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How to watch the Boston Bruins vs. Florida Panthers NHL Playoffs game tonight: Game 5 livestream options, more
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The Boston Bruins face the Florida Panthers tonight for Game 5 of the teams’ NHL Playoffs series. The Panthers lead the best-of-seven series 3-1, making this a win-or-go-home game for the Bruins.
Keep reading for all the ways you can watch this pivotal NHL Playoffs game tonight.
How and when to watch Boston Bruins vs. Florida Panthers Game 5
Game 5 of the Boston Bruins vs. Florida Panthers NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs series will be played on May 14, 2024 at 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT). The game will air on ESPN and stream on Sling TV and the platforms featured below.
How to watch Boston Bruins vs. Florida Panthers Game 5 without cable
If your cable subscription doesn’t carry ESPN, or if you’ve cut the cord with your cable company, you can still watch the playoffs. Below are the platforms on which you can watch the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs without cable.
Save $25 on Sling TV: The most cost-effective way to stream the Bruins vs. Panthers game
If you don’t have cable and you want to watch the NHL Playoffs, one of the most cost-effective ways to stream playoff games is through a subscription to Sling TV. To watch hockey in the postseason, you’ll need a subscription to the Orange + Blue tier. Also worth noting: Sling TV comes with 50 hours of cloud-based DVR recording space included, perfect for recording today’s championship game.
Sling’s Orange + Blue tier costs $60 per month, but the platform is currently offering $25 off the first month of any pricing tier, making the Orange + Blue tier $35 for the first month. You can cancel anytime.
Note: Because Sling TV doesn’t carry CBS, you won’t be able to watch CBS-aired programming like next year’s NFL games on CBS. To watch these games, plus PGA golf, UEFA Champions League and more live sports, we recommend you also subscribe to Paramount+ with Showtime. Paramount+ with Showtime costs $12 per month after a one-week free trial.
CBS Essentials and Paramount+ with Showtime are both subsidiaries of Paramount.
Top features of Sling TV Orange + Blue tier:
- Sling TV is also our top choice to stream the NHL Playoffs.
- There are 46 channels to watch in total, including ABC, NBC and Fox (where available).
- You get access to NHL games airing on TNT and TBS, which Fubo doesn’t carry.
- All subscription tiers include 50 hours of cloud-based DVR storage.
Watch the Bruins vs. Panthers game for free with Fubo
You can today’s game on Fubo. Fubo is a sports-centric streaming service that offers access to access to local network affiliates, ESPN and more. To watch the NHL Playoffs without cable, start a seven-day free trial of Fubo. You can begin watching immediately on your TV, phone, tablet or computer. In addition to NHL hockey, you’ll have access to NFL football, MLB, NBA, NASCAR, MLS and international soccer games. Fubo’s Pro Tier is priced at $80 per month after your free seven-day trial.
Sports fans will want to consider adding on the $7.99 per month Fubo Extra package, which includes MLB Network, NBA TV, NHL Network, Tennis Channel, SEC Network and more channels with live games. Or upgrade to the Fubo Elite tier and get all the Fubo Extra channels, plus the ability to stream in 4K, starting at $90 per month ($70 for the first month).
Top features of FuboTV Pro Tier:
- There are no contracts with Fubo, you can cancel anytime.
- The Pro tier includes over 180 channels, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
- Fubo includes most channels you’ll need to watch live sports, including CBS (not available through Sling TV).
- All tiers come with 1,000 hours of cloud-based DVR recording.
- Stream on your TV, phone, tablet and other devices.
Hulu + Live TV/ESPN+ bundle: Watch the Bruins vs. Panthers game live for free
You can watch this year’s playoffs with the Hulu + Live TV/ESPN+ bundle. The bundle features 95 channels, including ABC, TNT, TBS, local network affiliates and ESPN. It also includes the ESPN+ streaming service. Unlimited DVR storage is also included. Watch the 2024 NHL Playoffs, MLB this season and network-aired NFL games next season with Hulu + Live TV/ESPN+ bundle.
Hulu + Live TV comes bundled with ESPN+ and Disney+. It’s priced at $77 per month after a three-day free trial.
See the latest NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs gear at Fanatics
Rooting from home is more fun while repping your team with the latest NHL fan gear. Fanatics is our first stop for the newest NHL fan gear, our go-to for the latest drop of NHL Playoffs and NHL Finals merch like jerseys, commemorative T-shirts, hats and more. Fanatics also has just-released NFL Draft jerseys, like No. 1 overall draft pick Caleb Williams‘ new Chicago Bears jersey. Free shipping on all orders over $24 (use code 24SHIP).
2024 NHL Playoffs: Full schedule
The first round of the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs is a best-of-seven series beginning on April 20, 2024.
Second round schedule
Below is the schedule for the second round of the 2024 NHL Playoffs. All times Eastern.
