The National Hockey League (NHL) is one of the most popular sports leagues in the world, with a massive following in the United States and Canada. With the rise of cord-cutting and online streaming, many fans are turning to streaming services to watch their favorite teams and players in action. One of the most popular streaming services is YouTube TV, which offers a wide range of channels and sports content. But does YouTube TV have NHL?
NHL on YouTube TV: What You Need to Know
YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service that offers a range of channels, including sports networks like ESPN, Fox Sports, and NBC Sports. However, when it comes to NHL coverage, things get a bit more complicated. YouTube TV does offer some NHL games, but the availability of these games depends on the channels that are included in the service.
NHL Channels on YouTube TV
YouTube TV offers several channels that broadcast NHL games, including:
- NBC Sports: This channel broadcasts a range of NHL games, including Sunday Night Hockey and Wednesday Night Hockey.
- NBC Sports Network: This channel also broadcasts NHL games, as well as other sports content.
- NHL Network: This channel is dedicated to all things NHL, and broadcasts a range of games, highlights, and analysis.
However, it’s worth noting that YouTube TV does not offer all NHL channels. For example, it does not offer NHL Center Ice, which is a premium channel that broadcasts out-of-market NHL games.
Regional NHL Channels on YouTube TV
In addition to the national NHL channels, YouTube TV also offers several regional sports networks (RSNs) that broadcast NHL games. These channels are only available in certain regions, and the availability of NHL games on these channels depends on the region. Some examples of RSNs that broadcast NHL games on YouTube TV include:
- NESN (New England Sports Network): This channel broadcasts Boston Bruins games.
- MSG (Madison Square Garden Network): This channel broadcasts New York Rangers games.
- NBC Sports California: This channel broadcasts San Jose Sharks games.
How to Watch NHL on YouTube TV
If you’re a YouTube TV subscriber and want to watch NHL games, here’s how you can do it:
- Open the YouTube TV app on your device (smartphone, tablet, smart TV, etc.).
- Navigate to the “Live” tab, which shows a list of all the channels that are currently broadcasting live content.
- Scroll down to the sports section, where you’ll find the NHL channels (NBC Sports, NBC Sports Network, NHL Network, etc.).
- Click on the channel that is broadcasting the NHL game you want to watch.
- If the game is available in your region, you’ll be able to watch it live on YouTube TV.
NHL Game Availability on YouTube TV
As mentioned earlier, the availability of NHL games on YouTube TV depends on the channels that are included in the service. Here are some general guidelines on what you can expect:
- National NHL games: YouTube TV broadcasts a range of national NHL games, including Sunday Night Hockey and Wednesday Night Hockey on NBC Sports.
- Regional NHL games: YouTube TV broadcasts regional NHL games on RSNs, but the availability of these games depends on the region.
- Out-of-market NHL games: YouTube TV does not offer NHL Center Ice, which means that you won’t be able to watch out-of-market NHL games on the service.
NHL Playoffs on YouTube TV
The NHL playoffs are one of the most exciting times of the year for hockey fans, and YouTube TV broadcasts a range of playoff games. However, the availability of playoff games on YouTube TV depends on the channels that are included in the service. Here are some general guidelines on what you can expect:
- National NHL playoff games: YouTube TV broadcasts a range of national NHL playoff games on NBC Sports and NBC Sports Network.
- Regional NHL playoff games: YouTube TV broadcasts regional NHL playoff games on RSNs, but the availability of these games depends on the region.
Alternatives to YouTube TV for NHL Coverage
If you’re not satisfied with the NHL coverage on YouTube TV, there are several alternative streaming services that you can consider. Here are a few options:
- Hulu with Live TV: This service offers a range of sports channels, including ESPN, Fox Sports, and NBC Sports. It also offers NHL Center Ice, which means that you can watch out-of-market NHL games.
- Sling TV: This service offers a range of sports channels, including ESPN, Fox Sports, and NBC Sports. It also offers NHL Network, which broadcasts a range of NHL games and highlights.
- AT&T TV Now: This service offers a range of sports channels, including ESPN, Fox Sports, and NBC Sports. It also offers NHL Center Ice, which means that you can watch out-of-market NHL games.
