How to watch blackout NHL games on ESPN+ and NHL.tv

Even if you have a subscription to ESPN+ or NHL.TV on DAZN, you will still run into NHL blackout games from time to time. The NHL blackouts happen when a local or national broadcaster holds an exclusive right to air certain games, which means they will not be available in your area on ESPN+, DAZN, or any other online streaming service.

Luckily, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) can help you easily bypass all NHL blackouts. A can VPN route your network traffic through a server in another state, which will change your virtual location, allowing you to watch the NHL blackout games that would otherwise be restricted in your area. So, worry no more about how to watch blackout NHL games, and rely on a VPN, instead.

Continue reading this guide and learn how to bypass NHL blackouts once and for all with a VPN, and which services are the best for smooth and guaranteed hockey livestreams.

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Top 5 best NHL VPNs in 2026

1. NordVPN

   Overall best VPN to watch blackout NHL games on ESPN+
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   Reliable NHL TV VPN with servers in 22+ US cities
   9.5
3. Proton VPN

   Security-focused VPN to get around NHL blackouts
   8.6
4. TotalVPN

   Cheapest NHL VPN with decent speeds
   8.2
5. Norton VPN

   User-friendly VPN for NHL blackout restrictions
   7.3

Why are NHL games blacked out?

The system behind NHL blackouts might be confusing, but the reason is always clear – the NHL blackouts mostly happen because of broadcaster rights and regional coverage agreements. The NHL sells rights to all of its games to national broadcasters and local sports networks. If you live in a team’s home market, their games will only be available on that local sports channel. At the same time, the game will not be available on ESPN+ or DAZN, which now has all NHL.tv content integrated into it, in your area.

For example, Penguins games in Pittsburgh air on SportsNet Pittsburgh, so they can’t be streamed there on ESPN+ or NHL.tv on DAZN. To illustrate further, Maple Leafs games in Toronto are shown on TSN/Sportsnet, while Kings games in Los Angeles are on Bally Sports West, and are also unavailable on ESPN+ or DAZN in those areas. The whole blackout idea aims to protect the networks that pay for exclusive rights. Naturally, NHL fans are not very excited about it, especially if they already own subscriptions to one or even several online sports streaming platforms.

Fortunately, hockey fans can still get around NHL blackouts by using a VPN. The technology allows you to connect to a server where blackouts to the game you want to watch do not apply, and stream it without any restrictions or interruptions.

Get around NHL blackout restrictions with NordVPN

Best VPNs to watch blackout NHL games: detailed list

1. NordVPN – overall best VPN to watch all NHL games on ESPN+ and NHL.tv
2. Surfshark – NHL TV VPN with plenty of US servers to bypass regional blackouts
3. Proton VPN – high-privacy VPN that works with NHL blackout restrictions
4. TotalVPN – affordable VPN for watching NHL games without restrictions
5. Norton VPN – easy-to-use VPN to bypass NHL blackouts

Like most streaming platforms, ESPN+ uses your IP address to identify your geo-location and enforce broadcasting restrictions. If it doesn’t hold the rights to stream a game in your area, the event will be blacked out. A VPN can make it seem like you're connecting from a different state, allowing you to access these games, but ESPN+ actively blocks many VPN services, so not every option will work. Therefore, I’ve tested more than 20 VPN providers to find the best NHL VPN for bypassing ESPN+ and NHL.tv blackouts. I focused on server lists, especially US servers, unblocking capabilities, connection speed, built-in security features, and overall value. Based on these results, I compiled a list of the top 5 VPNs for NHL streaming in 2026.

Top 1. NordVPN – the best VPN for watching blackout NHL games on ESPN+

NordVPN is the best VPN for bypassing NHL blackouts on ESPN+ and NHL.tv, as it offers 1970+ streaming-optimized US servers across 19+ states, plus a massive 9,300+ server fleet in 137+ countries. Additionally, there are many security-focused features to keep you safe online.

Bypass NHL blackouts with NordVPN’s 1970+ US servers

NordVPN has 9,300+ servers in 137 countries, including 1970+ US servers and 300+ Canada servers, making it easy to bypass NHL blackouts on ESPN+ and NHL.tv. To bypass NHL regional blackouts in your location, simply choose a server outside of your state, such as connecting to New York if you’re in California or using a Denver server if you’re in Texas.

