streaming experience. While connected to Bitdefender’s US server, my speeds stayed at 300+ Mbps while retaining 84% of my original speed.

Privacy: watch every NHL match safely with robust AES-256 encryption

Bitdefender uses robust AES-256 encryption, so you’ll be secure at all times. If you only want to route NHL matches through a VPN connection, I recommend using split tunneling. Additionally, Bitdefender VPN has a Kill Switch feature to ensure your privacy if the VPN connection drops.

Price: budget-friendly VPN for all major operating systems

You can get Bitdefender VPN for $2.92/month with a 30-day money-back guarantee or take advantage of the 7-day free trial. You can use Bitdefender VPN on up to 10 devices, including all major operating systems and Android TV.

4. PrivateVPN – affordable NHL TV VPN for uninterrupted ice hockey streaming

PrivateVPN is a cheap but effective VPN that bypasses NHL blackouts on ESPN+ and NHL.tv. With US servers from different states, you can watch NHL games without interruptions.

Watch all NHL games without blackout with PrivateVPN servers in 63 countries

PrivateVPN has 200+ servers in 63 countries that will help you access NHL.tv in the US or Canada without any restrictions. You can also connect to US servers in 12 different cities and support teams like the Detroit Red Wings or Dallas Stars using Miami or New York servers.

Speed: delivers 86% speed retention for seamless streaming

PrivateVPN ensures a fast connection with the WireGuard protocol and HQN (High-Quality Network). I connected to one of the US servers, and my speeds stayed at a comfortable 200+ Mbps while retaining 86% of my original speed.

Privacy: avoid any data leaks and stay safe with strong encryption

PrivateVPN is a no-logs VPN, meaning that your online activity stays private at all times. As well as that, it uses the standard AES-256 encryption. What’s more, you can use its Kill Switch to avoid any data leaks if the VPN disconnects accidentally.

Price: one of the cheapest NHL.tv VPNs

You can get PrivateVPN for only $2.00/month or take advantage of the 7-day free trial first. All paid subscriptions come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can use your subscription on up to 10 devices, including major operating systems, Linux, routers, and smart TVs.

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

Total VPN is an easy-to-use VPN that bypasses NHL blackouts. Its user-friendly interface makes it suitable for VPN beginners to stream ESPN+ and NHL.tv without any restrictions.

Avoid NHL blackout restrictions with Total VPN 50+ servers in 35 countries

Total VPN offers only 50+ servers in 35 countries, but that’s more than enough to unlock NHL.tv in the US or Canada. In addition, Total VPN has US servers in 11 cities, which will help you stream your favorite NHL matches on ESPN+ from anywhere. I was able to stream Minnesota Wild games using Los Angeles server.

Speed: 300+ Mbps for smooth NHL streaming on ESPN+

Even though there’s no WireGuard protocol, I was able to stream NHL matches without any speed loss. With the secure OpenVPN protocol, my speeds stayed at 300+ Mbps while retaining 84% of my original speed.

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

While the list of additional features is quite short, Total VPN ensures security and privacy for its users by offering military-grade EAS-256 encryption. Total VPN’s IP and DNS leak protection ensures that all your activity goes through an encrypted VPN tunnel at all times. Its Kill Switch will add an extra layer of security if any VPN disruption occurs while streaming NHL.

Price: cheap NHL VPN for 5 devices

Total VPN has a 7-day free trial that you can use. If you’re interested in a paid subscription, you can get it for $1.59/month with a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can use TotalVPN on up to 5 devices on all major operating systems.

Top 5 NHL VPNs comparison

How to watch blackout NHL games with a VPN on different devices

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 bypass NHL blackouts on ESPN+ using a VPN:

• Step 1: Choose a reliable VPN service and install its app on your device. I recommend NordVPN, which has 1970 servers across the US.
• Step 2: Download and install VPN on your device.
• Step 3: Connect to a server located in a region where the NHL game is not blacked out. For example, if a game is blacked out in Chicago, connect to a server in a different state like Detroitor Torontoor.
• Step 4: Open the streaming service, either ESPN+ or NHL.tv, that broadcasts NHL games. Use your browser's incognito or private mode to prevent tracking and ensure a smoother experience.
• Step 5: Enjoy streaming NHL games without blackout restrictions!

However, the steps may be different depending on the device that you’re using. Below, you can find step-by-step guides on how to bypass NHL blackouts with a VPN on different devices.

Get around NHL blackout restrictions on Android and iPhone

To comply with licensing agreements, ESPN+ imposes regional blackout restrictions based on your IP address, preventing fans from watching local team games. By changing your IP address with a VPN, you can appear to be in a different US region, enabling you to bypass NHL blackouts. However, to change your location on an Android device, you need to spoof your GPS location as well:

1. Subscribe to a robust streaming VPN and download it on your mobile device. I recommend Surfshark as it provides fast speeds and a GPS spoofing feature.
2. Enable the GPS spoofing feature. Go to Surfshark’s advanced settings and choose Override GPS location.
3. Enable developer options and select Surfshark as the mock location app.
4. Connect to a VPN server where your preferred NHL match is allowed.
5. Log in or sign up to ESPN+ or NHL.tv to stream NHL matches from anywhere!

