2027 NHL Playoffs Viewing Guide: TV & Streaming Options
The 2027 NHL Playoffs will begin in April, shortly after the 2026-27 NHL regular season concludes on Saturday, April 10. As the season progresses, LiveSportsOnTV.com will be updated with the latest playoff schedule, TV channels and streaming information, making it easy to find where to watch NHL games.
| 2027 NHL Playoffs | Details |
|---|---|
| Regular season ends | April 10, 2027 |
| First round starts | April 2027 – exact date TBA |
| Stanley Cup Final | Date TBA |
| Number of teams | 16 (8 per conference) |
| U.S. broadcast partners | ESPN/ABC and TNT Sports |
| Stanley Cup Final broadcaster | TNT |
The Stanley Cup Playoffs is the most exciting time of the hockey season, as sixteen teams and their fanbases begin their quest to win one of the most famous trophies in all of sport. Over the course of two months, the NHL’s very best teams and players will battle it out on the ice to determine the Stanley Cup champions for 2026.
So, whether you’re a diehard fan looking for ways to stream the Stanley Cup live online, or a casual hockey fan looking for ways to watch the NHL Playoffs on TV, this guide has got you covered.
Where can I watch the NHL Playoffs and Stanley Cup Final?
National coverage of the 2027 NHL Playoffs in the U.S. will be shared between ESPN and TNT Sports.
ESPN has confirmed that its platforms will carry games from the First Round and Second Round before showing one of the two Conference Finals, with TNT Sports also providing coverage throughout the postseason
The complete game-by-game TV schedule has not yet been announced. Once it becomes available, our NHL TV guide will show the channel and streaming options for every playoff game.
2027 Stanley Cup Final
There is one major change from 2026: the 2027 Stanley Cup Final will be shown exclusively by TNT Sports in the United States. The 2026 Final aired on ABC, with the two broadcast partners rotating coverage of the championship series.
Are the NHL Playoffs on any streaming service?
Yes, there will be several ways to stream the 2027 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Games carried by ESPN platforms can be streamed through the ESPN App, with access available through ESPN Unlimited or an eligible pay-TV subscription. TNT Sports and HBO Max are also national NHL broadcast partners for the 2026-27 season.
The exact streaming setup for each playoff game will become clearer once the postseason broadcast schedule is released. LiveSportsOnTV.com will list the available TV and streaming options alongside every game.
Is there a subscription that has all NHL Playoffs games?
The complete 2027 playoff TV schedule has not yet been announced, so it is too early to confirm which service will provide access to every game.
Live TV streaming services carrying both the ESPN/ABC and TNT Sports channel families are likely to provide the most complete coverage. We will update this section once the full postseason broadcast schedule is available.
How can I watch the NHL Playoffs if I don't have cable?
Cord-cutters will have several options for watching the 2027 Stanley Cup Playoffs. ESPN-platform games will be available through the ESPN App, while TNT Sports coverage will also have streaming options.
Live TV services such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV and DIRECTV can also provide access to many of the channels used during the postseason. Availability and pricing can change, so check the latest packages before subscribing.
Where can I watch the NHL Playoffs for free?
Free viewing options for the 2027 NHL Playoffs will depend on the final broadcast schedule.
Games selected for ABC may be available free over the air with an antenna in areas where the network is available. However, unlike in 2026, the 2027 Stanley Cup Final will be carried by TNT rather than ABC, meaning the Final will not have the same over-the-air viewing option.
Some live TV streaming services may also offer introductory trials or promotions closer to the playoffs. We will update this section when the postseason approaches.
Will NHL Playoff games be shown on regional channels?
Some First Round games may also be available through local or regional broadcasters. Exact regional coverage will depend on the teams involved and the national TV schedule.
Once the First Round matchups are confirmed, check the NHL schedule on LiveSportsOnTV.com for the latest national, regional and streaming information.
Will NHL Playoff games be shown on NHL Network?
No, NHL Playoff games will not be shown on the NHL Network. Whilst NHL Network does show plenty of NHL games during the regular season, the channel will only carry analysis and highlights of games, with live action being shown on other networks.