NHL Ticket Buying Guide: How to Get Cheap Hockey Tickets

Finding Affordable NHL Tickets

NHL games offer some of the best live sports experiences, and with 41 home games per team, there are plenty of opportunities to find deals. Here's how to score cheap hockey tickets.

Understanding NHL Pricing

Hockey ticket prices vary based on:

Team Popularity:

• Original Six teams (Rangers, Bruins, Blackhawks, Red Wings, Maple Leafs, Canadiens): Premium pricing
• Expansion/newer teams: More affordable
• Canadian teams: High demand, limited discounts

Game Factors:

• Rival matchups: 30-50% premium
• Weeknight games: Best deals
• Weekend/holiday games: Premium pricing

Best Times to Buy NHL Tickets

Timing

Savings Potential

2-3 weeks out	15-25% off peak
Weeknight games	25-40% cheaper
Bad weather days	20-30% drops
Last minute (2 hrs)	20-40% possible

Money-Saving Strategies

1. Target Weeknight Games

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday games are significantly cheaper. You'll see the same quality hockey for a fraction of weekend prices.

2. Watch for Losing Streaks

When teams hit a rough patch, ticket demand drops. A 5-game losing streak can mean 30%+ price drops.

3. Consider Upper Bowl

NHL arenas have excellent sightlines. Upper-level seats offer great views at half the price of lower bowl.

4. Check Both Teams

If you're flexible, check prices for both teams when they play. The visiting team's arena might be significantly cheaper.

5. Avoid Premium Games

These games command high prices:

• Opening night
• Rivalry games (Rangers/Islanders, Bruins/Canadiens)
• Outdoor games
• Playoff races

Seat Value Analysis

Section

Price Range

Best For

Glass seats	$200-500+	Die-hard fans, photos
Lower bowl	$100-250	Best overall experience
Club level	$80-200	Comfort + good view
Upper sideline	$40-100	Best value
Upper corners	$25-75	Budget-friendly

Team-Specific Tips

High-Demand Teams (Maple Leafs, Rangers, Bruins):

• Book early for any game
• Consider away games
• Premium is unavoidable for big matchups

Mid-Market Teams (Kraken, Golden Knights, Wild):

• Good balance of price and atmosphere
• Last-minute deals often available
• Check for promotional nights

Value Markets (Coyotes, Blue Jackets, Sharks):

• Excellent last-minute deals
• Upper bowl very affordable
• Great for hockey newbies

Playoff Strategy

NHL playoffs are electric but expensive:

• Round 1: 150-200% of regular season
• Round 2: 200-300% markup
• Conference Finals: 300-400% markup
• Stanley Cup Finals: 500%+ markup

Tips for playoff tickets:

1. Buy before your team clinches

2. Check prices for both series teams

3. Consider road games in cheaper markets

4. Game 3 often cheaper than Games 1-2

Track Price Trends

Use Ticket Scan to monitor prices for your favorite team's games. Set alerts and buy when prices drop to your target.