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NHL Expands Season: 84 Games Ignite Rivalries!
16 Jul
Summary
- NHL season begins September 29 with five marquee games.
- A new 84-game regular season format increases divisional play.
- Defending champion Hurricanes host Panthers on opening night.
The National Hockey League is set to launch its 2026-27 regular season on Tuesday, September 29, introducing an expanded 84-game schedule. This significant change increases divisional play for all teams, adding two more games against in-division opponents. The league anticipates this will heighten rivalries and place greater importance on divisional standings throughout the season.
Opening night will feature five high-profile games, highlighted by the defending champion Carolina Hurricanes facing the Florida Panthers. This matchup will include Carolina raising their second Stanley Cup championship banner at the Lenovo Center. The evening also boasts two Original Six contests: the Toronto Maple Leafs against the Montreal Canadiens, and the Boston Bruins versus the New York Rangers.
Further enhancing the opening night spectacle, an evening ESPN game will pit the Chicago Blackhawks against the Vegas Golden Knights. This game could also attract attention if top draft prospect Gavin McKenna makes his NHL debut for Chicago. The full 2026-27 NHL regular-season schedule will be released on July 16.
