Are you a Detroit Red Wings superfan who refuses to miss a single game this NHL season? If you‘ve cut the cable cord or suffer from coverage blackouts, have no fear. With the right combination of streaming platforms and VPN services, you can easily watch the Red Wings online from anywhere.
This comprehensive guide will provide diehard Detroit hockey fans with multiple options to live stream Red Wings games all season long. We‘ll cover:
- National NHL broadcasts on ESPN, TNT and more
- Regional Bally Sports Detroit telecasts
- Out-of-market viewing with NHL Center Ice and ESPN+
- Using a VPN to bypass blackout restrictions
- Streaming on mobile devices and smart TVs
- Catching games without cable
Plus we‘ll share tips, schedule details, and analysis to help you catch all the fast-paced action. Let‘s drop the puck and dive right in!
Contents
Watching Nationally Televised Red Wings Games
For marquee matchups and key divisional games, the NHL will broadcast some Red Wings games nationwide on linear TV channels. Here‘s where to find them:
TNT
Turner Sports recently inked a 7-year rights deal with the NHL and will air select games throughout the season. TNT is available on all major cable/satellite providers and on live TV streaming services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, DIRECTV STREAM and FuboTV.
According to SportsPro Media, TNT‘s NHL viewership rose by 25% last season aided by star power like Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid. Outspoken analysts like Wayne Gretzky also draw audiences. Expect TNT‘s NHL ratings to keep climbing as they spotlight the league‘s top teams and biggest personalities.
ESPN/ABC
Like TNT, ESPN and sister network ABC will broadcast nationally televised NHL contests as part of their long-term agreement. Disney-owned ESPN is betting huge on NHL content and recently hired star commentators like Mark Messier to expand hockey coverage.
Stream ESPN/ABC through a cable/satellite subscription or via live TV streaming platforms like fuboTV, Sling TV, YouTube TV, DIRECTV STREAM and Hulu‘s package. With ESPN making the NHL a programming priority, they‘ll showcase premier Red Wings matchups throughout the season.
NHL Network
Though not as widely available as TNT and ESPN, the NHL Network will also televise select Red Wings games nationwide. Most cable providers and live TV streaming services like FuboTV and DIRECTV STREAM carry the network as part of core channel packages.
According to the NHL, NHL Network ratings were up over 15% year-over-year last season as they provided comprehensive national coverage. Tune in when the Red Wings land a coveted broadcast slot.
ESPN+
For out-of-market fans, ESPN‘s popular direct-to-consumer platform ESPN+ offers access to hundreds of live NHL games. While blackout restrictions exist in local markets, ESPN+ provides a great option for following the Red Wings from afar either live or on-demand.
ESPN+ has over 22 million subscribers as of 2022 thanks largely to its NHL deal. An annual plan costs just $99, making it a budget-friendly choice for any diehard Detroit hockey fanatics.
Watching Regional Red Wings Broadcasts
When not on national TV, watching the Red Wings locally means tuning into regional sports networks (RSNs) based in the Detroit area.
Bally Sports Detroit
Bally Sports Detroit is the Red Wings‘ "home" RSN and broadcasts most games in the region. Detroit fans can watch Bally Sports Detroit through traditional cable/satellite providers or via streaming services like DIRECTV STREAM and FuboTV.
According to Bally Sports, their RSNs reach over 13 million cable/satellite households nationally. And the Bally Sports+ direct-to-consumer service opened up access for non-traditional TV viewers. Out-of-towners can subscribe to Bally Sports+ for $19.99/month to get live feeds of games.
Other RSNs
For away games against Western Conference rivals, the local team‘s RSN will provide coverage. For instance, an away game in Nashville versus the Predators will air on Bally Sports South.
DIRECTV STREAM and FuboTV offer broad RSN coverage and are great options for catching these road matchups. Just make sure the RSN is available in your area before subscribing.
Viewing Out-of-Market Red Wings Games
Diehard Red Wings fans living outside the Detroit broadcast region still have multiple options to tune in:
NHL Center Ice
The NHL‘s out-of-market package NHL Center Ice provides access to watch live HD streams of games. Center Ice can be added on to your cable/satellite subscription for around $150-$200 depending on your provider.
Many streaming platforms also offer Center Ice including DIRECTV STREAM ($99 for the season) and Sling TV (starting at $30/month). Just beware local blackout rules still apply based on your location.
ESPN+
We already highlighted ESPN+ for national broadcasts, but it‘s also a great choice for out-of-market streaming. An ESPN+ subscription provides live access to hundreds of NHL games all season not aired nationally (with some blackouts).
At just $6.99/month or $99/year, ESPN+ gives you an affordable way to follow the Red Wings from anywhere in the U.S. The service saw a whopping 75% increase in yearly NHL viewership last season as cord cutters continue flocking to the platform.
