Looking to catch every NHL game without breaking the bank or facing constant interruptions? NHLstreams has long been a go-to for hockey fans seeking free, live NHL game streams. However, users often encounter issues like unreliable links, pop-up ads, geo-restrictions, and the looming threat of sudden shutdowns or legal risks. These limitations can make streaming a hassle rather than a pleasure.
If you’re frustrated by pricing, limited features, or the uncertainty of NHLstreams, you’re not alone. Many fans are searching for safer, more reliable, and flexible alternatives that offer better value and user experience. Whether you want more streaming options, smoother performance, or simply peace of mind, this guide will help you discover the top alternatives.
Here are the best alternatives to NHLstreams you can try today tested, compared, and reviewed in-depth.
What Makes a Good NHLstreams Alternative?
When searching for the ideal alternative to NHLstreams, keep these features in mind:
- Pricing flexibility: Look for free tiers, generous free trials, or one-time/lifetime deals.
- Performance advantage: Reliable HD streaming with minimal buffering and downtime.
- User interface and experience: Clean, easy-to-navigate platforms with minimal ads.
- Device compatibility: Works on mobile, desktop, smart TVs, and streaming devices.
- Legal and security safeguards: Official rights, secure connections, and privacy features.
- Niche-specific strengths: Extras like multi-sport coverage, DVR, or exclusive commentary.
- Customer support: Responsive help in case of issues.
Why Do You Need a NHLstreams Alternative?
There are several reasons why fans look for alternatives to NHLstreams:
- Legal risks: Many unofficial streaming sites operate in a gray area or outright violate copyright laws, putting users at risk of legal action.
- Security concerns: Free streaming sites can expose users to malware, phishing, and data theft.
- Limited access: Geo-blocking and frequent shutdowns can make streams unreliable or unavailable when you need them most.
- Quality and reliability: Streams may be low quality, laggy, or filled with intrusive ads.
Tip: To protect your privacy and bypass geo-restrictions, consider using a reputable VPN service when streaming sports online.
Top 12 Alternatives to NHLstreams
1. CBC Gem – Best for Free, Legal NHL Streaming
Techmazer Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.7/5)
Price: Free (account required)
Geo-Restriction: Canada only; VPN required outside Canada
CBC Gem is the official platform of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, offering free, high-quality live streams of NHL regular-season games to viewers in Canada. For international fans, a VPN is necessary to bypass geo-restrictions.
Key Features:
- Free, legal NHL regular-season streams
- No subscription or hidden fees
- Available on web, mobile, smart TVs, and streaming devices
- Minimal ads and a user-friendly interface
- Requires free account registration
Limitations:
- Only regular-season games (no playoffs or Stanley Cup finals)
- Geo-blocked outside Canada (VPN required internationally)
Verdict:
CBC Gem is the top choice for fans who want to watch NHL games for free, legally, and with minimal hassle. Perfect for budget-conscious viewers or those wary of unofficial streaming sites.
2. Viaplay – Best for UK NHL Fans & Multi-Sport Streaming
Techmazer Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)
Price: £14.99/month (free trial available)
Geo-Restriction: UK only; VPN required outside the UK
Viaplay is a leading UK sports and entertainment streaming service with exclusive NHL access and a rich selection of football, motorsport, and more.
Key Features:
- Live and on-demand NHL games
- Coverage of football, Formula 1, and more
- High-definition, reliable streaming
- Available on web, mobile, smart TVs, and streaming devices
- Free trial for new users
Verdict:
Ideal for UK viewers who want official NHL streams and a wide range of sports, all in one subscription. VPN recommended for access outside the UK.
3. Amazon Prime Video (Canada) – Best for Canadian NHL Streaming & Entertainment
Techmazer Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.6/5)
Price: $9.99/month (free trial available)
Geo-Restriction: Canada only; VPN required outside Canada
Amazon Prime Video Canada now streams exclusive Monday night NHL games, plus a vast library of movies, TV shows, and Amazon Originals.
Key Features:
- Exclusive Monday night NHL games live for Canadian Prime members
- Access to Amazon Originals, movies, and TV series
- Works on web, mobile, smart TVs, and streaming devices
- Free trial for new users
- Ad-free streaming experience
Verdict:
Great for Canadian fans wanting a trusted, all-in-one entertainment platform with NHL coverage and a robust content library. VPN required for access outside Canada.
