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

Key takeaways:

• Although ESPN+ and NHL.tv on DAZN provide access to over 1,500 out-of-market NHL games, local NHL games that are available through regional sports networks or local broadcasters are subject to blackouts in the viewer’s home market.
• To watch blacked-out NHL games on ESPN+ in the US or internationally on NHL.tv on DAZN, you will have to use a reliable VPN on a compatible streaming device connected to a server outside of the local team’s broadcast market to change your virtual location.
• Based on my tests, NordVPN is the overall best VPN for ESPN+ and NHL.tv, offering extensive server coverage across the US and Canada. Surshark is an affordable alternative, while Proton VPN stands out for its strong privacy features.

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The 2026/2027 NHL season starts on September 29 with pre-season matches launching on September 19. For the first time since the 1993/94 season, the schedule expands from 82 to 84 games per team. All the season’s matches will be streamed on ESPN+ and NHL.tv via DAZN, including the opening, highlighted by the champion Carolina Hurricanes hosting the Florida Panthers.

However, many NHL fans in the US will face a major problem when trying to stream games during the 2026/27 season. The thing is, even if you pay for the ESPN Select subscription regularly, you will still hit the NHL blackout wall and miss out on some of the most important games. Every season, I test the best ways to access blackout NHL games, and as of August 2026, using a VPN remains the most reliable method to watch blackout NHL games on ESPN+ in the US and internationally on NHL.tv on DAZN.

A VPN masks your IP address and routes your network traffic through a different location. For example, if you are based in Boston and want to stream a Bruins game on ESPN+, you can connect to a server in Seattle and watch the game like a local on the West Coast.

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Our recommended NHL VPNs

Why are NHL games blacked out?

NHL games are blacked out to protect the exclusive broadcasting rights purchased by regional sports networks (RSNs) and local television affiliates.

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. For example, Penguins games in Pittsburgh air on SportsNet Pittsburgh, so they can’t be streamed there on ESPN+ or NHL.tv on DAZN.

Below, I’ll share information on some of the NHL teams’ local broadcasters and blackout markets:

*See the team(s) in your broadcast area: https://www.nhl.com/info/watch-nhl-zipcode-blackout-lookup

The NHL blackout policy is designed to protect the networks that pay for exclusive broadcasting 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

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, NordVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, TotalVPN, and IPVanish stood out as the best NHL VPNs in 2026.

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

NordVPN is the best VPN to watch blackout NHL games on ESPN+ and NHL.tv, as it offers extensive server coverage across the US, the fastest connection speeds for smooth streaming, and consistent reliability with sports streaming apps. Additionally, there are many security-focused features to keep you safe online.

NordVPN has 9,300+ servers in 137 countries, including 3,123+ US servers in 55 locations, 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.

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 84% 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.

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 blackout region.

NordVPN is the overall best NHL VPN with subscriptions starting at $3.49/month, a 3-day free trial for Android, and a 30-day money-back guarantee across all devices. It helped me stream blackout NHL games on ESPN+, and I enjoyed the smooth, high-quality, lag-free livestreams it provided.

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

Top 2. Surfshark – fast NHL VPN with servers in 24 US locations

Surfshark is a reliable NHL VPN for watching blackout games on ESPN+ or NHL.tv on DAZN. It has a wide selection of US servers in 24 cities, so you can enjoy a fast and unrestricted NHL streaming experience. During my testing, I connected to Surfshark’s Los Angeles server and bypassed the Chicago Blackhawks restrictions while enjoying a fast, high-quality streaming experience on ESPN+.

Surfshark operates a smaller fleet compared to NordVPN, with 4,500+ servers in 100 countries, with 600+ US servers in 24+ US cities. 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.

It also 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 83% original speed retention. With these speeds, I was able to stream NHL Los Angeles Kings games without any buffering issues or delays.

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.

Surfshark is a top NHL VPN with subscriptions starting at $2.49/month with a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Using Surfshark’s US servers, I found it easy to stream blackout NHL games, and the server ensured my real IP address was always well hidden

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.

Proton VPN has a massive fleet of 20,500+ servers in 148+ countries, including 5,800+ US servers in 22+ cities. 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 Ashburn servers to stream blacked-out games with zero issues.

With the fast WireGuard protocol and Proton VPN’s VPN Accelerator feature, it performed consistently during tests, averaging 387Mbps and around 81% original speed retention. While it was still a good result, Proton VPN was also slower than my top two NHL VPNs, NordVPN and Surfshark. That said, if your internet connection is stable enough, you shouldn’t run into buffering or lagging with Proton VPN.

As for the Proton VPN features, I found the most useful to stream blackout NHL games, which included robust encryption, obfuscation, and IP masking. As a premium VPN should, Proton VPN uses AES-256 encryption, which made my online activity much more private. I also used Proton VPN’s Stealth protocol whenever I ran into tougher restrictions, as it masks the fact that I was using a VPN. Lastly, I relied on the service’s Kill Switch to keep my IP address hidden if any connection issues happened.

While Proton VPN offers a free version, it doesn’t support streaming that well, 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.

TotalVPN offers only 1,800+ servers in 90+ countries, which is the smallest server fleet on my NHL VPNs list. Despite that, TotalVPN covers 23 US locations, which is comfortable enough to catch blackout NHL games. For instance, I was able to stream Minnesota Wild games using the Los Angeles server.

As TotalVPN now offers WireGuard protocol on all devices, my speeds stayed at 361+Mbps, retaining 81% of my original speed. This was almost the same as with Proton VPN, meaning TotalVPN was not far behind my top choices.

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.