Listen Live on NHL Audio
Can‘t watch the games live? You can still follow the action via the NHL‘s live audio streams for $19.99 per season. Tune in from any device to listen to radio broadcasts of Red Wings matchups all year long.
Using VPNs to Watch Blacked Out Red Wings Games
Hardcore out-of-town fans often get frustrated when local broadcasts are blacked out due to outdated regional restrictions. But fear not – using a VPN provides a workaround.
A VPN allows you to mask your real location and appear to be connecting from somewhere different. For instance, if you live in Florida but want to access geo-restricted Red Wings games on Bally Sports Detroit, you can use a VPN to route your traffic through a server in Michigan and evade blackout rules.
According to data from FinancesOnline, over 29 million Americans now use a VPN. Top-rated options for streaming sports include:
| VPN | Speed | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | Fast | From $8.32/month |
| NordVPN | Very Fast | From $3.29/month |
| Surfshark | Fast | From $2.49/month |
I recommend ExpressVPN for reliably unblocking sports content thanks to its combination of swift speeds, media-optimized servers, and easy-to-use apps. Plus it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee to try it out risk-free.
Setting up a VPN takes just minutes. Simply download and install the app, log in, and connect to a server near Detroit. You‘ll then be able to watch the live RSN feed from Bally Sports Detroit or other local broadcasters without pesky blackout restrictions.
Streaming Red Wings Games on Mobile Devices and Smart TVs
In today‘s streaming era, sports fans expect and demand flexbile viewing options across all devices. Here are some top ways to live stream the Red Wings on any device:
Mobile
Catch live action and highlights on your iOS or Android phone or tablet via easy-to-use apps from providers like ESPN, TNT, NHL, Bally Sports, and more. Most apps are available on both major mobile operating systems.
According to Nielsen data, nearly 90% of US adults aged 18-49 now own a smartphone. Live streaming apps allow them to watch sports like NHL hockey on-the-go.
Media Streamers
Access live Red Wings streams and replays by downloading channel/network apps on media players like Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, Android TV devices, and more.
As reported by Parks Associates, nearly 31% of U.S. broadband households now own streaming media devices. NHL apps are readily accessible on all major platforms.
Game Consoles
Gaming devices like Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch all provide apps to stream live sports in addition to, of course, awesome hockey video games!
According to the ESA, an estimated 79% of U.S. households own a video game console. Hockey fans can cheer on the Red Wings across any modern gaming system.
Smart Displays
Send live NHL games from your mobile device straight to compatible smart displays like Amazon Echo Show, Google Nest Hub Max, and Facebook Portal TV using screen mirroring protocols like Chromecast or AirPlay.
As smart home technology expands, smart displays now occupy over 30 million households per eMarketer. Leverage them to turn any room into a sports viewing haven.
How to Watch Red Wings Games Without Cable
Don‘t want the burden of a cable TV bill but still need your hockey fix? Cable-free options for streaming the Red Wings include:
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu‘s live TV service provides access to ESPN, TNT, NHL Network and more for $69.99/month. The on-demand library also unlocks NHL classics and original programming.
According to CNBC, Hulu + Live TV closed in on 4 million subscribers in Q1 2022 thanks to its simplicity and broad channel lineup.
YouTube TV
YouTube TV offers Bally Sports Detroit along with ESPN, TNT and other sports networks for $64.99/month. It allows up to 3 simultaneous streams and unlimited DVR.
As reported by TechCrunch, YouTube TV surpassed 5 million subscribers in Q2 2022 as it continues gaining steam in the live TV streaming space.
fuboTV
FuboTV carries Bally Sports Detroit and comes loaded with sports channels. Pricing starts at $69.99/month, but niche add-ons like Center Ice are also available.
In Q1 2022, fuboTV reached over 1.1 million subscribers per MarketWatch, representing nearly 40% year-over-year growth.
Sling TV
Sling‘s Blue package includes TNT along with over 40 channels for just $35/month. Premium add-ons like Center Ice give you even more hockey action.
Sling closed in on 2.25 million subscribers in June 2022 according to reporting by NextTV. The low entry pricing appeals to cost-conscious streamers.
So whether you want a full cable replacement or just a basic package, streaming services offer flexible and affordable ways to catch the Red Wings without contracts or hidden fees. Take advantage of free trials to test options and find your favorite.
While traditional cable/satellite TV still offers some convenience for Detroit fans, streaming and VPNs provide out-of-towners with easy access to live Red Wings action all season long.
Follow this guide and you‘ll have the knowledge and tools needed to watch the Red Wings online from anywhere. Now grab a cold beverage, fire up the stream, and LGRW!