4. YouTube TV – Best for US Cord-Cutters & Sports Variety
Techmazer Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)
Price: $82.99/month (free trial available)
Geo-Restriction: US only; VPN required outside the US
YouTube TV is a popular choice for US viewers seeking comprehensive NHL coverage without a cable subscription.
Key Features:
- NHL Network and regional sports channels included
- Unlimited cloud DVR for recording games
- Stream on up to three devices simultaneously
- Free trial for new users
Verdict:
Perfect for US-based fans seeking a full-featured, cable-like experience with NHL and more.
5. Fubo TV – Best for Sports-Obsessed Viewers
Techmazer Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5)
Price: $84.99/month (free trial available)
Geo-Restriction: US only; VPN required outside the US
Fubo TV is a sports-centric streaming service with robust NHL coverage and a host of other sports channels.
Key Features:
- Live NHL games and expert analysis
- Extensive sports channel lineup (ESPN, Fox Sports, NBC Sports, etc.)
- Cloud DVR and multiple simultaneous streams
- Free trial for new users
Verdict:
Great for sports fans who want comprehensive coverage and advanced features, especially for hockey and more.
6. DirecTV Stream – Best for Traditional TV Experience Online
Techmazer Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.3/5)
Price: $84.99/month (free trial available)
Geo-Restriction: US only; VPN required outside the US
DirecTV Stream brings the traditional TV experience to streaming, including NHL games via the NHL Network and regional sports channels.
Key Features:
- NHL Center Ice add-on for up to 40 out-of-market games weekly
- Dual feeds for home and away broadcasts
- Available in HD with cloud DVR
- Free trial for new users
Verdict:
Perfect for fans who want a cable-like experience online, with extensive NHL access and familiar navigation.
7. Disney+ – Best for Family-Friendly Streaming
Techmazer Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.7/5)
Price: R$27.99/month
Geo-Restriction: Brazil only; VPN required outside Brazil
Disney+ in Brazil offers a vast library of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content.
Key Features:
- Extensive catalog of movies and series
- Up to 4 simultaneous streams, 10 devices per account
- Personalized recommendations and parental controls
Verdict:
Best for families and fans of premium entertainment, not for dedicated NHL streaming.
8. ESPN+ – Best for US NHL Fans Wanting Exclusive Content
Techmazer Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)
Price: $11.99/month
Geo-Restriction: US only; VPN required outside the US
ESPN+ is the go-to for exclusive NHL games, out-of-market matchups, and replays.
Key Features:
- 75+ exclusive NHL games per season, plus 1,000+ out-of-market games
- Replays and highlights of every NHL regular season and playoff game
- Multi-device compatibility
Verdict:
Great for budget-conscious fans who want exclusive NHL content and on-demand replays.
9. Sportsnet – Best for Canadian NHL Coverage
Techmazer Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.6/5)
Price: $16.67/month
Geo-Restriction: Canada only; VPN required outside Canada
Sportsnet is Canada’s official NHL broadcaster, offering live games, highlights, and expert coverage.
Key Features:
- Live and on-demand NHL games, including regional coverage
- Additional sports content (MLB, NBA, etc.)
- Multi-device streaming
Verdict:
Best for Canadian fans seeking reliable, official NHL streams and broader sports coverage.
10. TVA Sports – Best for French-Speaking Canadian NHL Fans
Techmazer Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5)
Price: $17.99/month
Geo-Restriction: Canada only; VPN required outside Canada
TVA Sports offers French-language NHL coverage, making it the top choice for Quebec and francophone hockey fans.
Key Features:
- Live NHL games and exclusive coverage
- French-language commentary and shows
- Available on web, mobile, and TV
Verdict:
Ideal for French-speaking Canadians who want NHL coverage in their language.
11. Sling TV (Orange Package) – Best for US Budget Streamers
Techmazer Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.3/5)
Price: $45.99/month
Geo-Restriction: US only; VPN required outside the US
Sling TV’s Orange package includes key sports channels for NHL coverage at a lower price point than most competitors.
Key Features:
- Access to ESPN and other top sports channels
- Flexible, no-contract plans
- Works on most devices
Verdict:
Great for US viewers looking for affordable NHL streaming without long-term commitments.