Speed: up to 400+Mbps when streaming NHL games on ESPN+ and NHL.tv

With the fast NordLynx protocol, you will get the best speed results. When connected to one of NordVPN’s US servers, my speeds stayed at 400+Mbps, retaining 94% of my original speed. This means you can enjoy buffer-free NHL games in HD or even 4K without any lag, ensuring a smooth and immersive viewing experience, even during peak streaming times.

Privacy: stay anonymous while watching hockey games

NordVPN uses AES-256 encryption and advanced features to keep your NHL streams private and secure. Threat Protection will protect you from malware or intrusive ads while streaming NHL matches. Additionally, the Kill Switch feature will ensure that your activity stays private if the VPN connection drops. I was never detected while connected to NordVPN, even when streaming NHL in a restricted region.

Price: best value for money

NordVPN has a 7-day free trial that you can test out. If you’re interested in a long-term subscription, you can get it for $3.09/month. All subscriptions come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can use NordVPN on 10 devices simultaneously on major OS, including Linux, as well as routers and smart TVs.

For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.

Top 2. Surfshark – fast NHL VPN with servers in 22+ US cities

Surfshark is a reliable NHL VPN for watching blackout NHL games on ESPN+ or NHL.tv on DAZN. It has a wide selection of US servers, so you can enjoy a fast and unrestricted NHL streaming experience.

Watch NHL blackout games using Surfshark’s 600+ US servers

Surfshark offers 4,500+ servers in 100 countries, with 600+ US servers in 22+ US cities and over 120 servers in 3+ Canadian locations. With servers in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta, Chicago, Boston, New York, and many other locations, you’ll have no trouble bypassing NHL blackouts in the US or Canada. I connected to Surfshark’s Los Angeles server and was able to bypass the Chicago Blackhawks restrictions while also having a fast and high-quality streaming experience on ESPN+.

Speed: 400+Mbps for smooth NHL streaming

Surfshark provides a fast and secure WireGuard protocol, which will enhance your speeds. I connected to the New York server, and my speeds remained at 400+Mbps with 93% original speed retention. With these speeds, I was able to stream NHL Los Angeles Kings games without any buffering issues or delays.

Privacy: stay undetected by ESPN+ and DAZN

With Surfshark, you can choose from many security features. The robust AES-256 encryption and trustworthy no-logs policy ensure a private and secure experience. Bypasser lets you route only NHL traffic through the VPN, keeping the rest of your apps on a regular connection. On top of that, the Double VPN feature will add an extra layer of security by routing your traffic through a second location.

Price: affordable VPN for the whole family

Surfshark is available for $1.99/month and has a 30-day money-back guarantee. It also offers a 7-day free trial. Surfshark has no connection limitations, so you can use it on all major OSs, routers, and smart TVs.

For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.

Top 3. Proton VPN – privacy-first VPN to bypass NHL blackouts

Proton VPN is a secure and privacy-focused VPN that easily gets around NHL blackouts. With global servers, fast speeds, and reliable unblocking of NHL.tv and ESPN+, it lets you stream games from anywhere – without risking your privacy.

Bypass NHL blackouts with Proton VPN's 3182+ US servers in 17+ cities

Proton VPN has a massive fleet of 20,075+ servers in 145+ countries, including 3182+ US servers in 17+ cities and 531+ in Canada. So whether you want to stream ESPN+ without regional restrictions or access NHL.tv on DAZN from the US or Canada, just connect to a server in a different city or country. For instance, I used Proton VPN’s New York and Vancouver servers to stream blacked-out games with zero issues.

Speed: up to 387Mbps to stream NHL in HD or 4K

With the fast WireGuard protocol and Proton VPN’s VPN Accelerator feature, it performed consistently during tests, averaging 387Mbps and around 90% original speed retention. As a result, you can stream your favorite NHL matches in high quality without any lag, buffering, or interruptions.

Privacy: stay anonymous with Secure Core and Swiss-level security

Based in privacy-friendly Switzerland, Proton VPN is built for anonymity. It uses robust AES-256 encryption and has a strict no-logs policy, so you’ll always be secure and anonymous. On top of that, there’s the advanced Secure Core feature, which routes your traffic through ultra-secure servers before reaching your target location. Proton VPN also comes with the Kill Switch and split tunneling features for a robust privacy toolkit.

Price: premium privacy for a fair price

While Proton VPN offers a free version, it doesn’t support streaming or access to US servers, so you’ll need the premium plan to watch NHL games without blackouts. That said, you can get Proton VPN for $2.99/month with a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can set it up on 10 devices simultaneously, including Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, and smart TVs – perfect for streaming the NHL wherever you are.

