How to Watch Blackout NHL Games on ESPN+ and NHL.TV

ESPN+ still imposes blackouts in the US, preventing you from watching your local team live. This beats the purpose of streaming, as it forces you to turn to a regional network. Plus, Internet providers in the US are known for selective throttling, which can downgrade your connection's quality when streaming games live.

You can solve both of those issues with a VPN, which gives you an IP from a different state, making it look like you're elsewhere. That'll help you bypass NHL blackouts, but you'll still need to rely on national networks for specific games. That said, the best option is to get a VPN and subscribe to NHL TV, which gives you access to all its live games.

In this guide, we'll show you how to bypass NHL blackouts on ESPN+ and NHL.TV, help you pick the best NHL TV VPN, provide device-specific guides, and explain why the platform uses blackouts. We'll also provide the currently active NHL blackout map, help with troubleshooting, and finish with some FAQs.

Why Are NHL Games Blacked Out?

Blackouts happen due to contractual agreements with regional sports networks and national broadcasters. Regional sports networks and national broadcasters pay huge fees to have the rights to broadcast hockey games in specific areas. Platforms like ESPN+ and NHL.TV detect your IP address to enforce these restrictions, blocking access to local games. As a result, you can expect the same in the US, as well as from ESPN+ in Canada.

To bypass these blackouts, simply use a VPN to connect to a server outside your blackout region. That tricks ESPN+ into thinking you're in a different location, letting you stream local games live. The same approach works with NHL.TV, which is only available outside the US and Canada. A VPN helps you access it by connecting to a server in an eligible country, giving you full access to the streaming service.

How to Bypass NHL Blackouts on ESPN+ and NHL.TV

To stream blackout-restricted NHL games, you'll need a VPN to change your virtual location. Here's how to do it:

1. Get an NHL VPN that can bypass blackouts (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Download and install the VPN app on your device(s).
3. Launch the VPN and log in using your credentials.
4. Connect to a VPN server outside the blackout region.
5. You can now access ESPN+ or NHL.TV, based on what you use.

If you're using ESPN+, make sure to connect to a VPN server located outside your US state. For NHL.TV, choose a VPN server outside both the United States and Canada (any other country will work).

The Best VPNs to Get Around NHL Blackout Restrictions in 2025

If you're tired of missing your favorite team's games due to blackout restrictions, a reliable VPN is your best solution. By masking your location, a top-tier VPN can trick ESPN+ or NHL.TV into thinking you're outside the blackout zone. This lets you stream every puck drop live, no matter where you are. Below are the 5 best VPNs for bypassing NHL blackout rules in 2025:

1. NordVPN - Top-Rated VPN to Bypass NHL Blackouts on ESPN+ and NHL.TV with Lightning-Fast Speeds
2. Surfshark - Privacy-Focused VPN Perfect for Unblocking NHL Blackouts and Securing Your Connection
3. ExpressVPN - Effortless, High-Speed VPN Ideal for First-Time Users
4. CyberGhost VPN - Unblock NHL Blackouts in 100+ Countries with Robust Privacy Features
5. Private Internet Access - Advanced VPN for Power Users, Offering Deep Customization and Unmatched Security

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is a feature-packed VPN that emphasizes digital privacy while also letting you watch NHL blackout games with no restrictions. It has 7,400+ servers in 118 countries and covers 15+ US states, so you get plenty of options overall.

You should know also that NordVPN is among the fastest VPN services available today. You can expect extra-smooth performance whether you connect to nearby or remote servers, which makes NordVPN ideal for streaming. On top of that, you'll find obfuscated servers across most of its US locations, so bypassing geo-blocks should never be an issue.

When it comes to its protocols, this VPN is powered by NordLynx, NordWhisper, IKEv2/IPsec, and OpenVPN (based on WireGuard), paired with AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20 encryption. A NordVPN kill switch lets you shut down specific apps if something happens to your VPN tunnel. There's also a freshly audited no-logs policy, meaning that not even NordVPN will know you're trying to watch NHL blackout games.

A single subscription to NordVPN gives you 10 simultaneous connections, as well as apps for any device imaginable. That includes computers, phones, tablets, dedicated streaming devices, and even routers.

