The 2024/2025 NHL season is likely to be full of excitement. The season started in early October and goes through to the Stanley Cup playoffs. It consists of two phases – the regular season and the post-season playoffs.
The teams are divided into an Eastern Conference and a Western Conference, which are then further divided into two divisions apiece. Each club plays 82 games during the regular season. Although the regular season has only just begun, fans are already building excitement. They are already picking their favorite teams to win the Stanley Cup.
October games
The season began with the New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres playing two games in Prague as part of the NHL global series. The action began in North America on October 8. The Florida Panthers, last season’s Stanley Cup champions, hosted the Boston Bruins. They won against the Boston Bruins, and citizens were able to bet from Pennsylvania and other states on the game. There were two other matchups on the same date. The St. Louis Blues took on Seattle Kraken and the Chicago Blackhawks faced Utah Hockey Club.
All the teams were in action on October 22. The action started in Philadelphia and ended in Vegas. ESPN provided coverage throughout the night.
December
On December 16, fans will be able to enjoy a rematch between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers. The Oilers narrowly missed winning the Cup last season, so this should be an exciting game. Their dynamic offense and playoff experience could make them a contender this year. The Panthers’ loss of key players on defense could affect their performance, but the experience of a Cup win under their belt will drive them.
From December 20 to 27, there is the holiday roster freeze when teams can’t make any player trades, waivers, or assign players to minor leagues. Teams can’t sign new contracts or place players on long-term IR.
On December 31, the Winter Classic takes place. This is an annual outdoor ice hockey game. The Chicago Blackhawks will face the St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
February 4 Nations Face-Off
There won’t be an NHL All-Star Game. Instead, a new international tournament will take place. The 4 Nations Face-Off Tournament will feature top players from the United States, Canada, Sweden, and Finland. A seven-game series will take place from 12 to 20 February in Montreal and Boston. The two top-ranked teams will match up for the final.
March – Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series
On March 1, the Detroit Red Wings will take on the Columbus Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium. They will play outdoors when they square off in the NHL Stadium series. This will be the Blue Jackets’ first outdoor game in the history of the franchise.
Trade deadline and end of regular season
March 7 is the trade deadline and the last opportunity for teams to change their rosters before the playoffs. The NHL always makes massive deals with the best hockey players. One of the biggest NHL deals was trading Connor Hellebuyck to the Edmonton Oilers. He will anchor the defense so the team can concentrate on its offensive game.
April 17 marks the conclusion of the regular season. The Rangers play the Lightning and the Islanders play the Blue Jackets on the last day.
Stanley Cup Playoffs
Two days after the regular season comes to an end, the Stanley Cup playoffs begin. The teams face off in a best-of-seven elimination format. This earns them a place in the Conference Finals and then the Stanley Cup Finals.
Will last year’s NHL champions do it again this year and win the Stanley Cup or will it be another team like the Edmonton Oilers who nearly captured a win last season?
National broadcasters of the games
A variety of national broadcasters will cover the 2024/25 NHL season. This means fans don’t have to miss a thing, no matter where they are located. In the United States, ESPN and ESPN+, TNT and ABC will televise the matches. Fans around the world don’t have to miss out either. NHL.TV will stream matches globally, although some territorial restrictions may apply.