Top 4. TotalVPN – reliable VPN to get rid of blackout restrictions on NHL TV and ESPN+

TotalVPN is an easy-to-use VPN that reliably bypasses NHL blackouts. Its simple interface makes it a solid pick for VPN beginners who want to stream ESPN+ and NHL.tv without restrictions.

Avoid NHL blackout restrictions with TotalVPN’s 50+ servers in 35+ countries

TotalVPN offers only 1,800+ servers in 90+ countries – enough to unlock NHL.tv in the US or Canada. Total VPN offers US servers in 11 cities, which will help you stream your favorite NHL games on ESPN+ from anywhere. For instance, I was able to stream Minnesota Wild games using Los Angeles server.

Speed: 361+Mbps for smooth NHL streaming on ESPN+

Even though TotalVPN doesn’t support the WireGuard protocol, I was able to stream NHL matches without any speed loss. With the secure OpenVPN protocol, my speeds stayed at 361+Mbps, retaining 84% of my original speed – more than enough for lag-free NHL streams.

Privacy: watch NHL games securely with IP and DNS leak protection

While the list of additional features is quite short, TotalVPN ensures your security and privacy with AES-256 military-grade encryption. Plus, TotalVPN’s IP and DNS leak protection keeps your location hidden at all times, and the built-in Kill Switch adds an extra layer of security in case any VPN disruption occurs while streaming NHL.

Price: cheap NHL VPN for up to 5 devices

You can try TotalVPN risk-free with a 7-day free trial. If you’re interested in a paid subscription, you can get a long-term plan from $1.59/month with a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can use TotalVPN on up to 5 devices on all major operating systems.

Top 5. Norton VPN – user-friendly NHL TV VPN for bypassing blackout restrictions

Norton VPN is a relatively fast and beginner-friendly VPN that helps bypass NHL blackouts on ESPN+ and NHL.tv. With US servers in 25 different cities, it gives you smooth access to every game without interruptions.

Watch all NHL games without blackout with Norton VPN servers in 65+ countries

Norton VPN offers 2,000+ servers in 65+ countries, including an undisclosed number of servers in 4 Canadian cities. That means you can easily bypass blackout restrictions on DAZN or ESPN+ by connecting to a server outside your team’s market. For example, I streamed a Bruins game using Norton VPN’s Portland server without any restrictions.

Speed: delivers 79% speed retention for seamless HD hockey streaming

Thanks to the fast WireGuard protocol,Norton VPN reached speeds of 398Mbps, maintaining 79% of my original connection, during my tests. This was more than enough for HD with no lag and no buffering, even during high-traffic hours.

Privacy: avoid any data leaks and stay safe with strong security features

Norton VPN uses the industry standard AES-256 encryption and offers essential features like a Kill Switch and IP/DNS leak protection. Besides that, Norton VPN also owns its entire physical server infrastructure, adding another layer of control and privacy. With all that in mind, Norton VPN is a solid option if you want your NHL streaming to stay private and undetected.

Price: low-cost NHL VPN for unlimited devices

You can get Norton VPN for only $3.33/month with an impressive 60-day money-back guarantee and a 30-day free trial. It supports up to 10 simultaneous connections, and you can stream NHL on all major operating systems and most popular devices, such as laptops, tablets, smartphones, and smart TVs.

How to watch blackout NHL games: my detailed guide

You can watch locally blacked-out NHL games on ESPN+ without restrictions by using a streaming-friendly VPN like NordVPN. With a VPN, you can change your IP address and stream blacked-out NHL games from anywhere. Here's a detailed guide on how to watch every NHL game blackout-free in 2026 on ESPN+ using a VPN:

Step 1. Subscribe to a reliable VPN with servers across the US

To watch blacked-out NHL games online, you’ll need a VPN with consistent speeds and servers in multiple US states.. On top of that, strong unblocking capabilities and solid privacy features are also important. For that, NordVPN is my top choice – it has 1970+ servers in 16+ US states, a robust security toolkit, and successfully unblocks blackout games on ESPN+.

Step 2. Download and install the VPN app on your device

After choosing and subscribing to a VPN, install its app on your preferred device. You can get the app from the provider’s official website, Google Play Store, or Apple App Store. For mobile users, it is recommended to disable location services or use a GPS spoofing app (especially on Android) to avoid ESPN+ flagging your real location.