Watch NHL matches on mobile devices with Surfshark VPN

Bypass NHL blackouts on Windows and macOS

Bypassing NHL blackouts on a Windows or macOS device is fairly easy. Here are step-by-step instructions for achieving this:

1. Subscribe to a trustworthy VPN that works with an NHL streaming site. I recommend trying NordVPN as it successfully unblocks ESPN+ and NHL.TV.
2. Download and install the VPN app on your Windows or macOS device.
3. Connect to a VPN server outside the NHL blackout region.
4. Open the ESPN+ or NHL.tv and start streaming NHL games without any blackouts!

Enjoy NHL games without blackouts on PC with NordVPN

Watch NHL games without blackout on Fire TV and Android TV

Fire TV and Android TV devices are compatible with VPN apps and Smart DNS. Because of this, you can watch restricted NHL matches on both devices by selecting a VPN with specialized options:

1. Subscribe to a VPN that is compatible with Fire TV or Android TV. I recommend NordVPN as it provides user-friendly apps and reliable servers.
2. Download and install the VPN app on your device.
3. Connect to a VPN server in a location where the NHL match is available.
4. Log in or sign up to ESPN+ or NHL.tv.
5. Watch all NHL matches without any regional restrictions!

Watch NHL games on Fire TV and Android TV with NordVPN

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

Free VPNs are generally not recommended to circumvent 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. Additionally, most free VPNs lack necessary security measurements and cannot assure a secure and private experience.

Instead of free VPNs, I would suggest trying a reliable VPN that offers a free trial, like NordVPN. NordVPN successfully bypasses NHL blackouts on ESPN+ and NHL.tv, as it has a wide selection of servers in different locations. Also, NordVPN is a trustworthy VPN that uses strong encryption and guarantees privacy at all times. It offers a 7-day free trial, so you can take advantage of it risk-free.

Can you stream NHL hockey for free?

You can stream NHL games for free in Canada on CBC Gem and in Germany on Ran.de. If you’re located in different countries, you can use a VPN to access these streaming services. To stream NHL matches on CBC Gem, simply connect to a VPN server in Canada. Alternatively, connect to a server in Germany to access Ran.de. By doing this, your IP address will be changed, and you will appear as being in a different location, allowing you access to different services. This way, you will be able to watch your favorite NFL matches free from anywhere.

Try NordVPN today

Does ESPN+ stream all NHL games?

Yes, ESPN+ streams over 1,050 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+.

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 begin on October 8th and will last until June 2025. There will be many games during this time, so be sure to mark your calendar to not miss your favorite NHL matches. Below you can find a schedule of upcoming NHL games.

Conclusion

You can watch NHL 2024/25 season games on ESPN+ and NHL.tv, but due to blackouts, not all matches will be available. ESPN+ imposes regional blackout restrictions based on IP address location, limiting fans from viewing their local team's games. The easiest way to watch blackout NHL games on ESPN+ is by using a VPN to connect to an IP address outside the blackout region. The best NHL VPN that successfully bypasses blackouts is NordVPN. Apart from fast speeds and 1970+ servers in the USA, it’s a secure and reliable VPN that will keep your activity private at all times.

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FAQ

Does ESPN+ blackout NHL games?

Yes, ESPN+ imposes blackouts on certain NHL games. NHL blackouts happen because each team has a certain number of regional games that are sold to local broadcasters. According to NHL blackout rules, only these broadcasters are allowed to air specific games. Thankfully, you can remove these restrictions with the help of a VPN for NHL. It can change your location to a State where your desired match is viewable online.

Why does ESPN black out NHL games?

ESPN blacks out NHL games because of broadcasting restrictions. Each state that has an NHL team sells a number of regional games to regional broadcasters, meaning that only they have the right to show the match. However, you can still watch blacked out NHL games on ESPN with the help of a VPN. Simply connect to a State where the game in question is available to stream.

What are the NHL blackout rules?

NHL blackouts are geo-restrictions that block specific games in certain regions. The blackouts happen because NHL teams sell a number of their games to regional broadcasters. As a result, only regional broadcasters have the rights to show specific NHL games. If you’re unable to watch an NHL match, it is most likely that you’re experiencing a blackout.

How to avoid blackout restrictions in NHL?

To bypass NHL blackout restrictions, you need to use a VPN and connect to a server in a US state where the NHL game is available. This way, you will appear to be in a different location, which will grant you access to your preferred NHL game.

How can I watch blacked out Chicago Blackhawks games?

To watch blacked-out Chicago Blackhawks games, use a VPN that supports NHL streaming. Choose a server outside the blackout area, connect, and then access the game through ESPN+ or NHL.tv to stream without restrictions.

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, check ESPN, ESPN+, TNT, and NHL Network. If the game is blacked out in your area, use a VPN to connect to a server outside the blackout region. Then you’ll get a new IP address and 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 geo-restrictions. 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 7000+ worldwide servers and provides fast speeds, so you should not experience any slow-speed or buffering issues. It is also a trustworthy VPN that uses strong encryption and does not keep any logs, so you’ll be protected online at all times.

Is NHL on Hulu free?

No, NHL on Hulu is not free. However, a Hulu subscription will grant you access to NHL games and other TV channels. You can get a Hulu subscription for $9.99/month and enjoy NHL and other live streams.

Does Hulu blackout NHL games?

Yes, Hulu blacks out NHL games because of rights agreements with local broadcasters. Hulu + Live TV operates like a cable TV provider and can detect your location. Using this information, Hulu determines when to impose blackouts for NHL games in specific regions.

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.