When Does Nhl Regular Season Start

When Does the NHL Regular Season Start?

The Official Start Date

Mark your calendars, hockey fans! The NHL will drop the puck on its 2023-24 regular season on Wednesday, October 11, 2023. This highly anticipated event will feature 32 teams competing in 1,312 thrilling games over the next six months.

Early Games

Special Openers

The puck will officially drop on Wednesday, October 11th, with a doubleheader of exciting matchups. The defending Stanley Cup champions, the Colorado Avalanche, will host the Chicago Blackhawks at Ball Arena. Meanwhile, the Vegas Golden Knights will clash with the San Jose Sharks at T-Mobile Arena.

More Openers

The action continues on Thursday, October 12th, with 13 games scheduled across the league. Notable matchups include the Pittsburgh Penguins visiting the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Boston Bruins facing off against the Washington Capitals, and the Toronto Maple Leafs taking on the Montreal Canadiens.

Full Swing

By Friday, October 13th, all 32 NHL teams will be in action, marking the official start of the long-awaited regular season. Fans can expect a full slate of games every week, with rivalries reignited and new storylines unfolding.

Regular Season Schedule

The 2023-24 NHL regular season will consist of 82 games for each team, following the traditional format. Teams will play within their respective divisions (Metropolitan, Atlantic, Central, and Pacific) and face opponents from the opposite conference twice during the season.

Playoff Implications

The regular season is crucial for teams aiming to secure a playoff berth. The top eight teams from each conference will advance to the playoffs, where they will compete for the coveted Stanley Cup. The regular season standings will determine seeding and home-ice advantage in the postseason.