NHL.TV: A Direct-to-Consumer Option
If you’re a die-hard NHL fan, you may want to consider subscribing to NHL.TV, which is the league’s direct-to-consumer streaming service. NHL.TV offers a range of features, including:
- Live and on-demand NHL games
- Out-of-market NHL games
- NHL Network content
- NHL Original content
NHL.TV is available on a range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku and Chromecast.
NHL.TV Pricing
NHL.TV offers several pricing options, including:
- Monthly subscription: $24.99 per month
- Annual subscription: $139.99 per year
- Single-team subscription: $84.99 per year (this option allows you to watch all the games of a single team)
Conclusion
YouTube TV is a great option for hockey fans who want to watch NHL games, but the availability of games depends on the channels that are included in the service. While YouTube TV broadcasts a range of national and regional NHL games, it does not offer NHL Center Ice, which means that you won’t be able to watch out-of-market NHL games. If you’re not satisfied with the NHL coverage on YouTube TV, you may want to consider alternative streaming services like Hulu with Live TV, Sling TV, or AT&T TV Now. Alternatively, you can subscribe to NHL.TV, which offers a range of NHL games and content.
Does YouTube TV have NHL?
YouTube TV does offer NHL games, but the availability of specific games and channels may vary depending on your location and the channels included in your subscription. YouTube TV offers a range of sports channels, including ESPN, Fox Sports, and NBC Sports, which broadcast NHL games.
However, to access all NHL games, you may need to subscribe to the NHL Network, which is available as an add-on channel on YouTube TV. This will give you access to a wide range of NHL games, including out-of-market games and exclusive content.
How much does it cost to get NHL on YouTube TV?
The cost of getting NHL on YouTube TV depends on the channels and add-ons you subscribe to. The base YouTube TV subscription costs $64.99 per month and includes a range of sports channels, including ESPN, Fox Sports, and NBC Sports, which broadcast NHL games.
If you want to access the NHL Network, you can add it to your subscription for an additional $6.99 per month. This will give you access to a wide range of NHL games, including out-of-market games and exclusive content.
Can I watch NHL games on YouTube TV if I’m not in the US?
YouTube TV is only available in the United States, so if you’re not in the US, you won’t be able to access NHL games on the platform. However, there are other streaming services that offer NHL games internationally, such as NHL.TV and DAZN.
If you’re a US citizen living abroad, you may be able to access YouTube TV using a VPN, but this is subject to the terms and conditions of the platform and may not be available in all countries.
Does YouTube TV offer NHL playoffs and Stanley Cup Finals?
Yes, YouTube TV offers NHL playoffs and Stanley Cup Finals games, but the availability of specific games may vary depending on your location and the channels included in your subscription. YouTube TV offers a range of sports channels, including ESPN, Fox Sports, and NBC Sports, which broadcast NHL playoff games.
If you want to access all NHL playoff games, including out-of-market games, you may need to subscribe to the NHL Network, which is available as an add-on channel on YouTube TV. This will give you access to a wide range of NHL playoff games, including the Stanley Cup Finals.
Can I record NHL games on YouTube TV?
Yes, YouTube TV allows you to record NHL games using its cloud DVR feature. This feature is included in the base subscription and allows you to record up to 9 months of content, including NHL games.
To record an NHL game, simply navigate to the game’s listing on the YouTube TV schedule and click the “Record” button. The game will be recorded and saved to your cloud DVR, where you can watch it later.
Does YouTube TV offer NHL games in 4K?
Some NHL games are available in 4K on YouTube TV, but the availability of 4K games may vary depending on the channel and the specific game. YouTube TV offers a range of 4K channels, including ESPN and Fox Sports, which broadcast some NHL games in 4K.
To watch NHL games in 4K on YouTube TV, you’ll need a 4K-compatible device and a fast internet connection. You can check the YouTube TV schedule to see which NHL games are available in 4K.
Can I watch NHL games on multiple devices with YouTube TV?
Yes, YouTube TV allows you to watch NHL games on multiple devices at the same time. The base subscription includes three simultaneous streams, which means you can watch NHL games on up to three devices at the same time.
If you need more simultaneous streams, you can upgrade to the YouTube TV “Add-on” package, which includes unlimited simultaneous streams. This package is available for an additional $9.99 per month.