I used to pay for NHL.tv but as far as I know the games get blacked out during the playoffs. Maybe I'm wrong. It's complete ******** on the NHL's part. So many games get blacked out for paying customers.
The NBC deal ensures that every playoff game is shown nationally, via a pay TV Netowrk. Regional Sports Networks can only show Round One games, and then only in market. These feeds are NOT on NHL.tv. If you are out of market, you MUST watch games on one of the NBC Networks (NBC, NBCSN, CNBC, USA - or whatever network they put it on (maybe msnbc, too?) for every game. The benefit of NHL.tv isn't there for the playoffs. If you are a cord-cutter, you are hosed because you need a subscription to the payTV networks.
Awesome - thanks guys. I figured Gamecenter would probably be my best bet.
I would buy NHL.tv / Gamecenter over NHL Center Ice from your cable company. Stream NHL.tv on your TV via a Roku. I used this method two seasons ago.
I moved to California last August, and I use NHL.tv to watch the Rangers
It's a good service, worth the price aside from some dumb rules they have.
Rules are quite simple, actually.
If you are out-of-market, a Rangers game will NOT be available on NHL.tv if:
1. It is being shown on NBC.
2. It is being shown on NBCSN.
3. It is being shown on NHL Network.
Again, if you are a cord-cutter, you cannot get those Nationally Televised games with NHL.tv - you need a subscription for NBCSN and the NHL Network. The games that are on NBCSN and NHL Network might also be on MSG for those who are in-market, but out-of-market fans MUST watch on NBCSN or NHL Network.
For the other NY sports teams, I'm not too sure. I would look into Sling TV, and see what channels they offer. It really comes down to if you want to pay per month for everything.
I would also look into buying a Roku Streaming stick. That's what I use to watch most of the content I consume, including Rangers games
SlingTV offers YES, but you need to be in the NY Market to get it. I am hoping that SNY gets added soon, because it is part of the NBC Sports / Comcast family, and other Comcast Sports Networks are available on the Sling Blue package. Sling Blue + the sports add-on will get you NHL Network, NBCSN, and USA, but you won't get CNBC (for those odd playoff games).