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Aatif Sulleyman

How to watch NHL Playoffs 2024 — live stream, TV channels, schedule

Jake DeBrusk #74 of the Boston Bruins skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game Four of the First Round of the 2024 NHL Playoffs.

Roope Hintz returned and promptly laid on a pair of assists for Jason Robertson, who broke his duck in style with a crucial hat-trick against the Oilers. Edmonton had actually take a 2-0 lead, but conceded three in three minutes en route to a 5-3 defeat that grants the Stars a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference final going into Game 4 at Rogers Place tonight.

Read on and we'll show you how to watch NHL Playoffs 2024 from anywhere with a VPN, and potentially for FREE.

NHL Playoffs live streams: TV schedule, dates

The 2024 NHL Playoffs start on Saturday, April 20 and will conclude in June. Full schedule below.
U.S. — ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, TBS, ABC/ESPN3 (via Sling TV)
• CAN — CBC Gem (FREE) & Sportsnet
 AUS Kayo Sports (free trial)
 U.K.Viaplay
• Watch anywhere — Try NordVPN 100% risk free

The Rangers' luck ran out against the Panthers in the Eastern Conference final last night, despite yet another glowing display from goaltender Igor Shesterkin. The Presidents' Trophy winners pulled off a daylight heist in Game 3 at Amerant Bank Arena and threatened to do so again, before Sam Reinhart popped up with the winner in overtime to level the series.

It was the Rangers' first overtime defeat this postseason, and though the action returns to Madison Square Garden tomorrow, it felt like a potential turning point in the series.

Here's everything you need to know to watch NHL Playoffs 2024 online, plus the full schedule, TV channels and all the live stream information, with or without cable.

NHL Playoffs games and TV schedule

(All times ET)

Wednesday, May 29

  • 8:30 p.m. – Game 4: Stars vs Oilers | TNT & TruTV/Sling

Watch NHL Playoffs in the U.S.

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

In the U.S., the 2024 NHL Playoffs are being shown on TNT, TBS, TruTV, ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC/ESPN3. The Finals will be on ABC and ESPN3.

If you've already cut the cord and don't have a cable package, you can get all of those channels through an OTT cable TV alternative.

Sling TV is one of the better options. It includes TNT, ESPN and ESPN3 in its Orange plan, with prices starting from $40/month and your first month half-price.

Select games, including those being shown on ABC, will also be live streamed on ESPN Plus. While an ESPN Plus subscription does not give you access to regular ESPN content, it will grant you access to thousands of live events, original shows and series that can't be found anywhere else (not even on the standard ESPN service). 

An even cheaper option for this year is HBO's streaming service Max with its B/R Sports Add-On, which is being included for free for a limited time.

The B/R Sports Add-On brings access to all the NHL Playoffs games on TNT. Max prices start at $9.99/month with ads, going to $15.99/month ad-free. Or there's a special on at the moment with 20% off if you pay for a whole year upfront.

Watch NHL Playoffs from anywhere

Away from home at the moment and blocked from watching the Stanley Cup hockey on your subscriptions?

You can still watch the NHL Playoffs live thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network). The software allows your devices to appear to be back in your home country regardless of where in the world you are. So ideal for hoops fans away on vacation or on business. Our favorite is NordVPN. It's the best on the market:

How to watch NHL Playoffs in the U.K.

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Viaplay has the rights to the NHL in the U.K..  

You'll have to subscribe to the Total package for coverage, with the plan costing £14.99 per month. However, there is currently a deal in place for annual membership that saves you 33%, is equivalent to a monthly fee of £9.99.

If you're not in the U.K. right now, you can still watch an NHL Playoffs live stream by using one of the best VPN services, such as NordVPN.

Watch NHL Playoffs in Canada

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

The 2024 NHL Playoffs are split between CBC and Sportsnet in Canada.

Games shown on CBC will also be live streamed on the channel's CBC Gem service. CBC Gem is free (with ads) or CA$4.99 a month (ad-free).

A Sportsnet subscription starts at CA$19.99 per month and provides access to a whole host of other sports, both on Sportsnet and Sportsnet Plus. There's also a $179.99 annual subscription that averages out at CA$14.99 per month.

If you live in Canada but aren't at home right now, you can still watch an NHL Playoffs live stream by using a quality VPN like NordVPN.

Watch NHL Playoffs 2024 in Australia

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Aussies will find NHL Playoffs live streams on ESPN via Foxtel.

Don't have Foxtel and don't want to subscribe? Specialist streaming service Kayo Sports is also showing the NHL Playoffs, with its affordable, commitment-free plans starting from just $25/month, and hosting plenty of cricket, AFL, rugby, F1 and loads of other live sports besides.

There's also a 7-day FREE trial for anybody who hasn't used the service before.

Not in Australia right now? You can simply use a VPN like NordVPN to watch all the action on your Kayo account as if you were back home.

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