Last updated: 4 May 2026 · NHL Round 1 wrapped overnight. Three Round 2 series are confirmed and underway: Carolina vs Philadelphia, Colorado vs Minnesota (Game 1 today 11:00am AEST) and Vegas vs Anaheim (Game 1 tomorrow 11:30am AEST). Buffalo waits for the winner of Tampa Bay vs Montreal Game 7.
Australian NHL fans have more options for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs than ever before — but knowing which games are on which platform is the difference between catching every series live and missing the moments that matter. Here’s the complete updated guide.
On this page
- Short answer — where to watch NHL in Australia
- Platform comparison table
- Kayo Sports — best for ESPN/ABC games
- NHL.TV — every game including TNT broadcasts
- 2026 Round 2 — current matchups and AEST times
- Stanley Cup Final 2026 in Australia
- Which subscription is best for you?
- FAQ
The short answer — where to watch NHL in Australia
Australian NHL fans have three main options:
- Kayo Sports — selected NHL games (ESPN and ABC broadcasts including marquee playoff matchups)
- ESPN Australia — same content as Kayo, available via Foxtel
- NHL.TV — every game including TNT and TBS broadcasts not available on Kayo
Important note for Australian fans: Peacock is not available in Australia. Some NHL games air on Peacock in the US, but those games are typically available on NHL.TV for Australian viewers — there is no Peacock subscription needed.
Platform comparison — at a glance
| Platform | Cost | Coverage | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kayo Sports | From $35/mo | ~60% of playoff games (ESPN/ABC) | Casual fans, Stanley Cup Final |
| NHL.TV | ~$250–$300/year | Every NHL game live + on demand | Diehards, single-team fans, TNT games |
| ESPN (Foxtel) | ~$51/mo (sports pkg) | Same as Kayo | Existing Foxtel subscribers only |
Watch the NHL Conference Semifinals on Kayo
Every ESPN-broadcast Round 2 game and the Stanley Cup Final. 7-day free trial.Start free Kayo trial →
Kayo Sports — best Australian option for ESPN games
Kayo Sports carries NHL games that air on ESPN and ABC in the US, which includes a healthy chunk of the regular season and most marquee playoff matchups including every Stanley Cup Final game.
- Cost: From around $35 AUD per month for the Basic plan
- What you get: All ESPN-broadcast NHL games live, plus replays
- Best for: Casual to mid-level fans who want nationally televised playoff games
- Limitations: TNT and TBS games not available on Kayo
If you only want to watch the big playoff games and the Stanley Cup Final, Kayo is the cheapest path. It also covers NBA, MLB, NFL and Australian sports if you want a single subscription.
NHL.TV — every game for Australian fans
For complete coverage, NHL.TV (also called NHL Live in some markets) carries every NHL game live and on demand for Australian subscribers. Critically, it also carries the games that air on TNT and TBS in the US, which are not available on Kayo or ESPN Australia.
- Cost: Around $250–$300 AUD for a full annual pass, with monthly options also available
- What you get: Every NHL game, regular season and playoffs, plus replays and on-demand
- Best for: Fans who follow a specific team or want every game live
- Limitations: Some nationally televised games may have local blackouts in the US — these are rare for Australian users
2026 NHL Round 2 — current matchups
Round 1 produced two of the biggest upsets in recent playoff history: the eighth-seeded Philadelphia Flyers eliminating Pittsburgh, and the seventh-seeded Anaheim Ducks stunning the Edmonton Oilers. Here’s how Round 2 looks.
Eastern Conference Semifinals
| Series | Status | Where to watch (AU) |
|---|---|---|
| (1) Carolina vs (8) Philadelphia | CAR lead 1-0 (Game 2 Tue 5 May 9:00am AEST) | ESPN/Kayo + NHL.TV |
| (2) Buffalo vs Tampa/Montreal winner | Series begins Thu 7 May (TBA) | ESPN/Kayo + NHL.TV |
Western Conference Semifinals
| Series | Status | Where to watch (AU) |
|---|---|---|
| (1) Colorado vs (3) Minnesota | Game 1 today Mon 4 May 11:00am AEST | ESPN/Kayo + NHL.TV |
| (4) Vegas vs (7) Anaheim | Game 1 Tue 5 May 11:30am AEST | NHL.TV only (TNT) |
For the full Round 2 schedule with every game and AEST tipoff time, see our NHL Round 2 2026 hub.
Australian broadcast breakdown
- ESPN broadcasts (US): Kayo Sports + ESPN Australia + NHL.TV
- TNT/TBS broadcasts (US): NHL.TV only
- ABC broadcasts (US, Stanley Cup Final): Kayo + ESPN Australia + NHL.TV
So far in 2026 roughly 60% of playoff games have been on ESPN/ABC (so available on Kayo) with the remaining 40% on TNT (NHL.TV only).
Stanley Cup Final 2026 — Australian broadcast details
The Stanley Cup Final is expected to begin in early to mid-June 2026. Final game dates and times lock in once the conference finals conclude, but Australian fans can expect:
- All Stanley Cup Final games on Kayo Sports, ESPN Australia and NHL.TV
- Puck drops typically 10:00am – 12:00pm AEST for evening US starts
- Coverage in AEST means most games are live during Australian business hours
Which subscription is best for you?
- Casual fan, only big playoff games: Kayo Sports
- Diehard fan, every team, every game: NHL.TV
- TNT games (Vegas vs Anaheim, etc.): NHL.TV — Kayo doesn’t carry TNT
- Stanley Cup Final only: Kayo Sports — cheapest option
- Already a Foxtel subscriber: ESPN Australia covers the same content as Kayo
FAQ — your NHL questions answered
Is the NHL on free-to-air TV in Australia?
No. There is no NHL coverage on Australian free-to-air TV. Every NHL game requires a paid subscription to Kayo Sports, ESPN Australia or NHL.TV.
What time are NHL playoff games in AEST?
Evening US puck drops are usually 8:00am to 12:00pm AEST the next day. Stanley Cup Final games are typically 10:00am to 12:00pm AEST — perfect for Australian viewing.
Is the NHL on Kayo in Australia?
Yes — Kayo carries every NHL game broadcast on ESPN or ABC in the US, including all Stanley Cup Final games. Plans start from $35 per month with a 7-day free trial. TNT and TBS games are not on Kayo and require NHL.TV.
How much does NHL.TV cost in Australia?
NHL.TV (NHL Live) costs approximately $250–$300 AUD for a full annual pass, with monthly options available. It carries every NHL game live with no Australian blackouts.
Can I watch the Stanley Cup Final 2026 on free-to-air in Australia?
No. The 2026 Stanley Cup Final is not on Australian free-to-air TV. Every game is on Kayo Sports, ESPN Australia or NHL.TV.
Is Peacock available in Australia for NHL games?
No. Peacock is not available in Australia. NHL games that air on Peacock in the US are typically available on NHL.TV for Australian subscribers.
Want every NHL game including TNT broadcasts?
NHL.TV is the only way to watch every game including Vegas vs Anaheim and other TNT-exclusive matchups.Get NHL.TV →
What’s next?
- Live US Sports TV Guide — every game with AEST times and live scores
- NHL Round 2 2026 — full schedule and matchups
- Anaheim Ducks Stun Edmonton Oilers — Round 1 upset
All times shown in AEST (Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane). Subscription prices accurate as of May 2026 and subject to change. Mac Johannson covers US sports for Australian fans, with a focus on AEST schedules, streaming options and playoff coverage.
