The 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs began on April 19, 2025, and will end by June 23, 2025. The Winnipeg Jets won the Presidents' Trophy for the first time in franchise history and became the first Canadian team to do so since the 2012 Vancouver Canucks. The Toronto Maple Leafs made the playoffs for the ninth straight year, the longest active streak. The Ottawa Senators, meanwhile, returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
The Boston Bruins missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016, ending their eight-year streak. The New York Rangers became the first team to miss the playoffs twice after winning the Presidents' Trophy the year before. All four U.S.-based Original Six teams missed the playoffs for the first time. Every Eastern Canadian team (Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto) made the playoffs, and five Canadian teams qualified overall, the most since 2020.
Where to watch the NHL playoffs
In Canada, NHL playoff games air on Sportsnet networks and CBC under Hockey Night in Canada. All games stream on Sportsnet+, as per Rogers Sports & Media.
In the United States, games air on ESPN, ABC, ESPN2, TNT, TBS, and TruTV. TNT Sports has the 2025 Stanley Cup Finals. TNT Sports games stream on Max, and ABC games stream on ESPN+, as per ESPN Press Room.
How can I watch the NHL playoffs?
In Canada, you can watch the NHL playoffs on Sportsnet channels and CBC. You can stream every game on Sportsnet+, as per Rogers Sports & Media.
In the United States, you can watch games on ESPN, ABC, ESPN2, TNT, TBS, TruTV, and regional networks (for first-round games). You can stream TNT Sports games on Max and ABC games on ESPN+, as per ESPN Press Room.
NHL Playoffs Channel
In Canada, NHL playoffs are on Sportsnet channels and CBC. The 2025 Stanley Cup Final will be on both CBC and Sportsnet, as per Rogers Sports & Media.
In the U.S., NHL playoffs are on ESPN, ABC, ESPN2, TNT, TBS, TruTV, and regional sports networks (first round only). The 2025 Stanley Cup Final will be on TNT, as per ESPN Press Room.
NHL playoffs Live Streaming
In Canada, every NHL playoff game streams on Sportsnet+, as per Rogers Sports & Media.
In the U.S., TNT Sports games stream on Max, and ABC games stream on ESPN+, as per ESPN Press Room.
FAQs on Where to watch NHL Playoffs
A. You can stream the full NHL playoffs with Sling, fuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and DIRECTV STREAM.
A. Yes, some NHL playoff games are available to stream for free on services like ESPN when live broadcasts are offered.
A. You can stream NHL games in India on Sportsnet+ (in the Sportsnet app), Amazon Prime Video, and the TVA app.
A. In the U.S., games are televised on TNT, truTV, and Max. In Canada, they are on Sportsnet, CBC, and TVA Sports.
A. Yes, ESPN Plus streams NHL playoff games and offers replays of all NHL games through NHL Power Play.