Eastern Conference
(1) New York Rangers vs. (2) Carolina Hurricanes
Game 1: | Rangers 4, Hurricanes 3 | Recap
Game 2: | Rangers 4, Hurricanes 3 (OT2) | Recap
Game 3: | Rangers 3, Hurricanes 2 | Recap
Game 4: | Hurricanes 4, Rangers 3 | Recap
Game 5*: | Hurricanes 4, Rangers 1 | Recap
Game 6*: | Thursday, May 16, TBD | at CAR | TV: TBD
Game 7*: | Saturday, May 18, TBD | at NY | TV: TBD
Rangers lead the series 3-2
(1) Florida Panthers vs. (2) Boston Bruins
Game 1: | Bruins 5, Panthers 1 | Recap
Game 2: | Panthers 6, Bruins 1| Recap
Game 3: | Panthers 6, Bruins 2 | Recap
Game 4: | Panthers 3, Bruins 2 | Recap
Game 5*: | Tuesday, May 14, TBD | at FLA | TV: TBD
Game 6*: | Friday, May 17, TBD | at BOS | TV: TBD
Game 7*: | Sunday, May 19, TBD | at FLA | TV: TBD
Panthers lead the series 3-1
Western Conference
(1) Dallas Stars vs. (3) Colorado Avalanche
Game 1: | Avalanche 4, Stars 3 | Recap
Game 2: | Stars 5, Avalanche 3 | Recap
Game 3: | Stars 4, Avalanche 1 | Recap
Game 4: | Stars 5, Avalanche 1 | Recap
Game 5*: | Wednesday, May 15, TBD | at DAL | TV: TBD
Game 6*: | Friday, May 17, TBD | at COL | TV: TBD
Game 7*: | Sunday, May 19, TBD | at DAL | TV: TBD
Stars lead the series 3-1
(1) Vancouver Canucks vs. (2) Edmonton Oilers
Game 1: | Canucks 5, Oilers 4| Recap
Game 2: | Oilers 4, Canucks 3 | Recap
Game 3: | Canucks 4, Oilers 3 | Recap
Game 4: | Tuesday, May 14, TBD | at EDM | TV: ESPN
Game 5*: | Thursday, May 16, TBD | at VAN | TV: TBD
Game 6*: | Saturday, May 18, TBD | at EDM | TV: TBD
Game 7*: | Monday, May 20, TBD | at VAN | TV: TBD
Vancouver leads the series 2-1
2024 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs: First round results and scores
Below are the scores for the first round of the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Eastern Conference
(1) New York Rangers vs. (WC2) Washington Capitals
Game 1: | Rangers 4, Capitals 1 | Recap
Game 2: | Rangers 4, Capitals 3 | Recap
Game 3: | Rangers 3, Capitals 1 | Recap
Game 4: | Rangers 4, Capitals 2 | Recap
(2) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (3) New York Islanders
Game 1: | Hurricanes 3, Islanders 1 | Recap
Game 2: | Hurricanes 5, Islanders 3 | Recap
Game 3: | Hurricanes 3, Islanders 2 | Recap
Game 4: | Islanders 3, Hurricanes 2 (2OT) | Recap
Game 5: | Hurricanes 6, Islanders 3 | Recap
(1) Florida Panthers vs. (WC1) Tampa Bay Lightning
Game 1: | Panthers 3, Lightning 2 | Recap
Game 2: | Panthers 3, Lightning 2 (OT) | Recap
Game 3: | Panthers 5, Lightning 3 | Recap
Game 4: | Lightning 6, Panthers 3 | Recap
Game 5: | Panthers 6, Lightning 1 | Recap
(2) Boston Bruins vs. (3) Toronto Maple Leafs
Game 1: | Bruins 5, Maple Leafs 1 | Recap
Game 2: | Maple Leafs 3, Bruins 2 | Recap
Game 3: | Bruins 4, Maple Leafs 2 | Recap
Game 4: | Bruins 3, Maple Leafs 1 | Recap
Game 5: | Maple Leafs 2, Bruins 1 (OT) | Recap
Game 6: | Maple Leafs 2, Bruins 1| Recap
Game 7: | Bruins 2, Maple Leafs 1 (OT) | Recap
Western Conference
(1) Dallas Stars vs. (WC2) Vegas Golden Knights
Game 1: | Golden Knights 4, Stars 3 | Recap
Game 2: | Golden Knights 2, Stars 1 | Recap
Game 3: | Stars 3, Golden Knights 2 (OT) | Recap
Game 4: | Stars 4, Golden Knights 2 | Recap
Game 5: | Stars 3, Golden Knights 2 | Recap
Game 6: | Golden Knights 2, Stars 0 | Recap
Game 7: | Stars 2, Golden Knights 1| Recap
(2) Winnipeg Jets vs. (3) Colorado Avalanche
Game 1: | Jets 7, Avalanche 6 | Recap
Game 2: | Avalanche 5, Jets 2 | Recap
Game 3: | Avalanche 6, Jets 2 | Recap
Game 4: | Avalanche 5, Jets 1 | Recap
Game 5: | Avalanche 6, Jets 3 | Recap
(1) Vancouver Canucks vs. (WC1) Nashville Predators
Game 1: | Canucks 4, Predators 2 | Recap
Game 2: | Predators 4, Canucks 1 | Recap
Game 3: | Canucks 2, Predators 1 | Recap
Game 4: | Canucks 4, Predators 3 (OT) | Recap
Game 5: | Predators 2, Canucks 1 | Recap
Game 6: | Canucks 1, Predators 0 | Recap
(2) Edmonton Oilers vs. (3) Los Angeles Kings
Game 1: | Oilers 7, Kings 4 | Recap
Game 2: | Kings 5, Oilers 4 (OT) | Recap
Game 3: | Oilers 6, Kings 1 | Recap
Game 4: | Oilers 1, Kings 0 | Recap
Game 5: | Oilers 4, Kings 3 | Recap
When are the NHL Stanley Cup Finals?
