The NHL’s 4 Nations Face-Off: Here’s How to Watch the Action-Packed Tournament

Introduction to the Tournament

The NHL has replaced its traditional All-Star game this season with an exciting new event: the 4 Nations Face-Off. This week-long international tournament brings together four powerhouse teams—USA, Canada, Sweden, and Finland—in a best-on-best competition. The format is simple yet thrilling: each team will face the other three in a round-robin stage, with the top two teams advancing to a one-game championship showdown. The tournament kicked off with a bang as Canada edged out Sweden in overtime, thanks to a game-winning goal by Mitch Marner, who was set up by the legendary Sidney Crosby. The next highly anticipated matchup features the USA taking on Finland on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT) on ESPN and ESPN Plus. Fans can catch every moment of the tournament, whether they prefer watching on traditional TV or streaming online.

The Tournament Schedule: Where and When to Watch

The 4 Nations Face-Off is being hosted across two iconic venues: the Bell Centre in Montreal and the TD Garden in Boston. The first four games will take place in Montreal, while the final two round-robin games and the championship decider will be held in Boston. Below is the full schedule of games, including dates, times, and broadcast channels:

• Wednesday, Feb. 12: Canada vs. Sweden (already concluded with Canada winning in overtime).
• Thursday, Feb. 13: USA vs. Finland at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN Plus.
• Saturday, Feb. 15: Finland vs. Sweden at 1 p.m. ET, and USA vs. Canada at 8 p.m. ET, both airing on ABC and ESPN Plus.
• Monday, Feb. 17: Canada vs. Finland at 1 p.m. ET, and Sweden vs. USA at 8 p.m. ET, broadcast on TNT and Max.
• Thursday, Feb. 20: The championship game at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN Plus.

For Canadian viewers, all games will be available in English on Sportsnet (SN) and in French on TVA Sports (TVAS).

How to Watch Without Cable: Live TV Streaming Services

For fans who prefer streaming over traditional cable, there are several excellent options to catch every game of the 4 Nations Face-Off. Four major live TV streaming services—Sling TV, YouTube TV, Hulu Plus Live TV, and Fubo—offer access to the necessary channels (ABC, ESPN, and TNT) to watch all seven tournament games. Here’s a breakdown of each service:

• Sling TV: The Sling Orange plan includes ESPN and TNT for $46 per month, while the Blue plan offers ABC (available in select markets) and TNT. To access all tournament games, the Orange plan is the best choice. Sling TV also offers a combined Orange-and-Blue plan for $61 per month.
• YouTube TV: Priced at $83 per month, YouTube TV includes ABC, ESPN, and TNT. New subscribers can enjoy a discounted rate of $70 per month for the first six months, plus a 10-day free trial.
• Hulu Plus Live TV: Available for $83 per month, Hulu Plus Live TV offers ABC, ESPN, and TNT. Subscribers can check their local channel availability by entering their ZIP code on Hulu’s website.
• Fubo: Fubo’s Essential plan costs $85 per month and includes ABC and ESPN but does not carry TNT. This means viewers will miss three of the six round-robin games but can still watch the championship game and other key matchups. Fubo currently offers the first month for $60.

ESPN Plus and Max: Supplemental Streaming Options

For those who already have a primary streaming service or prefer a more customizable experience, ESPN Plus and Max (formerly HBO Max) offer additional ways to stream the tournament.

• ESPN Plus: This service will broadcast four of the seven tournament games, including the USA vs. Finland game on Thursday, Feb. 13, the two games on Saturday, Feb. 15, and the championship game on Thursday, Feb. 20. ESPN Plus costs $11 per month or $110 per year. While these games are exclusive to ESPN Plus, they will also air on ABC or ESPN for viewers who prefer traditional TV.
• Max: Max will carry three round-robin games, all of which will also be shown on TNT. Subscribers to Max can use the service as a supplement to ESPN Plus to ensure they catch every game of the tournament. Max offers three plans: a basic plan with ads for $10 per month ($100 per year), a standard plan without ads for $17 per month ($170 per year), and a premium plan with 4K for $21 per month ($210 per year).

Conclusion: Catch All the Action of the 4 Nations Face-Off

The 4 Nations Face-Off promises to deliver high-stakes international hockey at its finest, with some of the world’s top players competing for glory. Whether fans choose to watch through traditional cable, live TV streaming services, or standalone platforms like ESPN Plus and Max, there are plenty of options to ensure they don’t miss a single game. For those looking for flexibility and affordability, streaming services like Sling TV, YouTube TV, and Hulu Plus Live TV provide comprehensive coverage of the entire tournament, while ESPN Plus and Max offer additional ways to stream select games. With the tournament already underway and key matchups on the horizon, hockey fans have no excuse to miss out on the excitement.

Final Thoughts: A New Era of NHL Competition

The 4 Nations Face-Off represents a fresh and exciting direction for the NHL, replacing the traditional All-Star game with a format that emphasizes international competition and top-tier skill. With the tournament being held in two of North America’s most iconic hockey cities—Montreal and Boston—the stage is set for an unforgettable experience. As the competition unfolds, viewers can expect thrilling matchups, standout performances, and a glimpse into the future of hockey superstardom. Whether you’re a die-hard hockey fan or just looking for some high-quality sports entertainment, the 4 Nations Face-Off has something for everyone. So grab your jersey, gather your friends, and get ready to cheer on your favorite team—or country—as the best of the best battle it out on the ice.