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ESPN+ to Present Alternate Broadcast for Blackhawks, Flyers Game Saturday

One of the more interesting evolutions in streaming, especially in the world of sports, has been the race to win second-screen viewing. With its unparalleled broadcasting resources, the worldwide leader in sports is continuing the move into alternate broadcasts as on Saturday, March 5, ESPN+ will provide a unique second-screen experience to the ABC broadcast of the Chicago Blackhawks and Philadelphia Flyers NHL game at 3 p.m. ET.

The ESPN+ Ice Cast will allow “fans to see how plays develop from above the ice.” In previous iterations of this type of broadcast, when ABC went to commercial, the ESPN+ streaming feed remained on the game, allowing viewers the chance to watch and listen to the players, coaches, and referees in between the action.

Often, the Ice Cast broadcasts will include pregame introductions, national anthems, and other non-game activities that are generally not seen on traditional sports coverage.

Sean McDonough, Ray Ferraro, and Emily Kaplan will be on the call for the game, with Steve Levy and NHL Hall of Famers Mark Messier and Chris Chelios in the studio providing commentary before and after the game as well as in between periods.

ESPN+

ESPN+ is a live TV streaming service that gives access to thousands of live sporting events, original shows like Peyton’s Place, the entire library of 30 for 30, E:60, The Last Dance, as well exclusive written analysis from top ESPN insiders. Sports available on ESPN+ include NFL, MLB, NHL, UFC, College Football, F1, Bundesliga, PGA Tour, La Liga, and more.

The service can be subscribed for $10.99 / month per month or annually for $109.99 / year.

You will get a daily out-of-market game from MLB, and every out-of-market NHL with NHL Power Play (previously NHL.TV). For NFL Fans, they have an exclusive NFL game, and simulcast select Monday Football games.

The service has some of the most attractive soccer coverage including Bundesliga, LaLiga, FA Cup, UEFA Nations League, EFL Championship, EFL Carabao Cup, Eredevise and more.

College sports fans will be able to watch thousands of games and events including football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, track & field, gymnastics, swimming & diving, lacrosse, wrestling, volleyball, golf, and more.

For boxing and UFC fans, the service offers Top Rank boxing and will be the home of 15 exclusive UFC events.

ESPN+ now includes exclusive insights from analysts like Mel Kiper and Todd McShay (which used to be part of ESPN Insider), as well as premium Fantasy Tools & PickCenter.

What it does not include is most live sports that air on ESPN and ESPN2.

To get access to those channels you have to subscribe to a live TV streaming service. We suggest reading our guide on How to Watch ESPN without Cable.


Matt is The Streamable's News Editor and resident Ohio State fan. You can find him covering everything from breaking news to streaming comparisons to sporting events. Matt is extremely well-rounded, having worked for the Big Ten Conference, BroadwayWorld, True Crime Obsessed, and Land-Grant Holy Land before joining TS. He cut the cord in 2014, streams with a Fire TV, and his favorite titles include "The Bear," "The Great British Bake Off," "Mrs. Davis," and anything on the Hallmark Channel.

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