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. IPVanish – robust NHL TV VPN for bypassing blackout restrictions

IPVanish is a robust and beginner-friendly VPN that helps bypass NHL blackouts on ESPN+ and NHL.tv. With US servers in 23 different cities, it gives you smooth access to every game without interruptions.

IPVanish offers 3,200+ servers in 113+ countries, including 1,020 servers in 23 US 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 IPVanish’s Phoenix server without any restrictions.

Unfortunately, IPVanish was the slowest NHL VPN on my list. Using it, my speeds reached up to 340Mbps, which translated to a 74% initial speed retention rate. Although from my experience, everything above 70% is a good result, you may encounter some lags or slower loading times using IPVanish if your original connection is particularly slow to begin with.

IPVanish uses the industry standard AES-256 encryption and offers essential features like a Kill Switch and IP/DNS leak protection. Besides that, IPVanish also owns its entire physical server infrastructure, adding another layer of control and privacy. Plus, it also offers OpenVPN Scramble feature, which works similarly to obfuscation, helping me stay undetected when accessing ESPN+. With all that in mind, IPVanish is a solid option if you want your NHL streaming to stay private and undetected.

You can get IPVanish for only $2.19/month with a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee. It supports unlimited 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 blacked-out NHL games: step-by-step 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

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 3,123+ servers in 50 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 (www.nordvpn.com), 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 want to use NHL.tv on DAZN instead, you can connect to one of the service’s available countries where NHL blackouts do not apply. These include the UK, France, Spain, Italy, and others. 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.

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 2026

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 2026/27 season. Take a look, and you’ll find clear information on how broadcasting rights are divided across the league:

To find your exact broadcast territory and see which games will be blocked on streaming platforms, you can use the official NHL Broadcast Area Lookup tool by entering your ZIP or postal code.

NHL teams and home blackout markets

In addition to my NHL blackout map for the 2026/27 season, I also created a table explaining each NHL team's home markets and which local broadcasters own the rights to their games:

How to stream all NHL games without blackout

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.

ESPN+ guarantees you access to 100 exclusive 2026/27 season games for only $12.99/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 2026/27 schedule

The 2026/27 NHL preseason kicks off on September 19, 2026, giving fans an early look at all 32 teams before the regular season begins on September 29. The regular season runs through April 10, 2027, followed by the Stanley Cup Playoffs. If you're planning to stream games on ESPN+, keep in mind that local blackout restrictions may apply depending on your location.

Below are some of the upcoming preseason matchups:

Conclusion

All NHL 2026/27 season games are available on ESPN+ in the US and NHL.tv on DAZN internationally. However, if you have an ESPN+ subscription and are located in the US, you will face blackout restrictions when trying to stream your local team’s games. ESPN+ can determine your IP address, thereby imposing blackouts on games broadcast by local networks.

Probably the easiest solution to any hockey fan’s question on how to bypass NHL blackouts is a VPN. By using a reliable VPN, you can connect to a server in a location where NHL blackouts do not apply, and this will change your IP address. Ultimately, you will be able to stream your local team’s games on ESPN+ as though you were located outside the team’s market. From my experience, NordVPN is the best NHL VPN, offering reliable servers in 55 US locations and fast connection speeds for smooth streaming.

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FAQ

Are all NHL games on ESPN+?

No, not all NHL games are on ESPN+. Although it does stream over 1,050 out-of-market games as well as a selection of exclusive national games, live broadcasts may be subject to local blackouts. If you run into a blackout while streaming NHL on ESPN+, you can use a VPN to change your virtual location to one where the blackout does not apply. This will make it seem as though you are located outside your team’s market, allowing you to stream all NHL games on ESPN+.

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 can't I watch the NHL playoffs on ESPN+?

You can’t watch the NHL playoffs on ESPN+ because live playoff coverage typically shifts to national television and cable networks. So, even though ESPN+ covers over 1,050 NHL out-of-market regular-season games, playoffs are not included on the list.

Why does ESPN black out NHL games?

ESPN blacks out NHL games primarily due to broadcasting rights agreements. If a national or local broadcaster owns the rights to a specific game in your location, 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.

How to avoid blackout restrictions in the NHL?

Using a VPN is probably the easiest way to avoid NHL blackout restrictions. With a VPN like NordVPN, you can connect to a server in a different US state whenever you run into blackout restrictions. The VPN connection will change your virtual location, allowing you to stream 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?

Blackhawks games are usually blacked out on ESPN+ if you're located within the team's local broadcast territory. This is because Chicago Sports Network (CHSN) owns the regional broadcast rights. To watch the game on ESPN+, connect to a VPN server outside the Blackhawks' home broadcast market, such as in Las Vegas or Atlanta, and then start streaming.

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, such as in Boston or Seattle, which is the Penguins’ home market. Then, head to ESPN+ and stream the game without blackouts.

How to watch the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight?

You can stream out-of-market Maple Leafs games on ESPN+. If the game is blacked out because you're in the Maple Leafs' home broadcast territory, connect to a VPN server outside Ontario, such as New York, Boston, Atlanta, Dallas, Phoenix, or Seattle, before opening ESPN+.

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, North Dakota, South Dakota, parts of Iowa, and Wisconsin. 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, such as in Phoenix or Seattle, 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. To bypass the Red Wings game blackouts, use a VPN, like NordVPN, and connect to a server outside the team’s home market, such as in Miami. 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, and Virginia. 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, such as in New York, and bypass all blackouts.

How can I watch the TNT blackout NHL games?

To watch blackout NHL games on TNT live, you'll need a TV provider or streaming service that includes TNT, such as Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, or DirecTV Stream. If you're traveling outside the US and your TV service isn't available, you may be able to access it by connecting to a VPN server in the US before signing in.