CBC Gem is geo-restricted to Canada, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Canada, meaning you can access free live streams of the 2026 winter sports ice hockey from anywhere in the world.

After a historic Olympic hockey tournament that saw Team USA take home the gold medal, the regular National Hockey League season resumes for the second half of the 2025-26 campaign, as teams skate towards the Stanley Cup Playoffs in April.

The men’s hockey gold medal game caps the tournament, with the finalists meeting after Friday’s semifinals to decide Olympic gold.

Two powerhouse teams laden with NHL stars are clashing Sunday morning to close out the 2026 Olympics. Globe reporters are there.

The two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers do not have to be reminded that five of the eight teams currently occupying a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference did not make the postseason last year.

Elmont, New York; Sunday, 6:30 p.m. EST BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Panthers -137, Islanders +115; over/under is 5.5 BOTTOM LINE: The New York Islanders will try to prolong a four-game win streak with a victory over the Florida Panthers.

No rest for the victors, as the Islanders return to Long Island to host the Florida Panthers after winning in Columbus last night. The Panthers are rested and might even be a little healthier, having lost at home to the Sabres on Friday night.

Break down the Panthers' playoff hunt any way you want, in the end it comes down to one simple statement: make up eight points in 23 remaining games to claim a