When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
Eliot J. Schechter/NHLI via Getty Images (left); Joshua Sarner/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images (right)
Round 3 of the NHL Playoffs picks up tonight with a highly-anticipated match-up between the Florida Panthers and the New York Rangers. We'll show you how to watch the Panthers vs. Rangers live stream of Game 1, whether you have cable or are looking for a cord-cutting alternative.
Round 2 of the Playoffs proved challenging for both the Panthers and the Rangers. The Rangers made it to Game 6 before they could finally eliminate the Carolina Hurricanes. The Panthers, on the other hand, went all the way to Game 7 with the Boston Bruins. The Panthers led the Atlantic Divison this year, and the Rangers helmed the Metropolitan Division, so this week's Eastern Conference Finals will be an epic match-up. The winner will get a chance at the Stanley Cup against the victor of the Edmonton Oilers vs. Dallas Stars Western Conference finals.
Whether you're rooting for the Panthers or Rangers (or you're just a hockey fan looking for a good game), we've got you covered when it comes to highlighting your best watch options. Plus, you can bookmark our NHL Playoffs hub for information on future games.
Wednesday night's game will air at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN in the US. If you don't have cable, you can access the game through a couple of avenues. The cheapest option today will be ESPN+, which will also live stream the game (this isn't always the case for the streaming service, but all of the Panthers vs. Rangers Round 3 games can be found here). ESPN+ subscriptions start at $10.99 a month.
If you're looking for another option (which will also be able to give you the Round 3 Oilers vs. Stars games), you can try a live TV streaming package like Sling TV. The Sling Orange plan carries ESPN and 31 other channels (including TNT). Sling Orange costs $40 a month, but new users can get their first month for half-off. Depending on where you're located, upgrading to Sling Orange + Blue could also get you access to your local ABC station, which will carry 1-2 of the Panthers vs. Rangers games this round.
If you'll be traveling outside the US during any Round 3 games, you can keep up with your subscriptions via VPN (virtual private network). VPNs are handy ways to temporarily alter your device's virtual location so that you can access your usual websites from anywhere while on the go. They're also solid ways to improve your online privacy. This recommendation will be best for Americans who are simply traveling out of the country right now, because the services we've outlined today require US forms of payment.
Our go-to suggestion is ExpressVPN, an easy-to-use option with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Check out additional details in our ExpressVPN review, and keep reading to learn how to use a VPN.
Note: The use of VPNs is illegal in certain countries, and using VPNs to access region-locked streaming content might constitute a breach of the terms of use for certain services. Insider does not endorse or condone the illegal use of VPNs.
