How to watch blackout NHL games on ESPN+ and NHL.TV
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NHL game blackouts are the result of regional broadcast rights that restrict live viewing in certain areas. Starting with the 2025-26 season, games will stream on ESPN in the US, while NHL.TV will be available exclusively through DAZN in nearly 200 countries. If you’re in a blackout zone, you’ll need to watch via your local broadcaster or wait for out‑of‑market or on‑demand access. Luckily, a VPN (virtual private network) is the simplest way to bypass NHL blackouts. By routing your connection through a server in another state, you can change your virtual location and watch games that would otherwise be restricted in your area.
These blackout rules exist because Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) hold exclusive local broadcasting rights. When an RSN airs a game in your market, national platforms like ESPN+ must block it to honor those agreements. That means even if you’ve paid for a full NHL streaming package, some matchups will remain off‑limits within a team’s home territory.
How to watch blacked-out NHL games on ESPN+
Here are the steps you should take to watch blacked-out NHL games:
- Subscribe to a VPN service – I recommend NordVPN, now up to 75%
- Download and install the VPN
- For ESPN+ blackouts: use a VPN to connect to another US state. For instance, if Bruins games are blacked out in Boston, switch to a California server
- For DAZN users outside US/Canada: connect to a VPN server in a country without restrictions, such as the Netherlands or Germany
- Log in to your ESPN+ or DAZN: account and enjoy watching NHL games
With ESPN+ (which now includes NHL Power Play), you can stream over 1000 out-of-market NHL games, and a VPN helps you access those local games that would otherwise be blacked out. Click here for detailed step by step guide on how to use VPN for NHL blackouts.
Why are some NHL games blacked out?
NHL blackouts can be confusing, but they mostly happen because of TV rights and regional coverage. The league sells games to both national broadcasters and local sports networks, and if you live in a team’s home market, you’re expected to watch through that local channel instead of ESPN+ or DAZN (NHL.TV content is now fully integrated into it).
For example, Red Wings games in Michigan air on Bally Sports Detroit, so they can’t be streamed there. Bruins games in Boston are shown on NESN, and Blackhawks games in Chicago are on NBC Sports Chicago, which also blocks streaming in those areas. The idea is to protect the networks that pay for exclusive rights. However, fans aren’t happy about it, especially if they’ve already paid for a streaming package.
Luckily, there’s a way to get around this – using a VPN. It lets you connect to another location and unlock games without restrictions.
Best VPNs for ESPN+ to bypass NHL blackouts
- NordVPN – best VPN for streaming NHL without blackouts on ESPN+
- Surfshark – VPN with unlimited devices for NHL on ESPN+
- IPVanish – beginner-friendly VPN to watch NHL
- ExpressVPN – VPN that can get around NHL geo-blocks
- CyberGhost VPN – trusted VPN for streaming NHL
Best VPNs to watch NHL anywhere – detailed list
At Cybernews, we have reviewed 41 different VPN services. For this article, I selected the 5 best options for bypassing NHL blackouts. While my top choice for streaming NHL games is NordVPN, other services like Surfshark, IPVanish, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost are also viable options. I chose these VPNs based on criteria such as the number of servers across the US, modern tunneling protocols for fast connections, robust security features, and excellent compatibility with various devices, including PCs, smartphones, routers, and streaming devices.
My final list of the top 5 VPNs for the NHL stood out in terms of features and performance during our in-house testing, making them ideal choices for watching blacked-out NHL games.
1. NordVPN – best VPN for bypassing NHL blackouts
| Servers/countries: | 9,500 servers in 149 countries |
| Works with: | ESPN+, DAZN, Hulu, Sling TV, Fubo, and more |
| Price: | From $3.49/month |
NordVPN is a favorite among users for good reason — it's reliable and highly effective when it comes to unblocking sports streams like NHL.TV (available through DAZN for the 2025-2026 season) and ESPN+, making it a top choice to watch blackout NHL games on ESPN+. Based on my experience, this VPN handles geo-restricted content with ease, which is why it earned a top spot on my list.
