NHL Schedule 2024-25: Everything You Need to Know

Hockey fans, rejoice! The 2024-25 NHL schedule has finally dropped, and it's packed with everything we love about the greatest sport on ice. Get ready for a season filled with high-octane action, intense rivalries, and unforgettable moments that will make you want to leave your couch and head to the rink.

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of the schedule, let's set the stage for an unforgettable season. The NHL is expanding to 32 teams with the addition of the Seattle Kraken this season, so expect new rivalries and a shake-up in the playoffs. Plus, the World Cup of Hockey is set to return in February 2025, so there's going to be even more international action to get excited about.

Key Dates to Remember

October 11, 2024: Season opener
December 25, 2024: Christmas break begins
January 1, 2025: New Year's Day games
February 13-March 5, 2025: Olympic break
March 15, 2025: NHL Trade Deadline
April 11, 2025: Regular season ends
Mid-April 2025: NHL Playoffs begin

Exciting Matchups

Of course, no NHL schedule would be complete without some mouthwatering matchups to get fans on the edge of their seats. Here are some of the most anticipated games to mark on your calendar:

October 11, 2024: Boston Bruins vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (season opener)
November 21, 2024: Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Edmonton Oilers (Battle of Alberta)
December 10, 2024: New York Rangers vs. Washington Capitals (Original Six rivalry)
January 22, 2025: Montreal Canadiens vs. Detroit Red Wings (Winter Classic)
February 18, 2025: Colorado Avalanche vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (Stanley Cup Final rematch)

Divisional Alignments

The NHL has made some tweaks to the divisional alignments for the 2024-25 season. Here's a breakdown of how the teams will be divided:

Metropolitan Division: Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals
Atlantic Division: Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, Florida Panthers, Montréal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs
Central Division: Arizona Coyotes, Chicago Blackhawks, Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators, Winnipeg Jets, St. Louis Blues
Pacific Division: Anaheim Ducks, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks, Seattle Kraken, Vancouver Canucks, Vegas Golden Knights

Playoff Format

As always, the top three teams from each division will make the playoffs, along with two wild card teams from each conference. The first round will continue to be a best-of-seven series, while the second round and beyond will remain a best-of-five format.

Call to Action

Whether you're a seasoned hockey fan or a newcomer to the sport, mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable NHL season in 2024-25. From the season opener to the Stanley Cup Final, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So grab your tickets, cheer for your favorite teams, and let the puck drop on a season of intense action and unforgettable moments.