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How to watch the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs tonight: Best livestream options, full schedule, more
Joshua Sarner/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs have begun, with the New York Rangers and the Dallas Stars entering the postseason with the top seeds in the East and West respectively. The most exciting time of year for hockey fans, the road to the Stanley Cup promises high drama, amazing gameplay and (likely) a few heated exchanges between teams.
Keep reading for all the ways you can watch the 2024 NHL Playoffs and the surprising way you can catch many of this season’s playoff games.
When are the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs?
The 2024 NHL Playoffs started on April 20, 2024, and are scheduled to be completed no later than June 24, 2024.
What networks will air the 2024 NHL Playoffs?
Like the 2024 NBA Playoffs, the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs games will be split between ABC or ESPN and TNT or TBS.
How to watch the 2024 NHL Playoffs without cable
If your cable subscription doesn’t carry ABC, ESPN, TNT and TBS, or 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 NHL Playoffs
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. If you’re looking for one live TV streaming platform to watch all your favorite sports, we suggest a subscription to Hulu + Live TV.
Top features of Sling TV Blue tier:
- 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.
Hulu + Live TV/ESPN+ bundle: Watch the NHL Playoffs 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 after a three-day free trial.
Watch NHL games on ABC and ESPN for free with Fubo
You can also catch playoff games airing on ABC and ESPN 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 190 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.
Watch NHL Playoffs games for free on Max
Max, formerly known as HBO Max, is known for streaming top-tier HBO content like “Succession” and “House of Dragon”. Now, hockey fans can enjoy NHL Playoffs games on the streamer with the B/R sports add-on. You’ll need a Max subscription to access B/R sports content like the NHL Playoffs and the NBA Playoffs. Some blackouts do apply.
A subscription to Max starts at $9.99 per month. The B/R sports add-on is currently free.
Watch the NHL on ABC with a digital HDTV antenna
Amazon
If you’re cutting the cord to your cable company, you’re not alone; in fact, you are in luck. You can still watch the NHL on TV with an affordable indoor antenna, which pulls in local over-the-air HDTC channels such as CBS, NBC, ABC, Fox, PBS, Univision and more. Here’s the kicker: There’s no monthly charge.
For anyone living in a partially blocked-off area (those near mountains or first-floor apartments), a digital TV antenna may not pick up a good signal — or any signal at all. But for many homes, a digital TV antenna provides a seriously inexpensive way to watch hockey without paying a cable company. Indoor TV antennas can also provide some much-needed TV backup if a storm knocks out your cable (or your cable company gets in a squabble with a network).
This amplified digital antenna can receive hundreds of HD TV channels, including ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, FOX, and Univision and can filter out cellular and FM signals. It receives signals 360 degrees and delivers a high-quality picture in 4K, UHD and 1080 HDTV, top-tier sound and features a 16-foot digital coax cable. This Amazon best-selling antenna is $15, reduced from $18.
2024 NHL Playoffs: Full schedule
The first round of the 2024 NHL Playoffs is a best-of-seven series beginning on April 20, 2024.
First round schedule
Below is the schedule for the first round of the 2024 NHL Playoffs. All times Eastern.
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: | Friday, April 26, 7 p.m. | at WSH | TV: TNT
Game 4: | Sunday, April 28, 8 p.m. | at WSH | TV: TBS
Game 5*: | Wednesday, May 1, TBD | at NY | TV: TBD
Game 6*: | Friday, May 3, TBD | at WSH | TV: TBD
Game 7*: | Sunday, May 5, TBD | at NY | TV: TBD
(2) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (3) New York Islanders
Game 1: | Hurricanes 3, Islanders 1 | Recap
Game 2: | Hurricanes 5, Islanders 3 | Recap
Game 3: | Thursday, April 25, 7:30 p.m. | at NY | TV: ESPN2
Game 4: | Saturday, April 27, 2 p.m. | at NY | TV: TBS
Game 5*: | Tuesday, April 30, TBD | at CAR | TV: TBD
Game 6*: | Thursday, May 2, TBD | at NY | TV: TBD
Game 7*: | Saturday, May 4, TBD | at CAR | TV: TBD
(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: | Thursday, April 25, 7 p.m. | at TB | TV: TBS
Game 4: | Saturday, April 27, 5 p.m. | at TB | TV: TBS
Game 5*: | Monday, April 29, TBD | at FLA | TV: TBD
Game 6*: | Wednesday, May 1, TBD | at TB | TV: TBD
Game 7*: | Saturday, May 4, TBD | at FLA | TV: TBD
(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: | Saturday, April 27, 8 p.m. | at TOR | TV: TBS
Game 5*: | Tuesday, April 30, TBD | at BOS | TV: TBD
Game 6*: | Thursday, May 2, TBD | at TOR | TV: TBD
Game 7*: | Saturday, May 4, TBD | at
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: | Saturday, April 27, 10:30 p.m. | at VGK | TV: TBS
Game 4: | Monday, April 29, TBD | at VGK | TV: TBD
Game 5*: | Wednesday, May 1, TBD | at DAL | TV: TBD
Game 6*: | Friday, May 3, TBD | at VGK | TV: TBD
Game 7*: | Sunday, May 5, TBD | at DAL | TV: TBD
(2) Winnipeg Jets vs. (3) Colorado Avalanche
Game 1: | Jets 7, Avalanche 6 | Recap
Game 2: | Avalanche 5, Jets 2 | Recap
Game 3: | Friday, April 26, 10 p.m. | at COL | TV: TNT
Game 4: | Sunday, April 28, 2:30 p.m. | at COL | TV: TNT
Game 5*: | Tuesday, April 30, TBD | at WPG | TV: TBD
Game 6*: | Thursday, May 2, TBD | at COL | TV: TBD
Game 7*: | Saturday, May 4, TBD | at WPG | TV: TBD