However, if you’re streaming on a Smart TV or game console, native VPN apps may not be supported. In such cases, use Smart DNS, sideload the VPN (on Fire Stick), or install it on a VPN-compatible router to cover all your devices.

Pro tip: before launching ESPN+ or NHL.tv, clear your cookies and cache or use incognito mode. This helps avoid leaks from stored location data and gives you a clean slate for streaming blackout-free games.

Step 3. Connect to a server in a US state where the NHL games are not blacked out

The key to bypassing NHL and ESPN+ blackouts is picking the right VPN server. For instance, if you’re blacked out in New York, switch to a VPN server in California, Illinois, or Texas to stream New York Rangers games on ESPN+.

On the other hand, if you’re using NHL.tv outside the US or Canada, connect to a VPN server in the Netherlands, Germany, or another country. Since these locations don’t apply NHL blackout restrictions, you’ll have full access to every game, anywhere.

Step 4. Open the ESPN+ app, log in, and start watching!

Now that you’re connected to your selected VPN server, open ESPN+, log in, and enjoy the game! You should be able to stream NHL games from anywhere, with no regional blocks or interruptions. However, if you’re still seeing an ESPN+ blackout warning, try switching servers, connecting to a different network, or using a private browser window. If any issues persist, don’t hesitate to contact your VPN’s support team – they’ll usually have a fix.

Enjoy NHL games without blackouts with NordVPN

NHL blackout map 2025

The NHL blackout rules can be confusing and complicated, especially if you’ve only recently gained interest in hockey. To make it easier to understand, I’ve created an NHL blackout map for the 2025-26 season. Take a look, and you’ll find clear information on how broadcasting rights are divided across the league:

NHL teams and home blackout markets

In addition to my NHL blackout map for the 2025-26 season, I also created a table explaining each NHL team's home markets and which local broadcasters own the rights to their games:

Bypass all NHL blackouts with NordVPN

How to stream all NHL games without blackout?

Yes, ESPN+ streams over 1050 games, but not all the season. You can find the rest on ESPN and TNT, which also stream NHL games. However, due to blackout rules, not all games are accessible in all US states. To watch all NHL games on ESPN+ without any restrictions, you can use a reliable VPN service. A VPN will change your IP address, providing you access to all NHL matches on ESPN+ regardless of your location.

*The price for an ESPN+ subscription is set to increase to $12.99/month on October 21, 2025

**The price for an ESPN+ annual subscription is set to increase to $129.99/year in October 2025

ESPN+ guarantees you access to 100 exclusive 2025/26 season games for only $11.99/month, which is definitely cheaper than NHL TV on DAZN. You can also watch the Stanley Cup finals with an ESPN+ subscription. Even if you experience blackouts with ESPN+, you can use a reliable sports streaming VPN and bypass them easily.

Watch NHL games with NordVPN

NHL 2025/26 schedule

The NHL 2025/26 season begins on October 7, 2025, with the North American opener, followed by international games in Sweden on November 14 and 16. The regular season will continue until April 17, 2025, and then lead straight into the Stanley Cup Playoffs, starting April 19, 2025. There will be hundreds of matchups during this season, so be sure to mark your calendar so you don't miss your favorite NHL games. That said, below you will find an updated schedule of upcoming NHL games.

Stream all 2025/26 NHL games without restrictions with NordVPN

Conclusion

All NHL games in the 2025-26 season are available on ESPN+ and NHL.tv on DAZN. However, even if you subscribe to one of these online streaming platforms, you will still run into blackout restrictions when trying to stream your local team’s games. The NHL blackouts are deployed based on your IP address, with your location determining the availability of games on ESPN+ and NHL.tv.

If you’re looking for ways how to bypass the NHL blackouts, I have an easy answer – by using a VPN. The technology allows you to connect to a server in a US state where blackouts to your local team’s games do not apply and stream them without any restrictions. For the best experience and guaranteed access to NHL blackout games, I recommend using NordVPN, as it has close to 2000 servers in 16 US states, the fastest connection speeds, and the most secure setup for bypassing various restrictions.

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FAQ

Does ESPN+ blackout NHL games?

Yes, ESPN+ blackouts NHL games. The blackouts most often happen when the rights to the game belong to your local sports broadcaster. If you want to bypass the NHL blackouts on ESPN+, use a reliable VPN, like NordVPN, connect to a server in a US state where blackouts to your game do not apply, and enjoy streaming without restrictions.

Why does ESPN black out NHL games?

