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The NHL has announced its plans for the 2026-2027 schedule release. The plan is to announce the full schedule on July 16th at 1 p.m, with the opening night matchups being announced the day before. The opening-night games will be broadcast on ESPN and Sportsnet. The NHL took a major step in viewership and attendance this past season, and one additional new feature is that it will have an 84-game season for the first time since the 1993-1994 season, and those changes are worth exploring.
MORE: Maple Leafs or Oilers: Which Canadian NHL team landed the better Stanley Cup winning goalie in free agency?
Jun 14, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour celebrates holding the Stanley Cup after the win. Against the Vegas Golden Knights in game six of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images
The 2026 Stanley Cup Finals were a massive hit for the league. Two great teams, the Vegas Golden Knights and the Carolina Hurricanes, battled it out and averaged 5.2 million viewers, which is the most-viewed championship since 2019, which featured the St. Louis Blues and Boston Bruins.
In total, there will be 1,344 games, including 84 that feature two additional divisional games per team. This is a major change, and those two games could be the difference in division games. This, of course, makes them more impactful than they’ve been in years. The change will be different for fans, but they could be in for a battle. Some divisions come down to the final games, and two more can spice things up. Extra games influence rivalries and playoff standings, making all games entertaining.
Feb 22, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman speaks during media availability before the Los Angeles Kings play against the Utah Hockey Club. At Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Fans can expect more drama with more games and rivalries. More battles of the Hudson with the Devils and Rangers, Edmonton and Calgary, and Florida versus Tampa are always exciting, too. More competition in the division throughout the season creates opportunities for more growth of the game. The additional games within the divisions have great opportunities to grow the game and top the viewership numbers that happened this past season.
This season promises to be a big year for the NHL, with heightened rivalries and intense matchups that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. The league is poised for a remarkable season, and fans should prepare for an unforgettable experience filled with drama and excitement.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
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MORE: Maple Leafs or Oilers: Which Canadian NHL team landed the better Stanley Cup winning goalie in free agency?
Stanley Cup Finals Viewership Skyrocketing Contributes to Changes
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Jun 14, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour celebrates holding the Stanley Cup after the win. Against the Vegas Golden Knights in game six of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images
The 2026 Stanley Cup Finals were a massive hit for the league. Two great teams, the Vegas Golden Knights and the Carolina Hurricanes, battled it out and averaged 5.2 million viewers, which is the most-viewed championship since 2019, which featured the St. Louis Blues and Boston Bruins.
In total, there will be 1,344 games, including 84 that feature two additional divisional games per team. This is a major change, and those two games could be the difference in division games. This, of course, makes them more impactful than they’ve been in years. The change will be different for fans, but they could be in for a battle. Some divisions come down to the final games, and two more can spice things up. Extra games influence rivalries and playoff standings, making all games entertaining.
What Can Fans Expect To See?
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Feb 22, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman speaks during media availability before the Los Angeles Kings play against the Utah Hockey Club. At Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Fans can expect more drama with more games and rivalries. More battles of the Hudson with the Devils and Rangers, Edmonton and Calgary, and Florida versus Tampa are always exciting, too. More competition in the division throughout the season creates opportunities for more growth of the game. The additional games within the divisions have great opportunities to grow the game and top the viewership numbers that happened this past season.
This season promises to be a big year for the NHL, with heightened rivalries and intense matchups that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. The league is poised for a remarkable season, and fans should prepare for an unforgettable experience filled with drama and excitement.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
Continue reading...
