Watching your favorite NHL team can be difficult if you live outside of their local television market. However, with the rise of streaming services and options like NHL Center Ice, NHL.tv, ESPN+, and more, it’s easier than ever for fans to tune into games featuring their preferred squads from anywhere. This guide will provide an overview of the various ways to watch the Pittsburgh Penguins if you don’t live in their home market.
Streaming Services
For cord-cutters and fans who don’t have access to local broadcasts of Penguins games, streaming is likely your best bet. Here are some of the major services that carry live NHL action:
NHL.tv/NHL App
NHL.tv allows you to stream live out-of-market games through different packages. Options include single team packages to follow just the Penguins for $109.99 per season or all out-of-market games with NHL.tv Premium for $144.99 per season. These packages grant access to live games and replays, with the ability to stream on multiple devices. One downside is local blackout restrictions still apply, preventing you from watching Penguins games in their home market. But for out-of-town fans, it’s a great option. They also offer single game purchases if you only need to tune into the odd game here and there.
ESPN+
ESPN’s streaming service carries some NHL games, including a lot of Penguins action. An ESPN+ subscription costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year. While they don’t have as robust NHL offerings as NHL.tv, you’ll get access to out-of-market Penguins games that are part of their national exclusives. ESPN+ also includes plenty of other live sports and on-demand programming.
Hulu + Live TV
For $69.99 per month, Hulu + Live TV subscribers get access to live ESPN, TNT, and regional sports networks that carry NHL games. The exact channels vary by location, but NBC Sports Pennsylvania is available in much of the Penguins market and typically airs most of their games. There is also a library of NHL games and content available on demand with the baseline Hulu subscription (starting at $6.99 per month).
Cable/Satellite Packages
While streaming affords you more flexibility, cable and satellite providers still offer some options to watch the Penguins out-of-market:
NHL Center Ice
NHL Center Ice through your cable or satellite provider offers similar out-of-market viewing options as NHL.tv. You’ll get access to live Penguins games taking place outside of your local area through the Center Ice package. Pricing varies by provider, but expect to pay at least $130-$150 for the season. Some key details to note are local blackouts still apply with Center Ice and most providers only make a standard definition feed available. For the best HD streaming experience, NHL.tv is preferable to Center Ice.
AT&T TV
AT&T TV is a cable-esque streaming provider that offers regional sports network packages, depending on your location. In many areas, you can add their Choice package for $84.99 per month and get access to NBC Sports Philadelphia to stream live Penguins games. There’s a base package fee, equipment costs, taxes, and other fees, so the total price ends up higher, but it’s a viable way to get live Penguins action without local restrictions.
DirecTV
As a satellite provider, most areas will have access to DirecTV packages that include NBC Sports Philadelphia or AT&T Sportsnet Pittsburgh to air Penguins games. Their Choice package typically starts around $85 per month and is really the minimum needed to get those RSNs. While more traditional than streaming options, it’s another solid choice for consistent Penguins viewing that works nationwide.
Radio/Audio Streaming
Don’t overlook radio and audio streaming options to listen to Penguins games:
NHL Audio
For $19.99 per season, you can stream live radio coverage of Penguins games via the NHL app and desktop site. It’s an extremely affordable way to follow the action if you’re out of market and don’t need a video feed.
TuneIn
The TuneIn app and site provide free streaming radio stations, including coverage of Penguins games via their radio partners. This allows you to listen to play-by-play commentary of every game for free all season long.
SiriusXM
Satellite radio provider SiriusXM offers NHL game packages that provide live play-by-play feeds, often from both team’s perspective. Options like their All-Access package can be added to your subscription for $16.99 per month. Useful for listening in the car or anywhere else with satellite radio access.
Penguins Mobile App
The official Penguins app offers a free audio streaming radio feed for every game. Useful for listening on your phone or other connected devices.
One-Off Purchases
If you only need to watch the occasional out-of-market Penguins game, consider the following one-off purchase options:
NHL on ESPN+
You can purchase single Penguins games on ESPN+ for prices ranging $5-$20 depending on the match-up. Useful if there’s a special event game you want to tune into.
NHL International
Fans outside of North America can purchase individual Penguins games on NHL.tv International for approximately $30 per game. Gives you access to a single live stream without ongoing subscription.
NHL Ticket Exchange
Check ticket resale sites like Stubhub and VividSeats for available Penguins tickets when they visit your area. It’s rare, but sometimes you can land deals on upper level seats for prices comparable to single game streams.
Using a VPN
If you try the various streaming options but keep running into local blackout restrictions, consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network). Connecting to a VPN masks your location, so even if you’re physically in the Penguins local market, you can route your traffic through another city and avoid the NHL’s blackout rules. It takes some setup but can be an effective last resort for determined fans. Some popular VPNs to try include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark.
Conclusion
The easiest ways to watch the Penguins out-of-market require streaming access through packages like ESPN+, NHL.tv, and Hulu + Live TV. For cable and radio, options like NHL Center Ice, SiriusXM, and the Penguins mobile app provide access. Lastly, targeted one-off purchases or using a VPN provide alternative solutions. As a passionate Penguins supporter, rest assured the resources exist to tune into all the action no matter where you live. While local blackouts present challenges, between the array of streaming, satellite, audio and VPN options outlined above, following your preferred club from afar is very achievable with some careful planning and set-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What games are blacked out on NHL.tv?
NHL.tv blacks out your local team’s games, as well as nationally televised games on NBC, NBCSN, and NHL Network. Additional regional blackouts apply for teams if a game is available on a local RSN.
Can I get around NHL blackouts with a VPN?
A VPN can help circumvent local blackouts by routing your traffic through another city. This masks your real location from NHL servers when streaming. Be sure to select a VPN server located outside of the Penguins television market.
