Sure, Spring is a great time for some of the best television programs, but it’s also one of the most exciting times of year to be a sports fan. The 2017 NHL playoffs, a.k.a. Stanley Cup Playoffs, are finally here, and it’s an exciting time to be a hockey fan! This year, the playoffs will air on numerous networks. NBCSN will air most the games. NBC, CNBC, USA, and NHL Network will air the rest of the games. The good news is that many of the games this playoff season will air on NBC, which means that you won’t need cable to watch them. All you will need is your digital antenna! What about the games that you won’t be able to watch on NBC?
Round One of the playoffs kicks off on April 12, so if you don’t have cable now is the perfect time to set up your streaming service so you know how and where to watch your favorite games.
Let’s take a look at your options to catch the NHL playoffs. For when and where to tune into each match-up, check out the Stanley Cup Playoffs schedule.
Antenna
If you’ve cut the cord, the best and cheapest option for TV is going to be your digital antenna. You won’t be able to watch all the playoff games on local channels, but a number of them will air on NBC. The nice thing about watching with an antenna is that you can also use a DVR if you have one. This allows you to record what you might otherwise miss.
Other Streaming Methods
Sling TV
Sling TV offers packages starting at $20/month (Sling Orange). This includes ESPN and ESPN2. If you opt for Sling TV Blue, you’ll pay $25/month, and have NHL Network, NBCSN, NBC (in select cities), FOX Sports regional networks, and NFL Network. You can also add the sports bundle for $5/month to add other sports channels. You can even add CNBC which is available in an add-on package. You’d have all you need to watch the complete playoff lineup. A 7-day trial is also available.
DIRECTV NOW
DIRECTV NOW is a little bit pricier, but they also offer more channels. For the playoffs, you’ve got two options here. The Just Right package is $50/month and includes CNBC, NBCSN, USA, and NBC (select markets). You could also choose the Go Big package at $60/month to receive all those channels and NHL Network, along with 80 or so other channels. Like Sling TV, you get a free week trial. While DIRECTV NOW streams on plenty of devices, Roku service is not currently available.
PlayStation Vue
While PlayStation Vue doesn’t offer access to the NHL Network, they do offer CNBC, NBCSN, and USA. Local channels are also included in some areas. PlayStation Vue starts off at $30/month and features a free trial.
fuboTV
Like PS Vue, fuboTV does not carry NHL Network at this time. They do however carry all the other channels that you need to watch the Stanley Cup playoffs. fuboTV also offers general channels, but it was created with sports in mind. Packages start at $35/month. They even offer a cloud-based DVR and a one-week trial to get things going.
The Stanley Cup playoffs are sure to be an exciting experience, as always. Make sure to find the service that is right for you and pair it with your antenna for the perfect solution to watching the NHL playoffs without cable!
