reddit.com/r/NHLStreams
The ice hockey league is highly followed and loved by many people around the world. It is one of the most popular leagues in the world, and so it attracts a lot of global attention. For some viewers, it can be a fun activity to pass the time; for others, it can be a full-time passion.
People love to watch their favorite sports teams in action.
None of us can compromise on our favorite team's matches, and it would be unthinkable for you to cross all bounds in order to ensure that you get to watch all the action as it unfolds.
What is the NHL?
For people in Europe and Asia, ice hockey is not a popular sport that is similar to NBA and American football. Yes, there are viewers across the globe, but the entire world isn't fascinated by these sports as much as they're with soccer/football. This particular section is just to explain the basics of NHL to first-time readers.
The National Hockey League (NHL) is a professional ice hockey league which comprises 31 teams. Out of these, 24 teams are from North America, whereas the rest 7 are from Canada. After a tumultuous season, which lasts for almost one calendar year, the winner takes all - the Stanley Cup. The competition is fierce, and over the years, Montreal Canadiens have won it 25 times. However, the recent winners are from North America - Washington Capitals.
What are the different ways to stream NHL?
Now that we have a general overview, let us look at how to catch up on live streams in various ways. The simplest way is by subscribing to a cable network. However, with cable services, there are certain exceptions, and you can't watch all the games. Naturally, you would turn to streaming services. But the problem with those services is that you have to spend over $100/year to watch your favorite team play live.
Even after paying such a large amount, the broadcast rights to local, national, and international games are still complicated, and so you might not be able to access all games. Thus, the last option people resort to is watching these streams illegally. And that's where r/NHLStreams comes into play.
What is r/NHLStreams?
In the past six years, r/NHL has allowed NHL fans to watch any game they desire, thanks to the widespread sharing of links. This would help every out-of-sorts NHL fan to watch the game live using illegal streaming sites. r/NHL has been home to ice hockey fans from around the globe. This subreddit provided detailed information about each and every fixture and how you could stream the content live without spending a single dollar. Fast forward six years, however, r/NHL is no longer operational and all that remains is the takedown post from 3 months ago.
How to access r/NHLStreams?
If you are already a Reddit user, you can simply type "r/NHLStreams" in your search bar and follow the subreddit. If you are new to Reddit and haven't yet registered, you will need to do so. Usually, by creating an account on the platform, you were able to follow subreddits, comment on posts, and even post anything on any of the subreddits. However, since the subreddit has been banned due to a DMCA notice there is no more interaction. And thus following r/NHLStreams does not make sense anymore.
Why did r/NHLStreams get taken down?
The official post on the subreddit reads that r/NHLStreams was taken down because of DMCA takedown requests. The mods at r/NHLStreams were sent an official warning, and thus they decided to call it quits before the subreddit would have gotten banned. The exact post title reads ?IMPORTANT: r/NHLStreams is shutting down.? In the body section, you'll find out why they were banned and also what viewers can do to continue watching live NHL games.
This happens when a subreddit attracts a lot of attention on a particular matchday. People share the links with their friends and family, and in no time, the server becomes overloaded. The opposite happens as the streams get viral, more people know about it, and so it is simply a matter of time before one of the authority figures gets his or her eyes on the illegal proceedings.
Where can I find NHLStreams now?
In the same thread that announced the r/NHLStreams community's farewell, the mods have provided a few details about how to watch the action online.
1. Use Sportsurge
The moderators of r/NHLSTREAMS have made it clear that they consider Sportsurge to be a replacement for the subreddit. It is a website that covers a wide range of sports, and you are likely to find links to any game on this platform. It works similarly to this subreddit, wherein the users send the links to the mods, and the mods then share it with the user base. The moderators also pointed out that you don't need to sign-up with Sportsurge to stream live.
2. Join Discord
Another noteworthy point about the farewell post was that the mods asked the viewers to join the Discord server, Hockey Chat?. Joining the Discord would allow you to communicate with the members, and they would keep you posted about each and every update.
We are perplexed as to why people would rely on illegal streaming services when there are so many clear-cut legal options available. What about you? Do you think that many people have no idea about broadcasting rights and choose to use these services because they're the only way to watch their favorite shows?
Who owns the broadcasting rights for NHL?
NBC has the national broadcast rights to telecast NHL games. Most of the games are televised on NBCSN, NBC's cable-based sports channel, but not every game airs on this channel. In addition, some games air on NBC's broadcast network.
The national broadcasting for big games like the playoffs is bumped to two other channels - CNBC and USA Network. So, if you want to follow your team, you need to be well-versed with the schedules and the channels that will feature the match.
About r/NHLStreams - Community & Members
In 2014, a small community of online NHL Streamers banded together to create r/NHLStreams. In the six years since its creation, this page has amassed more than 275,000 followers who tune in every day to watch their favorite broadcasters and players. Unfortunately, the page is now inactive and all that remains are a few nostalgic posts about the site's closure.
Moderators of r/NHLStreams
The moderators of r/NHLStreams are doing a good job of redirecting viewers to Sportsurge. The last time I checked, there were ten mods on this subreddit - ?CZ-Jack,? ?Jackk39?, ?WondaWheeler,? ?Mistraval,? ?NHLStreamBot,? ?starsky1357?, ?lordnemak,? ?dovedevic,? ?nbanickz,? and ?Livingston_De11.?
Why shouldn?t you follow r/NHLStreams?
Do not follow r/NHLStreams anymore because it does not have what you are looking for. There are no active posts, and the access is restricted due to the recent debacle. All you can do is head over to Sportsurge and watch all the live streams on that page. Even the filter by flair on this subreddit reads "RIP," indicating that there is nothing more to offer. One thing I do like about this subreddit is that it has provided users with related links where you can rekindle your love for various sports.
Important rules you must know before joining r/NHLStreams?
These are the rules for being an active member of this subreddit: In case it gets reactivated or you join a similar undercover community on Reddit, you know how to behave.
when posting on Reddit.
Be respectful of other users and their posts. Reddiquette advises using a courteous tone and avoiding personal attacks.
will be counted as part of a listener's listening activity.
No paid streams will be taken into account when calculating listener engagement metrics.
to post in at least 7 days.
Do not make game threads unless the bot has failed to post in at least 7 days.
to a clear, concise description of the issue
Comments should include a link to a clear and concise description of the issue.
.
Do not use URL shorteners.
within the institution
Cryptocurrency hashing scripts are not permitted within the institution.
accounts
Do not promote communities or plug social media accounts at the conference.
You are encouraged to follow the streamer's guide requirements.
Design
There was a ?Today?s? section at the top for the latest scores and updates.
The subreddit r/NHLStreams sported a clean design with a sleek hockey vector under the word "Streams." The menu and content arrangement was mostly standard Reddit layout with a usual post section followed by the basic sorting options - "Hot, New, Top, and Rising." There was also a "Today's" section at the top for the latest scores and updates.
Conclusion
I don't see any reason why you would want to follow this subreddit anymore. Most of the members have even forgotten that they were a part of this community, except for those 200-300 who I believe come through organic search. r/NHLStreams was a good platform, and with it being taken down, you're better off with alternatives such as VIPBox, Sportsurge, and other free streaming websites.