# How to watch the 2026-27 NHL season without cable

> The NHL season expands to 84 games per team. Here's where to stream every matchup.
- Title: How to watch the 2026-27 NHL season without cable · PCMAG
- Summary: The NHL season expands to 84 games per team. Here's where to stream every matchup. You can watch NHL games through ESPN, TNT, ABC, or specialty services like…
- Keywords: nhl, 2026-27 season, streaming, espn, tnt, abc, disney plus, hulu, youtube tv, directv, fubo, sling
- Source: PCMAG — https://pcmag.com/news/how-to-watch-the-2026-27-nhl-regular-season-even-without-cable
- Author: Jason Cohen
- Published: 2026-09-18T14:45:28+00:00
- Read time: 3 min
- Topics: nhl, 2026-27 season, streaming, espn, tnt, abc, disney plus, hulu, youtube tv, directv, fubo, sling
## NHL expands to 84 games
The 2026-27 season runs September 29 through April 10 with 1,344 total games. Each of the 32 teams plays 84 games, up from 82 for the first time in over 30 years.
## Season starts earlier than usual
The 2026-27 season marks the earliest start date since 2007. Preseason games have been cut from six to four matchups.
## Season opener and key dates
Panthers face Hurricanes on September 29 at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN. The Heritage Classic, Winter Classic, Stadium Series, and international Global Series games are spread throughout the season.
## ESPN and ABC get 53 games
ESPN and ABC will broadcast 53 games nationally during the 2026-27 season, with ABC coverage starting in January.
## TNT Sports gets 72 games
TNT will carry 72 games throughout the season, available on TNT, TruTV, and HBO Max.
## ESPN Plus adds 47 games
ESPN Plus, Disney Plus, and Hulu will stream 47 additional games not available on national broadcasts.
## Monday games scheduled for Europe
Several Monday games will be weekday matinee matchups to bring the sport to European audiences during primetime hours.
## DirecTV MySports package
DirecTV's MySports base pack costs $45 per month for the first six months and includes ABC, ESPN, NHL Network, TNT, and TruTV. A five-day free trial is available.
## Disney Plus and ESPN Plus
A standalone Disney Plus plan starts at $11.99 per month and gives access to select NHL games via ESPN Plus throughout the season.
## ESPN Select for out-of-market games
ESPN Select costs $14 per month and lets you watch games outside your team's market. It's also available as an add-on to Hulu or through the Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN bundle.
## Fubo Sports and Elite plans
Fubo's Sports plan costs $45.99 for the first month for ABC and ESPN games. NHL Network is included with the $99-per-month Elite plan. Five-day free trial available.
## HBO Max for TNT and TruTV
HBO Max Standard plan at $18.49 per month gives access to all TNT and TruTV game broadcasts.
## Hulu standalone and Live TV
Hulu standalone starts at $11.99 per month for ESPN Plus games. Hulu Plus Live TV costs $90 per month for ABC, ESPN, TNT, and TruTV. Three-day free trial available.
## Sling TV Orange plan
Sling Orange costs $45.99 per month for ESPN and TNT games. Day passes are available for up to seven days.
## YouTube TV Sports package
YouTube TV's $65 Sports package covers all games on ABC, ESPN, TNT, and TruTV. Standard plan is $83 per month. Ten-day free trial available.
## Canada-exclusive options
Amazon Prime Video in Canada costs $9.99 monthly or $99 annually for Wednesday Night Hockey. Sportsnet Plus Standard is $30 per month for Monday and Saturday Night Hockey.
## International streaming via DAZN
Viewers in select countries outside North America can subscribe to NHL.TV on DAZN to watch live and on-demand games, including playoffs.
## No free streaming available
There are currently no free options to watch NHL games. Free trials range from three to 30 days depending on the service.
## VPN workaround for geo-restricted content
A VPN can theoretically let you access geo-restricted broadcasts, such as Canadian Sportsnet Plus or Australian 9Now streams, by spoofing your location.
## Check blackout restrictions for your team
Each team has regional broadcast schedules subject to blackout restrictions. Consult the NHL's broadcasting guide to see what streaming options are available in your area.
## Key takeaway

You can watch NHL games through ESPN, TNT, ABC, or specialty services like ESPN Select, but there's no free option, though free trials from YouTube TV, DirecTV, Fubo, and Hulu can help.