Do streaming services offer full replays of NHL games?
Most streaming options provide full game replays shortly after the conclusion of live games. This allows you to watch a game from start to finish on delay if needed. NHL.tv and ESPN+ are great choices for NHL game replays.
Can I watch Penguins games live on ESPN+?
ESPN+ provides live out-of-market NHL games as part of their NHL Power Play package. The exact Penguins games vary by date, but you’ll get around 20-30 live exclusives throughout the season.
Is there a way to get NBC Sports Philadelphia out-of-market?
Services like AT&T TV and DirecTV offer NBC Sports Philadelphia in most areas as part of their channel packages. This allows out-of-market fans to watch live Penguins games airing on the RSN.
Can I listen to Penguins radio broadcasts online?
Yes, audio streams of the Penguins radio broadcast are available all season on platforms like NHL Audio, the Penguins mobile app, TuneIn Radio, and SiriusXM. Useful for listening on the go when video streams aren’t an option.
How can I watch Penguins games in Europe or other countries?
Fans abroad can utilize NHL.tv International to stream live Penguins games on desktop or mobile devices. Single game purchases are approximately $30 USD and provide live coverage.
Can I watch Penguins replays on NHL.tv if I missed a game live?
NHL.tv archives all out-of-market Penguins games shortly after they air. You can watch full replays, condensed games or a minutes recap edit, perfect if you aren’t able to tune in live.
What is the cheapest legal way to stream NHL games online?
If cost is your main concern, registering for the free trial of ESPN+ and/or Hulu allows you to stream some live NHL games at no cost for a limited time. Audio options like the Penguins mobile app, TuneIn, and NHL Audio provide free game radio feeds as well.
Can I watch Penguins games on Hulu + Live TV?
In most regions, Hulu + Live TV carries NBC Sports Philadelphia, providing live in-market Penguins game coverage. Out-of-market fans will be subject to blackouts on live games but can watch available replays on demand with a standard Hulu subscription.
How much does NHL Center Ice cost?
NHL Center Ice packages typically cost $130-$150 for the season through most major cable and satellite providers. Unfortunately, it does not offer many advantages compared to streaming NHL.tv, other than through your existing provider.
Can I watch Penguins games live through the NHL app?
The free NHL app does not stream live games. However, the premium NHL.tv subscription can be accessed directly through the NHL app and will provide live Penguins game video streams when available in your region.
Are all Penguins games available on radio or audio streams?
Live radio coverage is available for every televised Penguins game. Options like NHL Audio, the Penguins mobile app, SiriusXM, and TuneIn provide constant audio streaming options all season long. Useful as a backup plan or while on the go.
Does NHL.tv include playoffs and Stanley Cup games?
Unfortunately, NHL.tv does not provide access to live playoff games. Local, national, and streaming providers broadcast most postseason action. However, playoff replays are uploaded to NHL.tv shortly after live games conclude.
Can I watch NHL Network with my NHL.tv subscription?
While they are separate services, NHL Network is often included if you purchase a cable/satellite package that includes NHL.tv. But NHL.tv alone does not provide live NHL Network feeds. You would need to add NHL Network through your provider.
Do I need cable to purchase NHL.tv?
No cable or satellite package is needed – NHL.tv can be purchased directly through NHL.com and accessed right away. You can register and start streaming instantly without going through a cable provider.
Can I get refunds on NHL.tv if I decide to cancel?
NHL.tv subscriptions are non-refundable once purchased. Make sure to only register during the season you plan to watch. Auto-renew can be disabled in your account settings to avoid being charged again the next season.
Does NHL.tv stream in 60fps?
When available, NHL.tv provides 60 frames per second (fps) feeds for the smoothest streaming experience. This enhanced frame rate results in less lag and choppiness compared to 30fps video streams when your connection supports it.
Can I watch NHL games on Roku?
Yes, NHL.tv offers a Roku channel that allows live game streaming and replays. Many other streaming providers like ESPN+, Hulu and YouTube TV also have Roku apps to access hockey content on your home device.
How can I watch NHL games on my phone, tablet or connected device?
Most streaming providers offer NHL apps for iOS and Android mobile devices, as well as connected TV platforms like Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV. This provides access to live out-of-market games and replays when on the go.
Streaming Service | Price (Monthly) | Key Details |
---|---|---|
NHL.tv | $24.99 (Single Team) | Watch Penguins out-of-market games. Local blackouts apply. |
ESPN+ | $9.99 | Airs some Penguins national exclusive games. |
Hulu + Live TV | $69.99 | Access to NBC Sports Philadelphia in-market feed. |
NHL Center Ice | $150+ (Varies) | Out-of-market games through cable/satellite provider. |
SiriusXM | $16.99 (All Access) | Live radio broadcast of Penguins games. |
Summary
While watching the Pittsburgh Penguins out-of-market can be challenging, there are now more streaming options than ever before along with radio and VPN solutions. To recap, here are the best ways to tune into Penguins games no matter where you live:
- For streaming, NHL.tv, ESPN+, and Hulu + Live TV provide the most consistent out-of-market access.
- Satellite providers like DirecTV and AT&T TV allow regional sports network streaming.
- Radio and audio options include NHL Audio, Penguins mobile app, SiriusXM and TuneIn.
- Using a quality VPN can help circumvent local blackouts by masking location.
- One-off purchases on ESPN+ or NHL.tv provide single game access.
Do your research to find the best package based on your budget, location and preferences. While challenging compared to in-market fans, following the Penguins from afar is doable with preparation and the right streaming, audio and VPN tools. Use multiple resources for the most robust season-long access. With the NHL season in full swing, now is the time to get set up so you never miss a Crosby snipe, Malkin dangle or big Penguins win!