(1) Vancouver Canucks vs. (WC1) Nashville Predators
Game 1: | Canucks 4, Predators 2 | Recap
Game 2: | Predators 4, Canucks 1 | Recap
Game 3: | Friday, April 26, 7:30 p.m. | at NSH | TV: TBS
Game 4: | Sunday, April 28, 5 p.m. | at NSH | TV: TBS
Game 5*: | Tuesday, April 30, TBD | at VAN | TV: TBD
Game 6*: | Friday, May 3, TBD | at NSH | TV: TBD
Game 7*: | Sunday, May 5, TBD | at VAN | TV: TBD
(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: | Friday, April 26, 10:30 p.m. | at LA | TV: TBS
Game 4: | Sunday, April 28, 10:30 p.m. | at LA | TV: TBS
Game 5*: | Wednesday, May 1, TBD | at EDM | TV: TBD
Game 6*: | Friday, May 3, TBD | at LA | TV: TBD
Game 7*: | Sunday, May 5, TBD | at EDM | TV: TBD
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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Former Trump national security adviser says next couple months are “really critical” for Ukraine
Washington — Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, a former national security adviser to Donald Trump, said Sunday that the upcoming months will be “really critical” in determining the “next phase” of the war in Ukraine as the president-elect is expected to work to force a negotiated settlement when he enters office.
McMaster, a CBS News contributor, said on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” that Russia and Ukraine are both incentivized to make “as many gains on the battlefield as they can before the new Trump administration comes in” as the two countries seek leverage in negotiations.
With an eye toward strengthening Ukraine’s standing before President-elect Donald Trump returns to office in the new year, the Biden administration agreed in recent days to provide anti-personnel land mines for use, while lifting restrictions on Ukraine’s use of U.S.-made longer range missiles to strike within Russian territory. The moves come as Ukraine marked more than 1,000 days since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
Meanwhile, many of Trump’s key selection for top posts in his administration — Rep. Mike Waltz for national security adviser and Sens. Marco Rubio for secretary of state and JD Vance for Vice President — haven’t been supportive of providing continued assistance to Ukraine, or have advocated for a negotiated end to the war.
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McMaster said the dynamic is “a real problem” and delivers a “psychological blow to the Ukrainians.”
“Ukrainians are struggling to generate the manpower that they need and to sustain their defensive efforts, and it’s important that they get the weapons they need and the training that they need, but also they have to have the confidence that they can prevail,” he said. “And any sort of messages that we might reduce our aid are quite damaging to them from a moral perspective.”
McMaster said he’s hopeful that Trump’s picks, and the president-elect himself, will “begin to see the quite obvious connections between the war in Ukraine and this axis of aggressors that are doing everything they can to tear down the existing international order.” He cited the North Korean soldiers fighting on European soil in the first major war in Europe since World War II, the efforts China is taking to “sustain Russia’s war-making machine,” and the drones and missiles Iran has provided as part of the broader picture.
“So I think what’s happened is so many people have taken such a myopic view of Ukraine, and they’ve misunderstood Putin’s intentions and how consequential the war is to our interests across the world,” McMaster said.
On Trump’s selections for top national security and defense posts, McMaster stressed the importance of the Senate’s advice and consent role in making sure “the best people are in those positions.”
McMaster outlined that based on his experience, Trump listens to advice and learns from those around him. And he argued that the nominees for director of national intelligence and defense secretary should be asked key questions like how they will “reconcile peace through strength,” and what they think “motivates, drives and constrains” Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump has tapped former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard to be director of national intelligence, who has been criticized for her views on Russia and other U.S. adversaries. McMaster said Sunday that Gabbard has a “fundamental misunderstanding” about what motivates Putin.
More broadly, McMaster said he “can’t understand” the Republicans who “tend to parrot Vladimir Putin’s talking points,” saying “they’ve got to disabuse themselves of this strange affection for Vladimir Putin.”
Meanwhile, when asked about Trump’s recent selection of Sebastian Gorka as senior director for counterterrorism and deputy assistant to the president, McMaster said he doesn’t think Gorka is a good person to advise the president-elect on national security. But he noted that “the president, others who are working with him, will probably determine that pretty quickly.”
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Sen. Van Hollen says Biden is “not fully complying with American law” on Israeli arms shipments
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Rep.-elect Sarah McBride says “I didn’t run” for Congrees “to talk about what bathroom I use”
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Former Trump national security adviser says next couple months are “really critical” for Ukraine
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Sen. Van Hollen says Biden is “not fully complying with American law” on Israeli arms shipments
Former Trump national security adviser says next couple months are “really critical” for Ukraine
St. Paul partners with SPPS to expand college savings program