The countdown has officially begun for NHL hockey fans around the world. As the anticipation builds, the question on everyone’s mind is “How many days until NHL hockey starts?” Luckily, we have the answer. Get ready to mark your calendars, set your reminders, and gear up for the start of the NHL season in just a few short weeks.
With the start of the season comes excitement, rivalry, and a whole lot of action on the ice. This year, we can expect to see some of the best teams in the league battle it out for the coveted Stanley Cup. From the defending champions to the underdogs, we’ll be watching closely as the season unfolds.
But it’s not just about the teams – the players themselves are what make the NHL so thrilling to watch. From the seasoned veterans to the rookies, there’s no shortage of talent and skill on display every game night. With new faces on the ice and returning favorites, we can’t wait to see what this season has in store.
If you’re as excited as we are, stay tuned for more updates, predictions, and analysis leading up to the start of the NHL season. We’ll be covering everything from player highlights to team stats and predictions, so you won’t want to miss a single game. Are you ready for the puck to drop? Let’s go!
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Get Ready to Cheer: NHL Season is Around the Corner
It’s that time of year again. The weather is getting colder, the leaves are changing colors, and the smell of hockey is in the air. That’s right, the NHL season is just around the corner, and fans all over the world are getting ready to cheer on their favorite teams. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just enjoy the occasional game, there’s something special about the excitement and energy that comes with hockey season.
As the teams gear up for the start of the season, there’s a lot to look forward to. From the intense rivalries to the nail-biting finishes, every game is sure to be filled with excitement. So get ready to grab your jerseys, paint your face, and cheer on your team as they hit the ice.
The Return of Fans to the Stands
- Excitement: After a year of watching games from home, fans are eager to return to the arenas and cheer on their teams in person. The energy and excitement that comes from a live crowd can make all the difference in a game.
- Safety Protocols: While the return of fans is exciting, safety is still a top priority. Teams and arenas have implemented safety protocols to ensure that everyone can enjoy the games safely and responsibly.
- New Players and Rookies: Every season brings new players and rookies to the league. From the top draft picks to the underdogs, there’s always someone new to watch and cheer for.
The Intensity of the Rivalries
One of the things that makes hockey so exciting is the intense rivalries between teams. Whether it’s a classic matchup between Original Six teams or a newer rivalry between two up-and-coming teams, the energy and intensity are always high. From the pre-game trash talk to the post-game celebrations, every game is sure to be a battle.
The Road to the Playoffs
- New Format: This year’s playoffs will feature a new format, with the top four teams in each division facing off against each other in the first two rounds. This means that fans can expect even more intense matchups and exciting upsets.
- Who Will Make It: As always, the race to the playoffs will be intense. With only the top four teams in each division making it to the playoffs, every game counts. Who will make it to the playoffs and who will be left out?
- Underdogs: Every year, there are a few teams that surprise everyone and make a deep run in the playoffs. Will this be the year that an underdog team goes all the way?
As the start of the NHL season draws closer, fans everywhere are getting excited for what promises to be another thrilling season of hockey. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the sport, there’s something for everyone in the upcoming season. So get ready to cheer on your favorite teams and enjoy all the excitement that the NHL has to offer.
The Top NHL Teams to Watch in the Upcoming Season
As the new NHL season approaches, fans are eager to see their favorite teams take the ice. This year, there are several teams that stand out as potential contenders for the Stanley Cup. Whether it’s due to their strong rosters, impressive offseason acquisitions, or simply their track record of success, these teams are sure to be a force to be reckoned with. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the top NHL teams to watch in the upcoming season.
First up on our list is the Tampa Bay Lightning. The defending champions have a stacked roster led by the likes of Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, and Victor Hedman. With another year of experience under their belt and a desire to prove themselves as true dynasties, the Lightning are a team to watch out for. Additionally, the acquisition of defenseman Ryan McDonagh and forward Blake Coleman solidifies their already impressive lineup.
The Colorado Avalanche
- Boasting a young, talented roster led by Nathan MacKinnon, the Colorado Avalanche have been a team on the rise in recent years.
- With the addition of star defenseman Cale Makar and the return of goaltender Philipp Grubauer, the Avalanche are poised to make a deep playoff run.
- Watch out for their speedy, high-octane offense that can score at will.
The Vegas Golden Knights
- Since their inception in 2017, the Vegas Golden Knights have consistently been one of the top teams in the league.
- With elite goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury between the pipes and a solid defense led by Shea Theodore, the Golden Knights are a team that is tough to score against.
- Watch out for their newly acquired center, Nolan Patrick, to make an impact on their already strong forward group.