12. Hulu+ Live TV – Best for All-in-One US Streaming
Techmazer Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)
Price: $82.99/month
Geo-Restriction: US only; VPN required outside the US
Hulu+ Live TV combines live NHL coverage with a massive on-demand library of movies and shows. With ESPN+ and Disney+ bundled in, it’s a comprehensive package for US households.
Key Features:
- NHL games via ESPN, ABC, and regional sports networks
- Unlimited cloud DVR
- Access to Hulu, ESPN+, and Disney+ content
Verdict:
Perfect for US fans who want NHL action and a complete streaming bundle for the whole family.
Quick Comparison Table (Same Sequence)
| Service | Country | Price/Month | Free Trial | Official | Device Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBC Gem | Canada | Free | N/A | ✔ | All | VPN needed outside Canada |
| Viaplay | UK | £14.99 | ✔ | ✔ | All | VPN needed outside UK |
| Amazon Prime Video | Canada | $9.99 | ✔ | ✔ | All | VPN needed outside Canada |
| YouTube TV | US | $82.99 | ✔ | ✔ | All | High price, VPN needed outside US |
| Fubo TV | US | $84.99 | ✔ | ✔ | All | Sports-focused, VPN needed |
| DirecTV Stream | US | $84.99 | ✔ | ✔ | All | Traditional TV, VPN needed |
| Disney+ | Brazil | R$27.99 | ✖ | ✔ | All | Family content, VPN needed |
| ESPN+ | US | $11.99 | ✖ | ✔ | All | Exclusive NHL, VPN needed |
| Sportsnet | Canada | $16.67 | ✖ | ✔ | All | Official Canada, VPN needed |
| TVA Sports | Canada | $17.99 | ✖ | ✔ | All | French, VPN needed outside Canada |
| Sling TV (Orange) | US | $45.99 | ✖ | ✔ | All | Budget, VPN needed outside US |
| Hulu+ Live TV | US | $82.99 | ✖ | ✔ | All | Bundle, VPN needed outside US |
How to Choose the Right Alternative
When selecting the best NHLstreams alternative, consider:
- Budget: Free options like CBC Gem (with VPN) are great for cost-conscious fans. Premium services offer more features but at a higher price.
- Device compatibility: Make sure the service works on your preferred devices.
- Content needs: If you want only NHL, CBC Gem or ESPN+ may suffice. For multi-sport access, Fubo TV or YouTube TV are better.
- Location: Some services are geo-restricted; a VPN can help you bypass these blocks.
If you’re a Canadian NHL fan: Try CBC Gem or Sportsnet NOW.
If you want multi-sport access in the US: YouTube TV or Fubo TV are top picks.
On a budget? Sling TV or ESPN+ offer affordable alternatives.
Legal & Security Notice
Streaming NHL games from unofficial sources can expose you to legal and security risks, including:
- Piracy and copyright infringement: Many free streaming sites operate illegally.
- Malware and data theft: Unofficial sites may contain malicious ads or trackers.
- Privacy concerns: Your IP address and personal data may be exposed.
VPN Recommendation:
For privacy and safety, always use a reputable VPN like NordVPN when streaming online.
- Features: High-speed servers, strong encryption, no-logs policy, access to geo-blocked sites, and excellent streaming speeds.
- Pricing: Up to 76% off plus a free Amazon gift card for new users.
- How It Helps: NordVPN encrypts your internet traffic, hides your IP address, and allows you to access geo-restricted content safely and anonymously.
Final Thoughts: Finding the Right NHLstreams Alternative
Exploring alternatives to NHLstreams opens up safer, more reliable, and higher-quality ways to enjoy NHL action. Your best choice depends on your needs, location, and budget. Take advantage of free trials where available, and remember that no single tool fits everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are NHLstreams alternatives legal to use?
Official streaming services are legal; unofficial sites may violate copyright laws. Always check your country’s regulations.
2. Can I watch NHL games for free?
CBC Gem offers free regular-season NHL games in Canada. Some paid services offer free trials.
3. Do I need a VPN to access these alternatives?
A VPN is recommended if you’re outside the service’s country or want to enhance privacy and security.
4. Which alternative is best for international fans?
CBC Gem (with VPN), Viaplay, and ESPN+ are popular for international viewers.
5. What’s the safest way to stream NHL games?
Use official, paid services or free legal options like CBC Gem. Always use a VPN for added security.
