NHL GameCenter drops the gloves on PS3

The first puck dropped on the 2010-2011 NHL season last month, but hockey diehards still considering a comprehensive coverage package have a new option to consider. Sony and the NHL today announced the launch of the GameCenter Live application for the PlayStation 3.

Much like the MLB.TV PS3 app released in April, the PS3 NHL GameCenter app allows fans to watch a live stream of out-of-market games with DVR-like pause and rewind functionality, as well as full-game and condensed replays after the fact. NHL GameCenter also includes a selection of more than 500 classic games dating back to the 1960s, as well as every game played since the 2008-2009 season.

While every game played will be accessible to GameCenter users within two days of the final buzzer, blackout restrictions are still in effect. That means users won't be able to live stream their local teams' tilts, or games that are being televised nationally.

The PS3 NHL GameCenter application costs $9.99 to download and requires a $169 annual subscription to the existing service, which also works on PCs. PlayStation Plus subscribers can download the app for free.