Streaming
During my testing, NordVPN had no trouble bypassing regional blackouts on ESPN+ in countries where the service is available. I also tested it with other popular platforms like Netflix, YouTube TV, and MLB.TV, and it worked without a problem. One thing I really liked is how it has apps for smart TVs and streaming devices, so I didn’t have to jump through hoops to get my streams working on my big screen. Compared to other VPNs, like ExpressVPN, which also excel at streaming, NordVPN consistently gets the job done.
Server network
NordVPN has a wide range of servers, with over 9,500 globally and plenty in key locations for streaming. In the US, it has 3400+ servers in 55 cities, which gives you flexibility in finding one that works for bypassing ESPN+ blackouts or streaming DAZN. It also has 3 locations in Canada, which I found helpful for watching regional sports content.
Speed
Speed is a make-or-break factor for streaming, especially for live sports, and I was impressed with NordVPN’s performance. Using its NordLynx protocol, I retained around 83% of my original internet speed. Streaming NHL games in HD was smooth, with no noticeable lag or buffering. While Surfshark also offers great speeds, I found NordVPN to be more consistent, particularly on longer connections. If you’re watching live sports, the steady performance really makes a difference.
Pricing
One of the things I appreciate about NordVPN is that it’s reasonably priced for what you get. Plans start at just $3.49/month, which is competitive with other top VPNs like Surfshark. There’s also a 3-day free trial (if you're on mobile) and a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out risk-free. Based on my experience, the value is great, and the pricing is straightforward — there aren’t any sneaky fees or complicated cancellation processes, which is a relief.
To learn more, check out our NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark – VPN that bypasses NHL blackouts on unlimited devices
| Servers/countries: | 4,500 servers in 100 countries |
| Works with: | ESPN+, DAZN, Hulu, Star+, YouTube TV, and more |
| Price: | From $2.49/month |
Surfshark is one of the fastest VPNs for bypassing NHL blackouts on ESPN+ or DAZN. It’s a great choice for both experienced and new users due to its ease of use, powerful performance, and unbeatable affordability. The prices are even better when you apply the Surfshark coupon code: OFFCN during checkout.
Streaming
With Surfshark, you can access a wide range of streaming services, from ESPN+ to DAZN, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and more. What stood out to me was the Smart DNS feature, which lets you stream on devices that don’t support VPNs, like smart TVs or consoles. And the best part? You can connect unlimited devices at the same time, so the whole family can stream what they like without limitations.
Server network
Surfshark offers more than 600 servers across 24 US cities and 3 in Canada, making it simple to find a server that bypasses NHL blackouts in your area. I had no trouble finding a fast and reliable connection. While a few other VPNs offer more server locations, Surfshark’s network is big enough to cover everything you’ll need, especially for NHL games.
Speed
One of Surfshark’s strengths is its impressive speed retention. With the WireGuard protocol, it held about 81% of my normal internet speed, and I experienced no buffering or lag while watching NHL games. The video quality stayed sharp throughout. This kind of performance makes streaming smooth and enjoyable, and it’s one of the reasons Surfshark is a top contender for streaming sports.
Pricing
At just $2.49/month, Surfshark is one of the most budget-friendly VPNs available. Plus, it offers a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can give it a shot without any financial risk. While it might not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end VPNs, the combination of price and performance makes it a fantastic deal.
If you wish to know more, reading our Surfshark review is a good place to start.
3. IPVanish – easy-to-use VPN for NHL
| Servers/countries: | 3,400 servers in 112 countries |
| Works with: | ESPN+, DAZN, Hulu, NHL Live, Premier Sports |
| Price: | From $2.19/month |
With 22 different server locations in the US, IPVanish proves to be a worthy VPN for bypassing NHL blackouts. Excellent security and lightning-fast connection speeds also make it an attractive option.
