How to Watch the NHL Playoffs in Canada

Boston Bruins' Jeremy Swayman stands on the ice during the U.S. national anthem before Game 1 of the team's NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Saturday, April 20, 2024, in Boston.
(AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
  • Viewers in Canada can watch the NHL playoffs on Sportsnet’s array of TV channels.
  • All French-language broadcasts will air on TVA Sports.
  • Fans who have cut the cord can stream every game with Sportsnet+.

The 2025 NHL playoffs begin on Saturday, April 19, with 16 teams vying for the greatest trophy in sports: the Stanley Cup.

Hockey fans across Canada will be eager to tune into this postseason, with the Edmonton Oilers, Winnipeg Jets, and Toronto Maple Leafs among the betting favourites in the hockey odds to win the Stanley Cup at the BetMGM online sportsbook.

Below, I’ll dive into how you can watch the NHL playoffs in Canada, regardless of whether you’re watching on TV, streaming the games online, or looking for a free way to follow along.

How to Watch the NHL Playoffs in Canada

Watching the NHL playoffs in Canada is as easy as keeping up with the latest NHL betting lines. Viewers can catch all of the action on Sportsnet channels.

Each game within a series may alternate between Sportsnet, Sportsnet 360, Sportsnet ONE, and CBC, home of “Hockey Night in Canada,” so be sure to check your local listings for the full round-by-round coverage schedule.

The French-language broadcasts operate similarly, with games airing on TVA Sports and its two additional feeds (TVA Sports 2 and 3).

Where Can I Stream the NHL Playoffs in Canada?

Sportsnet offers multi-platform coverage of the NHL playoffs, so fans without cable aren’t excluded from watching the chase for the Stanley Cup.

Cord-cutters can stream Sportsnet+, formerly Sportsnet NOW, in the Sportsnet app. The standard subscription includes access to every NHL playoff game, ensuring you don’t miss a second of the action.

Similarly, for French-language viewers, TVA Sports Direct offers monthly, quarterly, and annual packages that allow those without access to the cable network to stream the entire postseason on the TVA+ app. 

Who Has NHL Streaming Rights in Canada?

Rogers Communications holds Canada’s NHL broadcast rights, which is why Sportsnet+ has the postseason streaming rights.

While Rogers has a streaming rights agreement with Amazon Prime Video to air Monday night hockey games on the digital platform, that deal only includes regular-season games.

How to Watch the NHL Playoffs Without Cable

If you don’t have cable, the best way to watch the NHL playoffs in Canada is by streaming games on Sportsnet+. 

While this option requires a monthly subscription fee, you can view every game on your phone, tablet, or laptop. This option is also great for people who travel a lot, giving you access on the go after signing into the Sportsnet app.

You’ll also get access to other leagues like the NBA, MLB, and more. 

How to Watch the NHL Playoffs for Free

Watching the NHL playoffs for free is a challenge, regardless of where you live. However, the free CBC Gem app will typically carry the “Hockey Night in Canada” broadcasts on Saturdays.

Although it’s not quite the same, you can listen to live games for free on the Sportsnet Radio Network. 

The official NHL app is another great resource for game highlights, analysis, and more to stay up to date with the latest playoff news.

About the Author

John Arlia

Read More @johnarlia

John Arlia is a freelance sports writer specializing in hockey, soccer, golf, and NFL coverage. He spent the last 3.5 years focusing on sports betting at The Game Day after stints with the United Soccer League and Sporting News Canada.

John Arlia is a freelance sports writer specializing in hockey, soccer, golf, and NFL coverage. He spent the last 3.5 years focusing on sports betting at The Game Day after stints with the United Soccer League and Sporting News Canada.