If you are a hockey fan or are just starting to get interested in the NHL League, this article is for you!
Thanks to advances in technology, it’s now possible to watch games on your phone, tablet or smart TV, in a very practical and hassle-free way.
👉 This content is exclusively for informational purposes and does not include live broadcasts. Here, we present the most recommended apps and how to use them to make watching the NHL a pleasant experience.
The NHL is one of the most popular leagues in the world, and understanding how it works can make your experience even more enjoyable.
Read on for more details about the league.
How the NHL Season Works
The NHL season spans several months and is divided into three main parts: the preseason, the regular season and the playoffs.
Each one has its own characteristics and importance. Don’t worry, we’ll explain how each step works!
- Preseason: takes place in September, before the regular season. Teams play exhibition games to test their lineups and evaluate new players. In 2026, the preseason is shorter, with a maximum of four games per team.
- Regular season: the first phase of the championship, in which the 32 teams play 84 games each in 2026/27, for the first time since 1993-94, to earn points and fight for a playoff spot. It runs from September 29, 2026, to April 10, 2027.
- Playoffs: the pinnacle of the NHL, starting in April 2027 and running until June. It is a knockout tournament with best-of-seven series: the first team to win four games advances. Every game can be decisive.
Understanding how the NHL season works is essential to follow the games and not miss anything.
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Best Teams so Far
The 2025–26 season, which ended in June, was extremely exciting and full of major achievements, and it sets the stage for 2026/27.
- The Colorado Avalanche finished with the league’s best record and won the Presidents’ Trophy, with 121 points.
- The Carolina Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup, beating the Vegas Golden Knights in six games for the franchise’s second title.
- The Vegas Golden Knights reached the Final and arrive hungry for another run.
- The Florida Panthers, champions in 2024 and 2025, open the new season against the Hurricanes on opening night.
This mix of strong teams and unpredictable results promises tight standings and a thrilling season.
Players Making an Impact in the 2026–27 Season
Several players are set to be decisive and raise the level of the league this season.
These athletes directly influence results and their teams’ positions in the standings, and draw attention from fans and analysts.
- Connor McDavid (Oilers): one of the fastest and most creative players in the world.
- Auston Matthews (Maple Leafs): one of the best goal scorers of his generation.
- Leon Draisaitl (Oilers): a scorer who shines in big moments.
- Cale Makar (Avalanche): a defenseman who drives the offense.
- Jack Hughes (Devils): scored the overtime goal that gave the United States the Olympic gold in February 2026.
These players promise to be at the center of the biggest moments of the season.
Best Ways to Watch NHL Games
Now that you know more about the NHL, it’s time to discover how to watch the games.
There are several options, and choosing the best one for you can make all the difference.
- TV: in the U.S., the national games air on ESPN, ABC and TNT, and local games on regional sports networks. In Canada, Sportsnet is the national home of the NHL.
- Online streaming: national games stream in the ESPN app and on HBO Max (TNT Sports). Out-of-market games are on NHL Power Play in the ESPN app. Outside the U.S. and Canada, NHL.TV is available on DAZN.
- Mobile apps: the NHL app keeps you updated with scores, stats, news and alerts for your favorite team, and shows where each game is on.
- Social media and YouTube: they don’t replace live broadcasts, but they are great for highlights, recaps and expert analysis.
Choosing the best way to watch NHL games can make your experience much better.
Which of these options do you find most convenient?
How the 2026–27 Season Is Shaping Up
The 2026–27 season promises exciting games and strong balance among the teams.
In February 2026, NHL players went to the Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, and the United States beat Canada 2-1 in overtime to win the men’s gold, its first since 1980.
Now the focus is back on the league, with the first 84-game season, four games against every division rival and special events such as the Global Series in Helsinki in November and the Winter Classic in Salt Lake City on December 31.
Every point will make a difference in the race for the playoffs, and the expectation is for strong rivalries and a fierce battle for the Stanley Cup.
Essential Apps to Follow All NHL Games
To make the most of the season, it is essential to have the right tools. Here are the apps you need to follow every NHL game.
NHL App
The NHL App is an essential tool for ice hockey fans, with a complete and interactive way to follow the league.
- Real-time notifications: instant alerts about games, results and important events, with goal horn alerts for your favorite team.
- Where to watch: the app shows where each game streams or airs in your region.
- Detailed statistics: official and advanced stats about teams and players.
- Exclusive content: highlights, game stories and videos that bring you closer to the teams.
With an intuitive interface and frequent updates, the NHL App is an essential platform for every hockey fan.
ESPN
The ESPN app is one of the best options for following the NHL in the U.S.
- Live streaming: national games on ESPN and ABC, plus out-of-market games with NHL Power Play.
- Customized notifications: real-time updates about your favorite team’s games.
- Analysis and commentary: expert analysis and interviews with players and coaches.
- Statistics and standings: player stats and league standings in the app.
- Exclusive content: programs and documentaries about the league’s history and rivalries.
Most Famous NHL Traditions and Rituals
The NHL is known not only for the intensity of its games, but also for traditions that are part of the league’s identity.
One of the most respected is the handshake line at the end of every playoff series. Whatever the result, players shake hands as a sign of respect.
Another iconic moment happens when a team wins the Stanley Cup: the captain is traditionally the first to lift the trophy, a gesture of leadership and collective effort.
Player superstitions are also part of the routine. Many athletes repeat the same pregame habits, such as putting on their equipment in the same order, and some avoid changing anything during winning streaks.
For fans, these traditions make each NHL season even more engaging.
Tips to Not Miss Any Game
- Sync with your phone’s calendar: many apps let you add your team’s schedule to your calendar and get reminders before each game.
- Weekly check-ins: set aside a moment each week to check the schedule and plan which games you’ll watch.
- Follow official social media: teams and the NHL post schedule changes and last-minute news.
Tips to Customize Apps and Improve Streaming
Customizing your apps can significantly improve your viewing experience.
- Notification settings: keep only the updates that matter most to you.
- Favorites: follow only the teams and players you like the most.
- Streaming quality: if the connection drops, lower the video quality and check your internet before important games.
Conclusion
Watching NHL games can be an incredible experience, full of excitement and rivalry.
Understanding how the season works, knowing the teams and players and having the right apps are the best steps to make the most of the league.
Now that you have all this information, are you ready to dive into the world of ice hockey?
Don’t miss the chance to follow the NHL and experience unforgettable moments! Let the fun begin!