The NHL season consists of 82 games per team, with a total of 1,312 games played across the entire league during the regular season. This structure has been in place since the 1995-96 season, with each team playing 41 home games and 41 away games.
Where to Watch the NHL Online
You can watch ESPN and ABC’s National telecasts as well as your local RSN with a subscription to Fubo: Start streaming with your free trial today!
Schedule Structure
The NHL schedule is carefully crafted to ensure a balanced and competitive season. Here’s how the 82 games are typically distributed:
- 26 games against divisional opponents
- 24 games against non-divisional teams within the same conference
- 32 games against teams from the other conference
This format ensures that every team plays every other team in the league at least twice during the season, promoting league-wide competition and allowing fans to see a variety of matchups.
Key Dates for the 2024-25 NHL Season
The NHL has announced several important dates for the upcoming 2024-25 season:
- Season Opening: The regular season will begin on October 4, 2024, with the Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils playing in Prague, Czech Republic, as part of the NHL Global Series.
- Home Openers: The first North American games will be played on October 8, 2024, featuring the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers hosting the Boston Bruins.
- Winter Classic: The annual outdoor game will take place on December 31, 2024, at Wrigley Field in Chicago, with the Chicago Blackhawks hosting the St. Louis Blues.
- 4 Nations Face-Off: From February 10-21, 2025, the NHL will pause its regular season for a new international tournament featuring top players from the United States, Canada, Sweden, and Finland.
- Stadium Series: An outdoor game will be held on March 1, 2025, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, with the Columbus Blue Jackets hosting the Detroit Red Wings.
- Season Conclusion: The regular season is scheduled to end on April 17, 2025.
Other Notable Aspects
The NHL schedule also includes other significant elements:
- A mandatory bye week for each team near the midpoint of the season
- A three-day Christmas break
- A holiday roster freeze between December 18 and 27
- Avoidance of scheduling games on Super Bowl Sunday evening
The NHL’s scheduling matrix ensures a fair distribution of games while also accommodating special events and international showcases. This careful balance helps maintain the excitement and competitiveness of the league throughout its long season, culminating in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Stream the NHL with a subscription to Fubo: Watch the NHL with your free trial today!