All that is priced at $3.09 per month (24 months subscription). You'll also be protected by its 30-day money-back guarantee, which means getting this VPN subscription comes risk-free. And if any issues arise at any moment, you'll get to resolve them quickly using 24/7-available live chat support.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is a great example of a user-friendly VPN that can bypass ESPN+ and NHL.TV blocks with just a click of a button. It offers 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, as well as 25+ US cities. That makes unblocking the Web quite easy, as most countries offer multiple VPN locations.

Another perk is Surfshark's extra-fast performance. This VPN works amazingly well out of the box and without any tinkering. That applies both to its nearby and remote servers. Aside from that, obfuscation is optional, which means you can use it only when needed. If you're not in a restrictive country, Surfshark's standard servers will work just fine.

Then, there are protocols like WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN. Furthermore, Surfshark has already filed for a patent for its new protocol that will reduce your metadata exposure, hence, you are completely safe. Its protocols are designed to work with AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20 encryption ciphers, ensuring total privacy.

There's also a no-logs policy, which has been audited many times in the past. And, of course, split tunneling (now available on macOS) and a kill switch is there to plug any potential leaks and ensure your sensitive info doesn't surface on the Web.

Surfshark also gives you unlimited simultaneous connections. In addition, it runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and plenty of VPN-ready routers.

Right now, this VPN costs $1.99 per month for its 24 months plan. A 30-day money-back guarantee gives you plenty of time to test-drive this VPN on each of your devices. And if you ever encounter an issue, you can count on the VPN's 24/7 live chat support.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN can unblock ESPN+ and NHL.TV with no effort and without having to tweak or fine-tune its settings. That's because it offers an undisclosed number of servers in 105 countries.

This is also among the fastest VPNs available today. Whether you connect to nearby or highly remote servers, ExpressVPN will let you live-stream NHL games with no buffering. All ExpressVPN servers are obfuscated, which is why it can bypass NHL blackouts so easily. Of course, it works equally well for any streaming service out there.

Even though it looks simple, this is a highly advanced VPN. You get protocols like OpenVPN, Lightway, and IKEv2 - paired with AES-256 and ChaCha20/Poly1305 encryption. ExpressVPN also has a kill switch across all its supported platforms, making sure your data doesn't leak if you disconnect by accident. And, of course, there's also a recently audited no-logs policy.

If you pick a long-term subscription, this VPN will give you 8 simultaneous connections, which is more than enough to stream ESPN+ and NHL.TV even at the same time. You can also use ExpressVPN's native software on practically any Web-connected device.

ExpressVPN's lowest price is $4.99 per month (24 months subscription). It also offers 30-day money-back guarantee, proving that it has nothing to hide. Lastly, 24/7 live chat is part of its offer, helping you resolve issues quickly.

4. CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN lets you get around NHL blackout rules with ease, as it offers an undisclosed number of servers in 100 countries. It's no wonder that it can unblock ESPN+ and NHL.TV so effortlessly. In fact, you can use this VPN with 50+ streaming services thanks to its streaming-optimized servers.

We'll also add that CyberGhost comes with stable performance and medium-fast speeds. If you plan on bypassing NHL blackouts using this VPN, it's useful to have a relatively fast Web connection. We'll also add that obfuscation is not on offer, which may be a problem in more restrictive countries and networks.

On the plus side, this VPN brings a recently audited no-logs policy. It also uses protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard, leaving no trace of your online whereabouts. Naturally, those are paired with AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20 encryption. A kill switch also works in the background, protecting you against data leaks at all times.

CyberGhost supports 7 simultaneous connections on all its plans. You'll find its user-friendly and fully automated applications on various desktop and mobile devices. Routers are supported as well.

You can get started for only $2.29 per month for CyberGhost's 3 years plan. If you pick a long-term subscription, you'll also get a 45-day money-back guarantee, which seems more than generous. As you'd expect from a powerful VPN, this one also has 24/7 live chat customer support.

5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access is a dream come true for more experienced VPN users. It comes with plenty of fine-tuning and customization, letting you use ESPN+ and NHL.TV with no limitations and without blackouts. It has undisclosed number of servers in 91 countries. More importantly, it covers every single US state, which is something you won't find elsewhere.

We'll also praise PIA's performance, as it can be quite fast. However, be prepared to dive deeper into its settings if you're looking for the best possible speeds. Fine-tuning this VPN's protocols and encryption can go a long way. You'll also get obfuscation, breaking down your traffic into even smaller bits of data.

