Let's Play Two More: NHL Features an 84-Game Season for the First Time in Decades
The league returns to an 84-game format for the first time since 1993-94, with banner nights, debut games and rivalry rematches.
- The NHL opens its 1,344-game regular-season schedule next week on Sept. 29, marking the league's first 84-game campaign in its 109-year history following a collective bargaining agreement.
- Players and owners negotiated the increase from 82 games to balance divisional matchups and replace exhibition contests with competitive play, offsetting the added workload for veteran rosters.
- Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin returns for his 22nd season, while young standouts like San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini and Toronto Maple Leafs rookie McKenna anchor the new generation pursuing the Stanley Cup.
- The 1,344 games span 194 days with outdoor matchups in Winnipeg, Salt Lake City, and Arlington; the Edmonton Oilers appointed head coach Mike Babcock in June to lead their title pursuit.
- Following a two-year hiatus, the NHL All-Star Game returns to the schedule. ESPN analyst Ray Ferraro said the 84-game slate is "a long, long road," expressing interest in how the extended rhythm will reshape team dynamics.
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16 Articles
My Mother Lode
St Catharines StandardLet’s play two more: NHL features an 84-game season for the first time in decades
Business has been booming for the NHL for several years, with the salary cap skyrocketing and attendance reaching new heights in packed arenas. Let’s play two more. The league is going to an 84-game regular season for the first time since 1994 — it was in place for two seasons — and just the second...
Ovechkin, young stars headline NHL's expanded 84-game season
Let's play two more: NHL features an 84-game season for the first
FILE - New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes (86) before a face off against Pittsburgh Penguins center Noel Acciari (55) during the second period of an NHL hockey game, April 9, 2026, in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray, File)
Rocky Mountain Outlook
The Hamilton SpectatorDebuts, returns and rematches: Games to circle on this season's NHL calendar
The NHL opens its 1,344-game regular-season schedule next week. The league's 32 teams will play 84 contests each — up from 82 — for the first time since the 1993-94 campaign following pared-down training camps.
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