How to watch the 2025 NHL Winter Classic

The lone outdoor NHL game of the year is a classic matchup featuring two original six teams at the historic Wrigley Field. You don’t have to brave freezing cold temperatures to watch the Blackhawks and Bruins, you can enjoy the game from the warmth of your couch.

If you’re not sure how to find NHL Winter Classic streams, this comprehensive guide has everything you need to know. You’ll also learn how ExpressVPN can help solve common streaming issues. 

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How to watch the NHL Winter Classic on TV in the U.S.

TNT is the official NHL Winter Classic channel, so you’ll need a cable subscription to watch the game live on TV. If you’re not planning on being at home, you can log in to the TNT app with your TV provider credentials to watch the highly anticipated matchup on your phone, tablet, or computer. 

How to watch the NHL Winter Classic online in the U.S.

The Winter Classic isn’t on ESPN+ or NHL.TV, there are multiple streaming apps with live TV that carry TNT, including Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Fubo, making it easy to watch online. The game is also streaming on Max with the B/R Sports add-on. 

If you’re working overtime this holiday season, and the Wi-Fi at your workplace blocks streaming services, you can still watch the Winter Classic live with ExpressVPN. The app hides your activity from your network, allowing you to bypass blocks easily.

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How to watch NHL Winter Classic streams in Canada

Canadians can watch the game live on Sportsnet or TVA Sports. Both networks have online platforms that you can subscribe to without a long term contract, so you can stream the game live. 

• Sportsnet NOW: Streams Sportsnet channels live and offers a 7 day free trial for new subscribers. 
• TVA Sports Direct: The French-language channel will live stream the Blackhawks and Blues in the Winter Classic. It offers monthly and annual plans.  

Don’t let buffering or lag make it difficult to follow the puck or a key moment in the game. Your internet provider may slow down your speed when it detects streaming, causing loss of picture quality. ExpressVPN prevents your ISP from seeing your online activity so you can enjoy the game in pixel-perfect quality. 

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How to live stream the Winter Classic in other countries

If you’re looking to stream the game outside North America, here are some options:

• Europe: In the UK, Sweden, and Finland, Viaplay holds the official broadcasting rights for the Winter Classic and other NHL games. You can enjoy live coverage and watch on-demand.
• Australia: You can catch every moment live and on-demand via Kayo Sports or Foxtel, both of which offer comprehensive NHL coverage.
• Worldwide: For viewers in over 200 countries, NHL.TV is streaming the Winter Classic live, along with every other game throughout the season, including the playoffs and Stanley Cup Finals.

Why you need a VPN to live stream the Winter Classic

A VPN is a bit like a two-way player in the NHL; it can play both defense and offense. On the offensive side, it can deke out streaming blocks that get in the way of your hockey viewing at work or school. VPN encryptions keeps your online activity private, meaning you can bypass blocks and watch the match live on any network. 

On the defensive side, it will secure your connection, ensuring your data is safe from cybersnoopers or other bad actors. This is particularly important when you’re streaming hockey on unsecured public Wi-Fi.

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Where and when is the NHL Winter Classic?

The 2025 NHL Winter Classic is scheduled for Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at Wrigley Field in Chicago, featuring the Chicago Blackhawks hosting the St. Louis Blues. Faceoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. CT. While the game traditionally takes place on New Year’s day, the NHL scheduled it for New Year’s eve this year so as not to compete with the NCAA College Football Playoff bowl games. 

This marks the second time Wrigley Field will host the Winter Classic, the first being in 2009 when the Blackhawks faced the Detroit Red Wings.

Best Moments in the history of Winter Classic

The first Winter Classic took place on New Year’s day 2008, in a game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Buffalo Sabres. Skating on an outdoor rink, in the frigid cold and with the chance of snow, is a big change from the typical indoor rinks and arenas. It created a unique atmosphere that appealed to players and fans alike. Here are some of the best moments we’ve seen from the games: 

1. Sidney Crosby’s Shootout Winner (2008): In the inaugural Winter Classic, the Pittsburgh Penguins faced the Buffalo Sabres at Ralph Wilson Stadium. The game culminated in a shootout, where Sidney Crosby sealed the victory with a decisive goal, etching the event into hockey lore.
2. Fenway Park’s Historic Matchup (2010): The Boston Bruins hosted the Philadelphia Flyers at the iconic Fenway Park. The game extended into overtime, with Bruins’ Marco Sturm netting the game-winner, creating a memorable moment in the storied ballpark.
3. Record-Breaking Attendance at Michigan Stadium (2014): Dubbed the “Big House,” Michigan Stadium set an NHL attendance record with over 105,000 fans as the Toronto Maple Leafs edged out the Detroit Red Wings in a shootout.
4. Corey Perry’s Early Ejection (2020): In the 2020 Winter Classic, Dallas Stars’ Corey Perry was ejected just minutes into the game for an illegal elbow, leading to a memorable “walk of shame” across the entire length of the Cotton Bowl Stadium.
5. Blues’ Third-Period Surge (2017): The St. Louis Blues hosted the Chicago Blackhawks at Busch Stadium. After a tied game through two periods, the Blues erupted with three goals in the third, securing a 4-1 victory and delighting the home crowd.