Hockey has a surprisingly passionate following in Australia, and the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs are well underway. Here’s everything you need to know to watch NHL hockey from Australia.
Where to watch NHL in Australia
ESPN via Kayo Sports or Foxtel is your primary option. ESPN Australia holds the broadcast rights to the NHL and shows selected games throughout the regular season and playoffs. Kayo ($25/month) is the most flexible way to access this.
NHL.TV — the NHL’s own streaming service — covers every game not subject to broadcast blackouts. It’s the equivalent of NBA League Pass for hockey. Costs vary by package but a full season pass runs approximately $150-200 USD. This is the only way to guarantee you won’t miss a game.
What time is the NHL on in Australia?
NHL games in the Eastern Conference typically start at 7pm or 7:30pm ET, which is 9am or 9:30am AEST the following day — very watchable morning viewing. Western Conference games starting at 10pm ET land at noon AEST.
The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs are running now through June. Check our TV guide for exact AEST times for every playoff game this week.
The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs
Sixteen teams are competing for the Cup with the Florida Panthers notably absent — the two-time defending champions missed the playoffs this season. Key storylines for Australian fans:
The Colorado Avalanche enter as Presidents’ Trophy winners and favourites. Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers are chasing a Cup after back-to-back Finals appearances. The Buffalo Sabres are in the playoffs for the first time since 2011 — one of the great comebacks in recent NHL history.
The first round runs through late April, with the Finals expected to begin in early June.
NHL on free-to-air in Australia?
Occasionally. SBS has historically shown some NHL content but currently the sport sits behind the Kayo/ESPN paywall for live games. NHL.TV is the most reliable option for full coverage.
Our recommendation
Kayo for the playoff games ESPN picks up — which covers the majority of high-profile matchups. Add NHL.TV if you want to follow a specific team through the full playoffs without blackout risk. Check our TV guide each week for which games are confirmed on Kayo.