NHL streaming 2022/23: how to watch every hockey game live from anywhere

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There's a buzz in the air after the resurgence of the Kraken and Devils

NHL streaming
(Image credit: Getty Images / Candice Ward)

We passed the midway point of the NHL season last week, and getting over the hump seems to have reinvigorated a few teams, most notably the Kraken and the Devils, who are making things very interesting in the Western Pacific and the Eastern Metropolitan. The Bruins still have far and away the best record in the league, but Seattle has shown that they can be beaten. Follow our guide for all your NHL streaming needs wherever you are during the 2022/23 season, including details for fans without cable in the US.

NHL streaming 2022/23

Dates: October 7, 2022 - June 2023

US cable channels: ESPN, ESPN 2, ABC, TNT, NHL Network

Watch without cable: Sling TV discount | ESPN Plus

Global live streams: Sportsnet Now/CBC Sports (CA) | Viaplay (UK) | Kayo Sports FREE trial (AU)

Watch anywhere: Use a VPN 100% risk-free

The Kraken's eight-game winning streak provided plenty of talking points, the biggest one of all being that they're capable of beating the very best. With the Bruins on course for once of the most dominant regular seasons of all time, there's a small but growing sense that they could peak before the real fun begins with the playoffs.

Seattle's victory, the first by any TD Garden visitor in regulation time this season, therefore felt like a very big deal. And building on that, the Lightning had shown signs of sparking back into life over recent weeks, but bringing the Kraken's run to an end has wiped away any lingering doubts. The Bolts are legitimate contenders again.

After a dreadful end to 2022, which looked like it might derail their entire season, the Devils have returned to form, stringing together five consecutive victories – including statement wins over the Hurricanes and Rangers – that have electrified the Eastern Metropolitan.

Read on for details on how to get a 2022/23 NHL live stream no matter where you are in the world. You might want to try a VPN if you're looking to tune in while abroad.

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NHL streaming: watch live in the US without cable

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Coverage of the 2022/23 NHL season is available through a dizzying array of TV channels and streaming services, including ESPN Plus, ESPN, ESPN 2, ABC, TNT and NHL Network.

Hard as it may be to believe, covering all your bases isn't quite as tricky as it looks, even if you don't want the commitment or expense of cable.

The cheapest way to live stream NHL without cable

Seventy-five games are being live streamed on ESPN Plus service, which replaced NHL.tv last year.

A subscription to ESPN costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year but ESPN Plus is also available as part of a better value $13.99 package with Hulu and Disney Plus as part of the Disney Bundle.

More ways to watch NHL without cable

Sling TV is an OTT service that's especially good for NHL fans.

The Sling Orange package offers ESPN, ESPN2, TNT and TBS in most major markets, thereby covering off a large number of NHL games including both primetime and local broadcasts. The usual cost is $40 a month, but if you're new to the service you can get 50% off your first month.

NHL Network is available as part of its $11 per month Sports Extra addon.

How to watch NHL games from outside your country

Whether you’re watching the NHL online or on TV, geo-blocks can be especially annoying, as they'll not only prevent you from watching local games, but they'll also stop you tuning in at all when you’re out of the country.

The best VPNs will let you change your IP address so that you appear to be in a completely different location where the game you want to watch isn't blacked out, thereby allowing you to access the content and services you pay for back home no matter where you are.

VPNs are easy to set up and use and aren't just for watching sports from abroad - they also offer robust protection from cybercriminals and government snooping. 

Use a VPN to live stream NHL from anywhere

ExpressVPN - get the world's best VPN

ExpressVPN - get the world's best VPN
We've put all the major VPNs through their paces and we rate ExpressVPN as one of the best VPNs, thanks to its speed, ease of use, and strong security features. It's also compatible with just about any streaming device out there, including Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Xbox and PlayStation, as well as Android and Apple mobiles.

Sign up for an annual plan now and get an extra 3 months absolutely FREE. And if you change your mind within the first 30 days, let them know and they'll give you your money back without a quibble.

- Try ExpressVPN 100% risk-free for 30 days

Once you've downloaded the software, just follow the prompts to install it then select the location you want to relocate your IP address to - it really is that easy.

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How to watch NHL: live stream in Canada

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It's all change for the 2022/23 NHL season in Canada, with NHL Live being absorbed into Sportsnet Now Premium.

Live NHL coverage is also available through a standard Sportsnet Now subscription, which costs $14.99 per month or $149.99 per year, and shows more than 300 games subject to regional blackouts.

A Sportsnet Now Premium subscription costs $34.99 per month or $199.99 per year, and nets you additional out-of-market games, plus WWE Network and coverage of Bundesliga and FA Cup soccer, United Rugby Championship, Premiership Rugby, National Rugby League and Super League Rugby.

Some games are also show live on CBC Sports, which means you can live stream them on the CBC Sports website for free.

If you're unable to watch the game you want due to geo-blocking restrictions, remember that a VPN is all you need to tune back in to your preferred NHL coverage wherever you are.

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How to watch NHL: live stream ice hockey in the UK

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Viaplay is the exclusive new NHL broadcaster in the UK. 

You'll have to subscribe to the Total package for NHL coverage, which costs £14.99 per month or £143.88 per year.

Viaplay is showing up to 1,400 NHL games this season, as well as La Liga football, the United Rugby Championship, the rugby league Championship, plus the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship and Champions Hockey League.

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How to watch NHL: live stream ice hockey in Australia

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NHL fans in Australia can watch the 2022/23 season unfold on ESPN, which is available through Foxtel. You can also stream the action on your laptop or mobile using the Foxtel Go app. 

However, all of those games will be shown on the incredible sports streaming service Kayo Sports, which is an ideal option for those who don't want the commitment of a lengthy (and pricey) contract.

Kayo lets you stream on two devices with its $27.50 per month Basic plan, and on three devices with its $35 Premium plan - both come with a FREE 7-day trial.

Kayo also gives you access to over 50 other sports including the NFL, cricket, NRL, F1... the list goes on! Handy if you don't want to go all out on Fox.

Not in Australia right now? Use a VPN if you're away from home, in order to tap into your domestic coverage.

Aatif Sulleyman
Aatif Sulleyman

Aatif is a freelance copywriter and journalist based in the UK. He’s written about technology, science and politics for publications including Gizmodo, The Independent, Trusted Reviews and Newsweek, but focuses on streaming at Future, an arrangement that combines two of his greatest passions: sport and penny-pinching.