If you live in Canada, chances are you already know how big hockey is here. For many of us, watching NHL games isn’t just entertainment—it’s part of our routine. But over the last few years, things have changed. Cable is expensive, streaming options are confusing, and many fans aren’t sure where to watch games anymore.
If you’re asking “How can I watch NHL games in Canada in 2026?”,you’re not alone. This guide explains everything in a simple, honest way—no tech jargon, no hype—just real options that actually work.
Where Are NHL Games Shown in Canada?
In Canada, NHL games are shared across a few main broadcasters. You don’t need all of them, but it helps to know who shows what.
Sportsnet
Sportsnet carries the majority of NHL coverage in Canada. Most national games, Canadian team matchups, playoffs, and the Stanley Cup Final are shown here. If you follow the league closely, Sportsnet is hard to avoid.
TSN
TSN focuses more on regional games. Depending on where you live and which team you support, some regular-season games will air on TSN instead of Sportsnet.
CBC (Hockey Night in Canada)
This is the good news. CBC still shows NHL games for free every Saturday night. Hockey Night in Canada has been around forever, and it’s still one of the easiest ways to watch a game without paying anything.
Watching NHL Games Without Cable
A lot of people don’t have cable anymore—and that’s completely fine. You can still watch NHL games without it.
Sportsnet+
This is the most complete streaming option. You get live games, replays, highlights, and playoff coverage. It works on phones, laptops, smart TVs, and streaming devices. For most fans, this is the easiest all-in-one solution.
TSN Direct
If your favorite team’s games are often on TSN, TSN Direct can be a good choice. It doesn’t show as many NHL games as Sportsnet+, but the stream quality is solid.
CBC Gem
CBC Gem lets you stream Hockey Night in Canada games for free. It’s great for casual viewers, but it won’t replace a full NHL subscription.
Can You Watch NHL Games Completely Free?
To be honest—not all of them.You can legally watch:
- Saturday night games on CBC
- Game highlights and recaps online
But if you want to watch most regular-season games and playoffs live, you’ll need a paid service. There’s no real way around that anymore.
NHL Game Start Times (So You Don’t Miss the Puck Drop)
Game times depend on where you live in Canada.
Most weekday games start around:
- 7:00 PM in Eastern Canada
- 6:00 PM in Central Canada
- 5:00 PM in Mountain regions
- 4:00 PM on the West Coast
Weekend games and playoff matches often start earlier, so it’s always a good idea to double-check the schedule.
Why Some Games Are “Unavailable” (Blackouts Explained Simply)
Sometimes you open a streaming app and see that a game isn’t available. This is usually because of regional broadcast rights, not a technical issue.
For example, a local game might be exclusive to one broadcaster in your area. It’s frustrating, but it’s a normal part of NHL broadcasting in Canada.
Common Questions Fans Ask
Do I need cable to watch NHL games in Canada?
No. Streaming services work just fine without cable.
Which option is best for serious NHL fans?
Sportsnet+ is the best overall choice.
Are NHL playoff games available online?
Yes. Most playoff games are available on Sportsnet+, with some also shown on TSN and CBC.
Final Thoughts
Watching NHL games in Canada in 2026 isn’t as complicated as it first looks. If you only watch occasionally, free CBC games might be enough. If you follow a team all season or don’t want to miss the playoffs, a streaming subscription makes life much easier.
This guide isn’t about selling you anything—it’s about helping you choose what actually fits your viewing habits. And the good news is, once you pick the right option, watching NHL games becomes simple again.