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The 2025 NHL playoffs have reached their finale: The Stanley Cup Final. This year sees a repeat of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, once again pitting the Florida Panthers against the Edmonton Oilers. Last year’s matchup was a gripping one that went the full seven games before Florida came out victorious.
At a Glance: How to Watch the NHL Playoffs
If you’ve cut the cord since last year’s Stanley Cup Playoffs, figuring out how to stream the hockey tournament can be tricky. Ahead, we’ve put together a quick guide on the best ways to watch NHL playoff games online without cable, as well as key information about the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
How to Watch the NHL Playoffs Online
The NHL playoffs were broadcast on both ESPN channels and TNT channels, but the final games are shown exclusively on TNT and TruTV, with simulcasts on Max.
If you don’t have cable, the best way to watch every game is with a live TV streaming service that carries TNT. Alternatively, you can get Max to watch the games there.
Here’s a rundown of the best live TV streaming services you can use to watch the NHL playoffs online:
Free trial
DirecTV
Pros: Streamlined package, free trial, great channel lineups
Cons: Some packages are pricey
DirecTV now offers hardware-free streaming options to rival any cable package. Their best offering for hockey fans is the MySports plan, which carries 20+ top sports channels — including TNT, ESPN, and Fox Sports. That means you can watch all the remaining Stanley Cup Playoff games, plus the NBA Finals. ESPN+ is also included. The package costs $69.99 a month, and you get a five-day free trial to start. Overall, it’s probably the best package for sports fans.
affordable pick
Sling TV
Pros: Affordable, carries every channel for NHL playoffs
Cons: Limited overall coverage, no free trial
One of the best ways to watch the 2025 NHL playoffs is Sling. The budget-friendly streaming service carries TNT in all of its packages, including the budget-friendly Orange plan. This package starts at $46.99 a month, but right now you can score 50% off your first month. The whole lineup is 34 channels, which is fewer than the options below, but you’re paying significantly less. The only downside is that Sling does not offer a free trial.
also consider
Hulu + Live TV
Pros: Free trial, bonus streaming services
Cons: Pricey
Another streaming service that carries all the channels you need to livestream the NHL playoffs is Hulu + Live TV. This one offers a three-day free trial to start, but it’s pricier than the above at $82.99 a month. However, you do get more channels (95+), as well as complimentary access to ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu’s entire on-demand library. This makes it a great option for anyone looking to overhaul their streaming setup and watch the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Note: Fubo is another popular live TV streaming service, but it does not carry TNT/TBS for Stanley Cup Final livestreams
NHL Playoffs Schedule, Bracket 2025
The 2025 NHL playoffs started on Saturday, April 19. The tournament will end no later than June 23.
The tournament has now moved on to the Stanley Cup Final. Here’s the schedule for this final round of action:
Game 1: Panthers at Oilers — Wednesday, June 4, 8 p.m. ET
Game 2: Panthers at Oilers — Friday, June 6, 8 p.m. ET
Game 3: Oilers at Panthers — Monday, June 9, 8 p.m. ET
Game 4: Oilers at Panthers — Thursday, June 12, 8 p.m. ET
Game 5*: Panthers at Oilers — Saturday, June 14, 8 p.m. ET
Game 6*: Oilers at Panthers — Tuesday, June 17, 8 p.m. ET
Game 7*: Panthers at Oilers — Friday, June 20, 8 p.m. ET
* If necessary