ESPN blacks out NHL games due to broadcasting rights agreements. If the rights to broadcast a specific game belong to a local or a national broadcaster in your area, ESPN will black it out. However, you can bypass the ESPN NHL blackouts by using a VPN. Select a reliable VPN, like NordVPN, connect to a server in a US state where the blackouts do not apply, and stream your local team’s game without restrictions.

What are the NHL blackout rules?

The NHL blackout rules aim to protect local networks and their exclusive rights to air the home team’s matchups. So, if a game airs on a local or national TV, ESPN+, or NHL.tv on DAZN, it will block the live stream in your area. Fortunately, you can bypass these blackouts by using a VPN, like NordVPN, to change your virtual location via a connection to a server in a non-blackout restriction zone.

How to avoid blackout restrictions in the NHL?

To avoid blackout restrictions in the NHL, use a VPN to switch your virtual location. With a VPN, like NordVPN, you can connect to a server in a different US state every time you run into blackout restrictions. The VPN connection will change your virtual location, and you will be able to stream the otherwise blacked-out games on ESPN+ or DAZN without restrictions.

Why is the Bruins game blacked out?

The Bruins game might be blacked out in your area if a local or national broadcaster owns the rights to air it. In that case, the game will not be available on ESPN+ or DAZN, even if you have a subscription. To bypass the NHL blackouts, use a VPN, like NordVPN, connect to a server in a Bruins out-of-home-market area, like New York, and watch the game on ESPN+ without restrictions.

Why is the Blackhawks game blacked out?

The Blackhawks game is most likely blacked out due to a regional broadcaster, in this case, CHSN, owning the rights to air it. To watch the game without restrictions on ESPN+, get a VPN, like NordVPN, connect to a server outside Chicago, and stream the Blackhawks game without blackouts.

Why is the Penguins game blacked out?

The Penguins game is likely blacked out due to a local Pittsburgh network owning the rights to broadcast it. If you’d like to stream it on ESPN+, get a VPN, like NordVPN, and connect to a server outside Pennsylvania, which is the Penguins’ home market. Then, head to ESPN+ and stream the game without blackouts.

How to watch the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight?

To watch the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight, you can subscribe to ESPN+ or head to TSN, Sportsnet, or CBC Gem, depending on your region. If the Toronto Maple Leafs game is blacked out in your area, use a VPN, like NordVPN, connect to a server outside Toronto, and watch the game without restrictions.

Why is NHL on Hulu not working?

NHL on Hulu might not be working due to regional blackouts, out-of-market games, or technical issues. If you’re suspecting it’s because of blackouts or out-of-market games, use a VPN, like NordVPN, connect to a server outside your area, and it should fix the issue by bypassing Hulu restrictions.

Why is the Wild game blacked out?

The Wild game is most likely blacked out because you are in the team’s home market, which spans over Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota. To stream the game on ESPN+ in the home market, use a VPN, like NordVPN, connect to a server outside these states, like New York, and stream the game without any restrictions.

Why is the Lightning game blacked out?

The Lightning game is probably backed out because you’re currently located in their home market area, which is the Tampa Bay/Florida area. If you’d like to stream the game on ESPN+ without restrictions, use a VPN, like NordVPN, to connect to a server outside Florida and change your virtual location. Then, head to ESPN+ and stream the Lightning game without restrictions.

Why is the Red Wings game blacked out?

The Red Wings game is likely blacked out because you’re in their home market area, which is Michigan, northwest Ohio, and northern Indiana. To bypass the Red Wings game blackouts, use a VPN, like NordVPN, and connect to a server outside the team’s home market. Then, head to your preferred streaming service, for instance, ESPN+, and watch the game without restrictions.

Why is the Capitals game blacked out?

The Capitals game is probably blacked out because you’re trying to stream it in their home market area, which includes Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia, parts of southern Pennsylvania, eastern West Virginia, and southern Delaware. In these areas, Monumental Sports Network holds the rights to air the Capitals’ games. If you’d like to stream it on ESPN+, use a VPN, like NordVPN, connect to a server outside the team’s home market, and bypass all blackouts.

How can I watch the TNT blackout NHL games?

To watch the TNT blackout NHL games, use a VPN to change your virtual location. You’re likely seeing blackouts because you’re trying to stream the game of your home market area team. In this case, the rights to air the game belong to a local network. If you’d rather stream it on TNT, use a VPN, like NordVPN, connect to a server outside your home market area, and enjoy the otherwise blacked-out game without restrictions.