Streaming
During my tests, I used it to unblock services like ESPN+, DAZN, and even YouTube TV. It worked smoothly, and I could catch live NHL games without any buffering or delays. The connection stayed stable throughout live events. That said, I noticed that IPVanish isn’t as consistent with Netflix or other non-sports streaming platforms. For example, when I tried to access Netflix, I had mixed results compared to services like NordVPN, which unblocks pretty much anything effortlessly. But if your focus is sports streaming, IPVanish definitely does the job well.
Server network
IPVanish offers over 3,400 servers across 112 countries, with 22 server locations in the US alone. This is a decent spread, especially if you’re trying to avoid blackout zones for sports. In my experience, having multiple server options across the US made it easy to switch to another region whenever a stream was blocked.
Speed
Using the WireGuard protocol, I retained about 75% of my original connection speed, which is more than enough for smooth streaming in HD or even 4K. I didn’t experience any lag or interruptions while watching live sports. Although there are slightly faster VPNs out there — Surfshark comes to mind — I found IPVanish’s speed to be more than sufficient for my needs.
Pricing
IPVanish’s pricing starts at $2.19/month, which is pretty affordable considering what you get. I liked the fact that it comes with a 7-day free trial on mobile and a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you a chance to test it out without committing long-term. However, I did notice that IPVanish doesn’t offer as many long-term discount options as some of the other big players. If you’re looking for the cheapest multi-year deal, you might want to check out alternatives.
For more details, take a look at our IPVanish review.
4. ExpressVPN – premium VPN for bypassing NHL blackouts
| Servers/countries: | Servers in 105 countries |
| Works with: | ESPN+, DAZN, Hulu, NHL Live, Premier Sports |
| Price: | From $2.49/month |
ExpressVPN ranks among the top VPNs for streaming, especially for sports fans trying to bypass NHL blackouts, but it’s not without its limits. While it handles streaming well, some competitors offer more servers.
Streaming
ExpressVPN does a good job of unblocking major streaming platforms, including DAZN, ESPN+, and MLB.TV. In my tests, it also worked well with Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max, allowing access to multiple regions. The MediaStreamer feature is useful for unblocking content on devices that don’t normally support VPNs, like certain smart TVs and gaming consoles. While it’s effective, I noticed that it sometimes takes a bit longer to connect to the best server compared to other VPNs like NordVPN, which can be more straightforward in handling region-specific streams. Additionally, the router app no longer supports non-Aircove routers, which may limit flexibility for users with custom setups.
Server network
ExpressVPN offers servers in 105 countries, with 16 server locations in the US, including cities like Los Angeles, Dallas, and Atlanta. While the exact number of servers isn’t disclosed, the US coverage is generally reliable, although a few more options across states would help. Other VPNs, like NordVPN, provide a larger number of US servers, which might be a better fit if you’re specifically looking for variety. Still, I found that ExpressVPN’s servers maintained good performance for the most part.
Speed
When it comes to speed, ExpressVPN uses the Lightway protocol, which delivers decent performance. In my experience, I retained about 74% of my original connection speed. While that’s more than enough for HD or even 4K streaming, I did notice that some VPNs, like Surfshark, offer slightly better speed retention. For most users, the speed should be more than adequate, but if you’re looking for the absolute fastest option, there may be better alternatives.
Pricing
ExpressVPN price is decent, starting at $2.49/month.
Read more about the provider in our ExpressVPN review.
5. CyberGhost VPN – reliable VPN for NHL
| Servers/countries: | Servers in 100 countries |
| Works with: | ESPN+, DAZN, Hulu, Premier Sports, YouTube TV, and more |
| Price: | From $1.59/month |
CyberGhost is a simple yet capable VPN to bypass NHL blackouts. It ensures incredible speeds, unbreakable protection, and excellent time while streaming online.
Streaming
During my tests, it had no problem bypassing NHL blackouts, and I could easily access other streaming services without any connection issues. What I really like about CyberGhost is that it offers specialized servers for streaming — this means you don’t have to guess which server will work best for your needs. It takes out the hassle and makes it quicker to get up and running.
