Tuning into the NHL Playoffs from Alabama just got more exciting this spring. With underdog stories unfolding on ice and broadcast rights split across multiple networks, you’ll need a solid plan to catch every drop of playoff action.
From traditional TV broadcasts to mobile streams and sports-bar atmospheres, here’s how to ensure you never miss a shift, goal, or overtime thrill, no matter where you are in the Heart of Dixie.
Where the Action Lands on Your Screen
The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs run from April 19 through early June, with all rounds airing on national channels. ESPN and ABC handle half the matchups, while TNT, TBS, and truTV split the rest.
In Alabama’s Central Time Zone, first-round games typically start at 6:30 p.m. or 8 p.m. CT, with conference finals tipping off around 8 p.m. CT on weeknights. Finals on ABC generally begin at 7:30 p.m. CT, offering an earlier start for families and early-bird fans alike. Check your local listings for variations, and watch ABC’s Saturday broadcasts, which often showcase the most competitive matchups.
Attention to broadcast windows goes hand in hand with tracking the Odds to win Stanley Cup. Early futures from major sportsbooks place the Panthers among the favorites, with contenders like the Oilers and Hurricanes close behind.
You won’t see every game on your local regional sports network. That’s because national exclusivity ensures big-market matchups land on cable and broadcast outlets first. So if you’re hoping to cheer on an out-of-market series, you’ll need to look beyond your basic cable package.
Streaming Strategies for Cord-Cutters
Cutting the cord? You still have options. Cord-cutters can stream every round on services that carry ESPN, TNT, TBS, ABC, and truTV. All of these are key carriers of NHL playoff action.
If you need ABC coverage, look for platforms that bundle broadcast feeds with cable networks. Make sure your lineup includes TNT or TBS channels for games exclusively on those channels.
Keep in mind that local blackouts still apply. Your live stream may be blocked when an Alabama affiliate holds local rights. Many fans use VPNs to “appear” in another state’s market to get around that. Just be mindful of each service’s terms and local regulations. Test your VPN setup well before puck drop so you’re not scrambling when that opening faceoff hits the ice.
Watching on Mobile and Radio
You don’t have to be glued to a TV. The NHL app on iOS and Android delivers every playoff game live, complete with real-time stats and multi-angle replays. A single login handles both video and in-game data, so you can jump from highlights to live feed without missing a shift.
If you prefer radio, SiriusXM NHL Network Radio (Channel 91) provides 24/7 playoff play-by-play and expert commentary. Tune in via satellite or the SiriusXM app, and you’ll get every goal call, save, and coach’s challenge explained in crisp detail. If you’re driving to a watch party or stuck in traffic, the radio keeps you in the loop until you hit the couch.
Bringing Playoffs to Your Local Bar
Nothing beats the roar of a crowd when a third-period goal flies into the net. Sports bars ramp up their playoff coverage across Alabama from Birmingham’s downtown pubs to Tuscaloosa’s college-town hangouts. Greenville, Birmingham, and Huntsville feature top-rated sports bars that turn into playoff fan zones each spring.
Look for venues advertising “all NHL playoff games” and “no-blackout” policies. Many pubs subscribe to out-of-market sports packages, so your stream won’t suddenly drop mid-game. Arrive early to claim a spot near the big screens.
Ordering food can be pricey, but some bar-and-grill combos offer game-day specials. Call ahead to ask about group rates or reserved seating for large watch-party crews.
Travel and Tune-In Tips
If you’re heading out of state, confirm your streaming subscriptions work in your destination before you book that road trip. Most major services allow nationwide streaming, but local blackout rules still apply. If you’re crossing state lines, say, from Montgomery to Atlanta, use your VPN to reset your virtual location and dodge region locks.
For weekend warriors chasing games at neutral sites, check out sports-centric hotels that stream NHL networks in guest rooms. Some offer package deals, including shuttle service to nearby bars showing the games. And if you really want insider information, follow local beat reporters on social channels for real-time injury updates and lineup changes.
Closing Out the Puck Drop
Nothing beats that last buzzer when you look back at every stretch pass, every late-period surge, and every unexpected upset. You’ve mapped out your TV guide, tested your VPN, and scoped Birmingham's best sports bar vibe. Now all that’s left is to grab a cold one (or three), settle in, and ride each overtime like it’s sudden-death gold.