The Stanley Cup Final is currently scheduled to begin on June 3, 2024. That date could change based on the duration of the Stanley Cup Conference finals.
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Borrowing from your home equity can be a wise way to improve your financial health, especially in today’s economy. For example, you can tap into home equity to fund home renovations that may improve your home’s value. Similarly, home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) typically offer lower rates than credit cards and other types of borrowing products, making them a useful option for consolidating debt and reducing interest costs. And with Americans sitting on an average of $319,000 in home equity currently, these loans may offer higher borrowing limits than other options.
Current economic factors, including inflation and interest rates, are also boding well for borrowers right now, making it an even better time to consider this type of borrowing. For starters, the Federal Reserve is confident enough in the downward inflation trend to cut the federal funds rate at the last three Fed meetings. While the Fed doesn’t set mortgage rates, the federal funds rate influences the interest rates lenders charge on their lending products. While not at pre-pandemic levels, interest rates on home equity loans and HELOCs are slowly improving. The average home equity loan interest rate is currently 8.41%, while the average HELOC interest rate is 8.52% (as of December 19, 2024).
Still, the only economic constant is change. Inflation increased slightly in October, and other factors could alter the borrowing environment going forward. With that in mind, choosing between a HELOC and home equity loan will depend on your financial goals and how these products respond to changes in the market. Let’s explore which of these two home equity options might make sense for your situation.
Start comparing your home equity borrowing options online now.
Why a HELOC could be better than a home equity loan in 2025
HELOCs work like credit cards, offering a line of credit that can be borrowed from multiple times (up to the credit limit). This type of home equity borrowing can be a useful option if you want to use funds as needed over time, as opposed to getting one large lump-sum payment like a home equity loan. For example, if you’re renovating your home with multiple projects, a HELOC lets you access funds as needed for each phase, helping you avoid borrowing more than necessary upfront.
Just remember, HELOC repayment terms usually start with interest-only payments for a set number of years, typically five or 10 years.
“This is for someone who wants a low starting monthly payment, but keep in mind you may not be paying off all the principal,” says Adam Spigelman, senior vice president at Planet Home Lending. “If you borrow $50,000 and you make interest-only payments for five years, at the end of five years, you’ll still owe $50,000.”
Also keep in mind that HELOCs have variable rates that are tied to an index such as the prime rate, which is typically around 3% higher than the federal funds rate. So if you anticipate the Fed’s rate-cutting trend will continue, a HELOC might save you money in the short term. On the other hand, you might think twice about getting a HELOC if you believe rates will increase during your repayment term.
“When that index rate rises, your monthly payment may also rise. That higher payment can leave you with less money in your pocket, which can make it harder to stay out of debt. If the higher interest rate comes at a time when you’re starting to do the principal repayment, it can lead to payment shock,” Spigelman notes.
Find out how affordable the right home equity borrowing option could be today.
Why a home equity loan could be better than a HELOC in 2025
If you’re looking for more predictable financing, you may prefer a home equity loan for its fixed interest rate and monthly payment that remains the same during the life of the loan, regardless of rate adjustments.
“A home equity loan is a fixed rate and doesn’t fluctuate based on what the Federal Reserve does,” says Jeremy Schachter, branch manager at Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp. “So when the rates come down, your fixed rate doesn’t go down.”
While the Fed’s ongoing rate cuts might reduce borrowing costs on HELOCs in 2025, a home equity loan might be a better long-term option if you expect rates to rise during your loan term.
Home equity loans are a great option if you need a large, lump-sum payment to fund a large expense. You might use one to fund a major home renovation, consolidate high-interest debt or even cover your child’s college tuition. Since home equity loans often have lower rates than private student loans, they may help you save money in the long run.
Should you borrow from your home equity now or wait?
Deciding whether to borrow now or wait until 2025 or later depends on your financial situation, goals and borrowing preferences. As Schachter explains, the type of loan you choose matters, as fixed-rate and variable-rate options affect how your monthly payments change over time.
“Depending on your needs and goals with the funds for the loan, it may make sense not to wait to take out a HELOC because it does change with rates changing. If you are looking for a home equity loan, it may make sense to hold off until next year if your projects or use of the funds can be pushed out,” says Schachter.
The bottom line
Heading into 2025, the choice between a home equity loan and a HELOC comes down to how stable you want your payments to be, and which direction you anticipate interest rates are trending. So, take time to weigh the pros and cons of each option and how they might impact your budget. Finally, remember that home equity loans and credit lines are secured by your home, so you should never borrow more than you need, and make sure the payments fit comfortably into your budget before signing for one.