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. Note that a VPN only changes your IP address – you still need an active ESPN+ or DAZN subscription to stream.
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.
On mobile, A VPN changes your IP address, but ESPN+ and DAZN apps on iOS and Android also check your device's GPS location. Because GPS bypasses your VPN entirely, the method described in this guide works reliably on desktop browsers only. On mobile, results are inconsistent, and the stream may still be blocked even with a VPN connected.
How to watch blacked-out NHL games on ESPN+
Here are the steps you should take to watch blacked-out NHL games:
- Choose a VPN that has servers in a variety of US states and allows you to choose which one to connect to. See our recommended VPNs below for vetted options that work reliably with ESPN+ and DAZN.
- 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.
How to watch all NHL games in 2026 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. These games can also be streamed on truTV or through Max – live NHL content is now included directly in Max's Standard and Premium ad-free tiers at no extra cost. Note that the Basic with Ads tier does not include live sports.
- 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.
Why are NHL games blacked out, and can a VPN help?
NHL blackouts exist because of broadcast rights agreements. The league sells local broadcasting rights to Regional Sports Networks (RSNs), which pay for the exclusive right to air games in specific markets. When an RSN holds the rights to a game in your area, national platforms like ESPN+ and DAZN are legally required to block it for viewers in that region, even if you have a paid subscription.
If you try to watch a blacked-out game, you'll see this message: "Page Not Found. We are sorry, but you have reached this page in error. Please try the action again and if the problem continues, contact Customer Support."
By using a VPN and connecting to a server in a US state where the game isn't blacked out, you appear to be in a different location, which can remove the regional block. Below is a table clarifying what a VPN can and can't do for NHL streaming.
| What you need | What it requires | Can a VPN help? |
| A connection from an unblocked region | A US IP address outside the blacked-out market | ✅ Yes |
| A valid streaming subscription | An active ESPN+ or DAZN account | ❌ No |
| A US-registered account | Sign-up with a US-based email and payment method | ❌ No |
| Access to the mobile app | A US App Store or Google Play account to download the app | ❌ No |
You may not need a VPN at all if:
- Your TV package already includes the channels showing the game. If you have a cable or live TV subscription that includes your local Regional Sports Network (RSN) and national broadcasters such as TNT, plus an ESPN+ subscription where required, you can watch every game through the appropriate broadcaster without using a VPN.
- You're outside the blackout region. Blackouts only apply in specific local markets. If you're traveling or live in an area where the game isn't subject to a blackout, you can stream it with your existing ESPN+ or DAZN subscription without any workarounds.
Bypassing regional blackouts may violate the terms of service of ESPN+ and DAZN. Before proceeding, check the current terms on each platform. Accounts found to be evading blackout restrictions may be suspended. Proceed at your own risk.
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
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 a VPN, you can change your IP address and stream blacked-out NHL games from anywhere. Below are two detailed guides to set up a VPN and bypass NHL blackouts on ESPN+.
You need an active ESPN+ or DAZN subscription to use this method. If you don't already have one, signing up from outside the US may require a US-based payment method and a US-registered account – a VPN cannot help with either of these.
Option 1. Desktop browser (recommended)
This is the most reliable method. Desktop browsers use your IP address for location, which a VPN can change.
- Choose and subscribe to a VPN. Pick a VPN with servers across multiple US states. See our recommended VPNs below for options tested with ESPN+ and DAZN.
- Download and install the VPN app. Install the VPN on your computer. All providers recommended in this guide support Windows and macOS.
-
Connect to a US state outside your blackout market. Open the VPN app and connect to a server in a state where your game isn't blacked out. For example, if a Bruins game is blacked out in Boston, connect to a server in Florida or Colorado. Avoid connecting to a server in the team's home state.
- Open ESPN+ or DAZN in a private browser window. Open a private or incognito window in your browser before going to ESPN+ or DAZN. This clears any stored session data that could interfere with the new location.
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Log in and watch. Sign in to your ESPN+ or DAZN account. The previously blacked-out game should now be available to stream.
Option 2. Mobile app (iOS and Android)
- Choose and subscribe to a VPN. Pick a VPN with servers across multiple US states. See our recommended VPNs below.
- Download and install the VPN app. Install the VPN app on your iOS or Android device.
- Turn off device location services for ESPN+ and DAZN. Before connecting the VPN, go to your device settings and turn off location access for the ESPN+ and DAZN apps specifically. On iOS, click Settings, then Privacy & Security, and find Location Services. On Android, locate Settings, click Apps, and find your chosen app name, click on Permissions, and disable Location. This removes the GPS signal that the apps would otherwise use.
- Connect to a US state outside your blackout market. Open the VPN app and connect to a server in a state where the game isn't blacked out.
- Open the ESPN+ or DAZN app and log in. Launch the app and sign in to your account. If the game is still showing as blacked out, the app may be using a cached location. Force-close the app, reopen it with the VPN still connected, and try again.
ESPN+ and DAZN mobile apps check your device's GPS location in addition to your IP address. A VPN cannot change GPS, so this method is less reliable than desktop and may not work in all cases. If it fails, switch to the desktop browser method above.
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
There are two ways to watch every NHL game. The first is the non-VPN route, which requires combining an ESPN+ subscription with a live TV service that includes ESPN, TNT, and your local Regional Sports Network. This will give you access to every game through the official broadcaster, but it’s also the more expensive option.
A more affordable alternative that I recommend is to use ESPN+ together with Max for TNT games and a reliable VPN. By connecting your VPN to a US server outside the blackout region, you can potentially bypass local blackouts on ESPN+ while keeping your streaming costs much lower.
My top VPN for NHL blackouts is NordVPN. It has over 3,400 servers across 55 US cities, making it easy to find a server outside the blackout zone. It also delivers fast speeds for live streaming and consistently unblocks ESPN+ and DAZN.
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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. However, a VPN changes your IP address only. You will still need a valid ESPN+ or DAZN subscription and a compatible payment method to sign up if you don't already have an account.
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. In the US, subscribe to ESPN+. If you're from any other country, check which services carry out-of-market NHL games in your region. To access games outside of these countries, you can use a VPN to change your IP address to an eligible location. However, a VPN changes your IP address only. You will still need a valid subscription and a compatible payment method to sign up if you don't already have an account.
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.
