Upcoming NHL Games & Full Schedule
Getting into the NHL Schedule
The National Hockey League (NHL) is a North American professional ice hockey league with 32 clubs, 25 in the United States and seven in Canada. It is regarded as the world’s best professional ice hockey league. At the end of each season, the Stanley Cup, North America’s oldest professional sports trophy, is presented to the league playoff champion. Keep reading below for more NHL Schedule information.
The NHL was created on November 26, 1917, at the Windsor Hotel in Montreal, following the suspension of operations of its predecessor, the National Hockey Association (NHA), which was founded in 1909 in Renfrew, Ontario. Before a series of league mergers and foldings left the NHL as the only league left fighting for the Stanley Cup in 1926, the NHL immediately assumed the NHA’s position as one of the leagues that competed for the Stanley Cup in an annual interleague competition.
Hockey fans are in for a treat as NHL games today take center stage. With thrilling matchups and fierce competition, NHL games today promise to deliver excitement on the ice. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, tuning in to NHL games today is the perfect way to experience the fast-paced action and skillful plays that make the sport so captivating. So, don’t miss out on the NHL games today – it’s a hockey extravaganza you won’t want to miss!
History of NHL schedule
The NHL season consists of a preseason, regular season, and postseason. The summer and September involve prospect showcases and training camps, leading to a preseason with exhibition games.
In the regular season, teams play 82 games each. They face divisional opponents, intra-conference teams, and inter-conference teams following a set schedule. Points are awarded: two for a win, one for an overtime/shootout loss, and zero for a regulation loss. Division champions and the league leader (Presidents’ Trophy) are determined by points.
The Stanley Cup playoffs occur from April to June. Teams compete in best-of-seven series, aiming to progress. The ultimate winner is awarded the Stanley Cup.
Main Events on NHL Schedule
The Stanley Cup playoffs are an elimination competition in the NHL, comprising four best-of-seven rounds to determine the champion. Eight teams from each conference qualify based on regular season points. The final round, the Stanley Cup Finals, features the conference winners.
The Stanley Cup, over two decades older than the NHL, is the league’s championship trophy. It originated in 1892 as the Dominion Hockey Challenge Cup, given by Lord Stanley of Preston. The NHL took control in 1926, making it the sole North American pro league naming its playoffs after its championship trophy.
Since its inception in 1917, the NHL has determined its champion through playoffs, evolving the tournament system over time.
NHL Main Venues
The Bell Centre, home to the Montreal Canadiens, can accommodate up to 21,302 people. Opened in 1996, it hosted the 2009 NHL All-Star Game and Entry Draft. The Canadiens haven’t won a Stanley Cup here.
In 2015, the arena received upgrades like new eateries, seats, and Wi-Fi. Despite this, sales didn’t match the previous year’s levels, as Canadiens games regularly sell out.
The United Center, opened in 1994, replaced the demolished Chicago Stadium. Owned equally by the Blackhawks and Bulls, it saw Stanley Cup Finals in 2010, 2013, and 2015. The Blackhawks won all three, with the 2015 victory on home turf.
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