Server network
CyberGhost boasts an impressive 11 server locations in the US, along with servers in 100 countries overall. The wide coverage made it easy to bypass NHL blackouts, and having plenty of server options in the US meant there was always a good connection available. While the number of US server locations isn’t as high as some other VPNs, like NordVPN or Surfshark, I found that the ones available worked great for streaming. The variety of global servers also helps if you want to access content from other regions.
Speed
In my tests, CyberGhost retained about 55% of my original connection speed using the WireGuard protocol. This isn’t the best outcome, but it should be enough for HD streaming without buffering. As a result, other VPNs like ExpressVPN can offer slightly better speed retention.
Pricing
CyberGhost’s affordability is one of its standout features, with plans starting as low as $1.59/month. This is cheaper than many other VPNs, making it a great budget-friendly option. Additionally, CyberGhost offers an extended 45-day money-back guarantee, giving you plenty of time to test it risk-free. It’s one of the longest guarantees available, compared to the standard 30 days offered by most VPNs.
Check our CyberGhost review to get to know it better.
How we ranked the best VPNs for NHL
A good VPN for bypassing NHL blackouts must fulfill a fair number of criteria to be viable. So, we had to look at 41 providers and conduct a thorough investigation to find the best providers for this task. Here’s a summary of our ranking and VPN testing process:
- Worldwide server fleet (25%). We ranked providers with larger server networks higher, especially those that allow connections to specific US cities for easier blackout bypassing.
- Blackout curbs effectiveness and speeds (20%). We tested each VPN’s ability to bypass NHL blackouts across different devices and streaming services, while also checking tunneling protocols and running speed tests in multiple regions to ensure smooth, lag-free streaming.
- Device compatibility (20%). We picked services that work with PCs, mobile phones, routers, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.
- Easy-to-use apps (15%). Most sports fans aren’t necessarily tech-savvy, so VPNs should be easy to set up and work well without extra configuration.
- Free trials and pricing (10%). We ranked NHL VPNs higher if they offered free trials or money-back guarantees, avoided free versions that can’t bypass restrictions, and delivered strong performance at an affordable price.
- Privacy policy (10%). While confidentiality is irrelevant to dealing with NHL blackouts, a worthwhile VPN should ensure customer privacy by avoiding activity logs and third-party data sharing.
I took all these things into consideration when compiling my lineup of the top 5 VPNs for curbing NHL blackouts. Ultimately, I decided NordVPN is the ultimate option for NHL fans, thanks to its market-leading speeds, more than 2800 US servers, and reasonable prices.
How to watch all NHL games in 2025 season?
Unfortunately, getting around these restrictions often requires a combination of services and tools. But for true NHL fans, catching every game is worth the effort.
By using a mix of ESPN+, national broadcasters like ESPN (the TV channel, separate from ESPN+) and TNT, plus a VPN, you can watch all NHL games without blackouts.
ESPN+ covers over 1000 out-of-market NHL games but not the entire season. For games not available on ESPN+, you’ll need access to ESPN and TNT, which broadcast a significant number of NHL games:
- TNT will show up to 72 regular-season NHL games, including special events. Some of these games can also be streamed on truTV or through HBO Max's B/R Sports Add-On.
- ESPN broadcasts additional exclusive games throughout the season.
To watch these networks, you’ll need a cable TV subscription or a live TV streaming service like Hulu + Live TV, Fubo TV, Sling TV, or DirecTV Stream.
And if you’re facing local blackouts on ESPN+ (or NHL.TV via DAZN), a VPN will help. Simply change your virtual location to a state where the game isn’t blocked, and you can bypass the restriction. Although it takes a bit of effort, for dedicated NHL fans, it’s the only way to make sure you don’t miss a game this season.
How to bypass NHL blackouts on ESPN+: detailed guide
You can watch locally blacked-out NHL games on ESPN+ without any restrictions by using a VPN. With VPN, you can change your IP address and stream blacked-out NHL games from anywhere. Here’s a detailed guide, a step-by-step process to set up a VPN and bypass NHL blackouts on ESPN+.