In terms of its primary VPN features, PIA certainly doesn't disappoint. You get protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IPsec (IKEv2) - paired with various levels of encryption including AES-128-GCM, AES-256-GCM, AES-128-CBC, AES-256-CBC, and ChaCha20. There are two types of kill switches, an anti-tracking feature and a whole lot of options to keep your privacy intact. All that goes hand-in-hand with creating the safest VPN tunnel possible for bypassing NHL blackouts.

With PIA, you get unlimited simultaneous connections. Its applications are compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS/iPadOS, streaming devices, and routers.

PIA's 24 months plan costs $2.03 per month, making it a very affordable option. And to prove there's nothing to hide, PIA offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Lastly, should you ever need help, you can count on this VPN's 24/7 live chat support.

NHL Blackout Map

The rules surrounding NHL blackouts haven't changed too much recently. You can watch most of the games on ESPN+ in the US, but there are still many games that air on national and regional networks.

By default, your local NHL team's games are broadcast on your local network, and they become available on ESPN+ once they end. When it comes to national networks, they can decide which hockey games they want to broadcast. However, more popular teams will certainly reserve their slots, such as the Bruins, Maple Leafs, and Pittsburgh Penguins. Take a look below.

The map shown above shows the networks that reserve their exclusive broadcast rights across the United States and Canada. In other countries, NHL.TV should air games without blackouts, with Germany and Austria being exceptions.

How to Bypass NHL Blackout Restrictions on Any Device

Your first step is to sign up for a capable VPN. Following that, you'll download your VPN's application on your device, install it, and log in. As soon as you connect to a suitable server, you'll manage to bypass blackouts. Let's see how that's done on various devices.

1. PC (Windows, macOS & Linux)

On Windows, macOS, or Linux computers, you can watch NHL blackout games by using a VPN and your Web browser. Go through the following steps:

1. Get a VPN suitable for NHL streaming (go for NordVPN).
2. Download and install the VPN on your Windows, macOS, or Linux device.
3. Open the VPN and complete the initial setup.
4. Connect to a server outside your US state or outside the US altogether.
5. You can now access ESPN+ or NHL.TV, based on what you use.

2. Mobile Devices (iOS, Android)

When it comes to mobile devices, you can bypass NHL blackouts by enabling your VPN before opening the ESPN+ or NHL.TV app, like so:

1. Subscribe to a capable VPN service (your best option is NordVPN).
2. Use your device's App Store to download the VPN app.
3. Open the app, log in, and complete its one-time setup.
4. Connect to a server inside or outside the US, based on your goal.
5. You can now launch the ESPN or NHL.TV app.

3. TVs

Most TVs don't work with VPNs, so you'll need an alternative. So, let's show you how to get around NHL blackout restrictions using a router. Use these steps:

1. Get a VPN that works with routers (we recommend picking NordVPN).
2. You need to set up the VPN on your router.
3. Pick and connect to a VPN server inside or outside the US.
4. Make sure your VPN session is now active on your router.
5. Connect your TV to your router (you can use Wi-Fi for this).
6. Access ESPN or NHL.TV on your TV.

VPN Not Working for NHL Blackouts? Here’s How to Fix It Fast!

If your VPN fails to bypass NHL blackouts, there's a range of actions you can try. For example, try another VPN protocol or another server, remove your device's cache, and more. These are our recommendations:

• Connect Using Another VPN Protocol: Visit your VPN app's settings and switch to OpenVPN or WireGuard, both of which are great for content unblocking.
• Pick a Different VPN Server: If your VPN offers obfuscated servers, try those first. In any case, technical problems may arise if you connect to an overcrowded server. Try to find one lower on the list of available servers, as that one might have more resources available.
• Use a Different ZIP Code: When signing up for NHL.TV, you're asked for a ZIP code. It's best to use one that will match your VPN server's location.
• Delete Cookies & Cache: If you access ESPN+ or NHL.TV using your Web browser, leftover cookies and cache might still contain your location data. So, remove your browser's leftover files, connect to your VPN, and try again.
• Check for IP/DNS Leaks: You can use a website like IPLeak.net to check for any leaks that might reveal your actual location. Turn on leak protection if your VPN offers that option.
• Uninstall Other VPN Apps: Every VPN you install adds new configurations to your device. Our recommendation is to keep and use only a single VPN app and remove the rest.
• Update Your VPN Software: To get the best data protection and the fastest speed, ensure you always use the latest version of your VPN app.
• Check Your Device's Firewall: If you use a Windows PC, your computer's firewall might interfere with your VPN connection. Your device's firewall is important, so our advice is to disable it only temporarily.
• Turn to Your VPN Provider: If you still can't bypass NHL blackouts, contact your VPN and ask for assistance. Hopefully, your chosen VPN will offer 24/7 live chat support.
• Go for Another VPN Provider: It's possible that you use a VPN that's no longer compatible with ESPN+ or NHL.TV. In that case, you have no other option than to switch to a new VPN.