The Toronto Maple Leafs
- The Toronto Maple Leafs have one of the most talented rosters in the league, led by Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner.
- With the addition of veteran goaltender Frederik Andersen and the return of forward Nick Ritchie, the Maple Leafs are poised to finally make a deep playoff run.
- Watch out for their high-powered offense that can light up the scoreboard.
These are just a few of the top NHL teams to watch in the upcoming season. As always, there are bound to be surprises and upsets throughout the year. But one thing is for sure: the NHL is back, and it’s sure to be an exciting season.
Exciting Changes Coming to the NHL for the 2023-2024 Season
The 2023-2024 NHL season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet, with several major changes coming to the league. From new teams to updated rules, hockey fans have a lot to look forward to this year.
So what can we expect from the upcoming season? Let’s take a closer look at some of the biggest changes on the horizon.
New Expansion Teams
- Seattle Kraken: The NHL’s 32nd team will make their debut this season, bringing a new level of excitement to the league.
- Houston Aeros: While not yet confirmed, there are rumors that Houston could become the NHL’s 33rd team in the near future.
Rule Changes
Icing: The league has announced a new hybrid icing rule that combines touch icing and no-touch icing. This change will make the game safer for players while still allowing for exciting plays.
Goaltender Equipment: In an effort to increase scoring, the NHL has made changes to goaltender equipment regulations. Goalies will now have smaller chest protectors, tighter-fitting pants, and streamlined pads.
International Play
- 2024 Winter Olympics: The NHL is set to return to the Winter Olympics in 2024 after a two-cycle absence. Hockey fans can look forward to watching their favorite NHL stars compete on the world stage.
- Global Series: The league will continue its annual Global Series, with games scheduled to take place in various international locations throughout the season.
With these exciting changes and more on the way, the 2023-2024 NHL season promises to be a thrilling ride for hockey fans everywhere.
Behind the Scenes: What It Takes to Prepare for an NHL Season
The NHL season is a grueling and demanding journey that requires the highest level of physical and mental preparation. Teams must put in countless hours of work behind the scenes in order to ensure they are ready to compete at the highest level.
One of the most critical aspects of preparing for the NHL season is conditioning. Players must train tirelessly to maintain their strength and endurance. This involves a combination of weight training, cardio exercises, and on-ice drills. Conditioning is an ongoing process throughout the season, with players constantly pushing themselves to improve.
Team Preparation
- Pre-Season Training: Prior to the start of the season, teams come together for pre-season training camps. These camps provide an opportunity for players to work on their skills and build chemistry with their teammates.
- Strategic Planning: Coaches and staff spend countless hours analyzing game footage, studying opponents, and developing game plans. This involves strategic planning for both offense and defense, as well as special teams like power plays and penalty kills.
Individual Preparation
While team preparation is critical, individual preparation is equally important. Each player must take ownership of their own training and preparation in order to perform at their best.
- Nutrition: Nutrition is a critical aspect of preparation. Players must fuel their bodies with the right foods and supplements to ensure they have the energy and endurance to perform at their best.
- Mental Preparation: Mental toughness is just as important as physical preparation. Players must be mentally prepared to handle the pressure and intensity of the NHL season. This involves visualization exercises, meditation, and other mental training techniques.
Equipment and Logistics
Behind the scenes, there is also a lot of work that goes into equipment and logistics. Teams must ensure they have the right equipment and gear for each game, as well as transportation and lodging for road trips.
- Equipment: Each player has specific needs when it comes to equipment, and teams must ensure they have everything they need for each game. This includes skates, sticks, helmets, and protective gear.
- Logistics: Travel is a significant part of the NHL season, with teams traveling all over North America to play games. Teams must coordinate transportation, lodging, and other logistics to ensure everything runs smoothly on the road.
Overall, preparing for an NHL season is an enormous undertaking that requires a team effort both on and off the ice. It takes hard work, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence to compete at the highest level.
Players to Keep an Eye on in the Upcoming NHL Season
As the NHL season approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating the performance of their favorite players. Here are three players to keep an eye on this season:
Auston Matthews
The Toronto Maple Leafs center, Auston Matthews, has consistently been a dominant force in the NHL since he was drafted in 201With his impressive speed, agility, and scoring ability, Matthews is a player that can change the course of a game in an instant.
- 2017-2018: Calder Trophy winner
- 2018-2019: Rocket Richard Trophy winner
- 2020-2021: Maurice Richard Trophy winner
Connor McDavid
Connor McDavid, captain of the Edmonton Oilers, is widely considered to be the best player in the NHL. He is known for his lightning-fast skating ability and his incredible vision on the ice. McDavid has already established himself as one of the greatest players in the history of the game, and he shows no signs of slowing down.