Step 1: subscribe to a VPN with servers across the US
First, you'll need to choose a VPN service that offers a wide range of servers in various US states. My choice for this is NordVPN, as it has 2800+ servers across the US, and our test results showed that it’s the fastest VPN on the market. Other good options include Surfshark, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and IPVanish.
Step 2: download and install the VPN app
Download the VPN app onto your device. Whether you’re using a computer, smartphone, tablet, or streaming device, the VPN services recommended in this article are compatible with the most popular operating systems, such as Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
Step 3: connect to a server in a US state without NHL blackouts
After installing the VPN app and logging in, you’ll need to connect to a server in a state that isn’t affected by the blackout. For example, if a game is blacked out in New York, connect to a server in a different state like Florida or Colorado. Your local team's game will not be blacked out in other states. NordVPN has a user-friendly interface that allows you to choose a server by simply clicking on the map or searching for the state.
Step 4: access ESPN+ and start streaming NHL games
While connected to the VPN, open the ESPN+ website or app on your device. I recommend using your browser's incognito or private mode when accessing ESPN+, as cookies and cached data can sometimes reveal your real location and cause issues while trying to bypass blackouts on ESPN+. Using private mode ensures a clean browsing session without stored data from previous visits.
Then, log in to your ESPN+ account, and you will be able to watch the previously blacked-out NHL games.
Step 5: enjoy streaming NHL games without blackouts
With the VPN active, you can stream blacked-out NHL games. Whether it's a regular-season matchup or the Stanley Cup playoffs, using a VPN will help you enjoy uninterrupted access to your favorite games.
NHL blackout map
NHL blackouts depend on where you live, since TV rights decide which games you can watch locally. If you’re not sure, just enter your ZIP code into the official NHL blackout checker, and it’ll show you which games are restricted in your area.
Bottom line
Having access to ESPN or NHL.TV (via DAZN) doesn’t mean that you will freely enjoy your favorite NHL team’s games, as there is a geo-restriction tool – blackouts. However, not everything is lost. With a VPN that has servers all over the US, you can instantly change your IP and unlock games with ease.
My top VPN to bypass NHL blackouts is NordVPN. It has over 3400 servers in 55 US cities, and it’s well-known for exceptional unblocking capabilities. Moreover, the provider uses an advanced tunneling protocol to maintain as fast connection speeds as possible.
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FAQ
Are NHL playoff games blacked out?
Yes, just like the regular games, blackout rules apply to NHL playoff games as well. If you want to watch the NHL playoffs without blackouts, I recommend using a VPN, such as NordVPN.
How can I watch out-of-market NHL games?
If you want to watch out-of-market NHL games in Canada, you need to subscribe to Sportsnet+ Premium. If you want to watch them in the US, subscribe to ESPN+. And if you’re from any other country, you can check out this list of services that have out-of-market NHL games in their libraries. To gain access to the games outside of these countries, you should use a VPN service, such as NordVPN, to change your location.
Does ESPN+ blackout local NHL games?
Yes, ESPN+ blacks out NHL games in regions where the games are being broadcast by local TV broadcasters. You can easily bypass these NHL blackouts by using a VPN on ESPN and changing your IP address to a region different from your current location.
Why is ESPN blacked out on Hulu?
Hulu + Live TV operates like a cable TV provider, and it can see your location. With this information, Hulu determines when it should blackout the games in which regions. If ESPN is blacked out on Hulu for you, it means that the game is being broadcast in your area on another channel.
Why can't I watch NHL playoffs on ESPN+?
You cannot watch NHL playoff games live on ESPN+ because playoff games are not included in the ESPN+ streaming package. Instead, live playoff games are broadcast exclusively on traditional TV channels like ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, and TNT, requiring a cable or live TV streaming subscription, such as YouTube TV or Sling TV, to watch live.
Why is the Blackhawks game blacked out?
A Blackhawks game is blacked out on a national streaming platform because a local regional sports network (RSN) holds exclusive broadcasting rights in that area. To watch it, you can connect to a VPN server in a different region where the game isn’t blacked out.