Can You Use a Free VPN to Get Around NHL Blackouts?

While it's technically possible to use a free VPN to bypass NHL blackouts, we strongly advise against it. Free VPNs come with numerous limitations, as mentioned below:

Feature	Free VPN	Premium VPN
Bypass NHL Blackouts	❌	✅
Strong Bandwidth and Speed	❌	✅
Strong Encryption and Protocols	❌	✅
No-Logs Policy	❌	✅
Many Simultaneous Connections	❌	✅
Good Server Network	❌	✅
Risk of Malware	✅	❌

A better option is to test a paid free VPN for free. For example, you can test-drive NordVPN without paying anything on Android for up to 7 days. This VPN has a 30-day money-back policy for other devices.

You'll also want to learn more about the best VPN providers, giving you even more options when looking for a trial. After all, they all allow you to try them for free.

Where to Watch NHL Games?

The best place to watch all NHL games in the US is ESPN+, as it hosts both ESPN and ABC games. However, you'll also want TNT broadcasts, which are available via the TNT (cable) or Max (streaming) apps.

What you're after is a live TV streaming service that offers ESPN, TNT, and ABC, so your options are Hulu + Live TV, DIRECTV, Sling TV, and more. And if you're in Canada, the best place to watch NHL games is the Sportsnet+ app. Learn more in our guide on how to watch hockey without cable, and check the table below for a quick overview.

Streaming Service	Country	Price
ESPN+	United States	$9.99/month
Hulu + Live TV	United States	$82.99/month
DIRECTV STREAM	United States	$79.99/month
Sling TV	United States	$40.00/month
Fubo TV	United States	$79.99/month
Sportsnet+	Canada	$19.99/month
NHL.TV	Outside the US and Canada	$14.99/month

If you're outside of Canada or the United States, you need to stick to NHL.TV, which became an international streaming service in 2022. The same applies to those in the US or Canada who want to save money, as you can access NHL.TV with a VPN (as explained above).

NHL Schedule

When it comes to this year's NHL schedule, the 2024-25 season begins in October 2024 and is poised to end in April 2025. Until we get the full schedule for this year, here's the information on the most important dates from the 2023-24 season.

Event	Date
2023-24 Season Start	October 10, 2023.
NHL Thanksgiving Showdown	November 24, 2023.
Outdoor Games	January 2 / February 18, 2024.
All-Star Weekend	February 3 - 4, 2024.
2023-24 Season End	April 18, 2024.
2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs	April 19 - June, 2024.
2024 Stanley Cup Finals	June 8 - 24, 2024.
2024 NHL Draft	June 28 - 29, 2024.

If you're looking for a more precise schedule, head over to the NHL website, where you'll find a list of games sorted by dates. You'll also find the full upcoming schedule.

Final Thoughts

ESPN+ still enforces NHL blackouts across the United States, forcing fans to rely on regional sports networks. However, a VPN can help bypass these blackouts, allowing you to stream NHL games without leaving ESPN+. Similarly, sports streaming services like NHL.TVs that aren't available in the US and Canada can also be unblocked with a VPN at a low monthly cost, provided you use a reliable VPN service.

That said, you won't find a better option than NordVPN, which works great for streaming, going around geo-blocks, and bypassing blackout restrictions. On top of that, NordVPN brings high-end privacy, works on any device, and it's suitable even for first-time VPN users.

Surfshark and ExpressVPN are two other excellent choices for bypassing ESPN+ and NHL.TV blackouts, offering fast speeds, obfuscated servers, and a range of servers across numerous countries, with Surfshark providing unlimited connections and ExpressVPN delivering advanced features for seamless streaming. CyberGhost provides streaming-optimized servers and stable performance at an affordable price, while PIA offers advanced customization, obfuscation, and unlimited connections for more experienced users.

That's all for our guide on how to watch blackout NHL games. If you have any questions, let us know via the comments section below. Thanks for reading!