- 2016-2017: Hart Memorial Trophy winner
- 2016-2017: Art Ross Trophy winner
- 2017-2018: Art Ross Trophy winner
- 2018-2019: Art Ross Trophy winner
- 2020-2021: Art Ross Trophy winner
Alexis Lafrenière
Alexis Lafrenière was the first overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft by the New York Rangers. He is a highly skilled left winger with excellent vision, speed, and puck handling ability. Lafrenière has already shown that he has the potential to be a star in the NHL, and fans are excited to see what he can do in his first full season.
- 2020-2021: QMJHL MVP
- 2020-2021: CHL Player of the Year
These are just a few of the players to keep an eye on in the upcoming NHL season. With their incredible talent and skill on the ice, they are sure to provide fans with some unforgettable moments throughout the season.
The Impact of COVID-19 on the NHL Season and What to Expect
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the NHL and the upcoming season. With teams playing in a “bubble” during the 2020 playoffs, and many players testing positive for the virus during the regular season, it is clear that the pandemic has not gone away. As a result, the NHL has put in place several measures to help prevent the spread of the virus, such as daily testing, mask requirements, and limited capacity for fans in arenas. Despite these precautions, there are still concerns about the potential for outbreaks and how they may affect the schedule and standings.
As the NHL prepares for the upcoming season, it is clear that the pandemic will continue to have an impact. While the league is hopeful that vaccines and other measures will help mitigate the spread of the virus, it is important to stay vigilant and flexible in case of unexpected changes or outbreaks.
Measures to Prevent Spread of COVID-19
- Regular Testing: The NHL has implemented a daily testing regimen to help prevent the spread of the virus among players, coaches, and staff.
- Mask Requirements: Masks are mandatory in all team facilities, locker rooms, and during team travel. Players, coaches, and staff are also required to wear masks on the bench during games.
- Limited Capacity for Fans: Many NHL teams are limiting the number of fans in attendance at games to help prevent the spread of the virus.
Impact on the Schedule and Standings
The potential for outbreaks and positive tests among players and staff means that there may be changes to the schedule and standings throughout the season. Teams may need to reschedule games or have games postponed due to positive tests or outbreaks, which could impact the standings and playoff picture. It is also possible that teams may need to play with a shortened roster if players are out due to positive tests or quarantine measures.
Looking Ahead
- Flexibility: The NHL will need to remain flexible and adaptable throughout the season in order to respond to any potential outbreaks or changes in the schedule.
- Vaccines: As vaccines become more widely available, it is possible that the impact of the virus on the NHL may lessen. However, it is important to continue to take precautions and follow guidelines in order to ensure the safety of players, coaches, and staff.
- Long-Term Impact: The pandemic may have long-term impacts on the NHL, including changes to the way the game is played, as well as changes to team finances and operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days until NHL hockey starts?
As of today, the NHL regular season starts on October 12, 202You can find the number of days left until then by using a countdown tool, such as the one available on NHL’s official website. The countdown tool will give you an accurate countdown of the number of days, hours, minutes, and seconds until the first puck drop of the regular season.
When does the NHL release the schedule for the upcoming season?
The NHL usually releases the schedule for the upcoming season in mid-July, after the NHL Entry Draft and the start of free agency. The schedule will show the dates and times of all games throughout the regular season and playoffs. The schedule is subject to change based on factors such as COVID-19 restrictions, player injuries, and weather conditions.
How many teams are in the NHL?
As of the 2022-2023 season, there are 32 teams in the NHL. These teams are divided into two conferences: the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference. Each conference has two divisions, with eight teams in each division. The top teams from each division will qualify for the playoffs, along with two wildcard teams from each conference.
What are some of the COVID-19 protocols in place for the NHL season?
The NHL has implemented a number of COVID-19 protocols for the upcoming season to ensure the safety of players, staff, and fans. These protocols include regular testing, daily symptom screening, and mandatory vaccination for all players and staff. The NHL may also require players to wear masks in certain situations and may limit travel to reduce the risk of transmission.
How are NHL players paid?
NHL players are paid a combination of base salary and performance bonuses. The base salary is paid out evenly throughout the regular season, while performance bonuses are paid out at the end of the season based on certain performance criteria, such as goals scored or games played. The salary cap is the maximum amount that a team can pay its players in a given season.
How many games are in the NHL regular season?
The NHL regular season usually consists of 82 games, with each team playing 41 home games and 41 away games. However, the NHL has made changes to the schedule in recent years, with the 2021-2022 season only consisting of 56 games due to COVID-19 restrictions. The number of games in the regular season may be subject to change based on future circumstances.