Are You Ready For Some Hockey
With the NHL starting up again, it's time to ask ourselves: are we ready for some hockey? Whether you're a die-hard fan, a casual viewer, or a complete newbie, there are a few things you'll want to know before settling in to watch the games. From the rules of the game to the players to watch, we've got you covered.
The Basics of Hockey
First things first: let's go over the basics of hockey. The game is played on a sheet of ice called a rink. Each team has six players on the ice at a time, consisting of a goalie, two defensemen, and three forwards. The goal of the game is simple: score more goals than the other team. A goal is scored when the puck crosses the opposing team's goal line and into their net.
The game is divided into three periods, each lasting 20 minutes. There is a 15-minute intermission between the second and third periods. If the game is tied at the end of regulation, there will be overtime. During the regular season, overtime is five minutes long and if no one scores, the game goes to a shootout. In the playoffs, overtime periods are 20 minutes long and continue until someone scores.
The Players to Watch
Now that you know the basics of hockey, it's time to talk about the players to watch. There are a lot of talented players in the league, but a few stand out above the rest. Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers is widely considered the best player in the league. He's a fast skater with incredible puck-handling skills and an uncanny ability to find the back of the net.
Another player to keep an eye on is Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Crosby is a bit older than McDavid, but he's still one of the best players in the game. He's a natural leader who can make things happen on the ice with his speed, skill, and vision.
The Best Teams
Now that you know the players to watch, let's talk about the best teams in the league. The Tampa Bay Lightning are the reigning Stanley Cup champions and are poised to make another deep playoff run this year. They have a talented roster that includes Nikita Kucherov, Steven Stamkos, and Victor Hedman.
Another team to keep an eye on is the Colorado Avalanche. They have a dynamic offense led by Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen, as well as a strong defensive corps anchored by Cale Makar.
How to Watch the Games
Finally, let's talk about how to watch the games. If you have cable or satellite TV, you can watch most games on channels like NBC Sports, ESPN, and NHL Network. If you don't have cable, you can stream games using services like Hulu Live, YouTube TV, and Sling TV.
If you're a die-hard fan and want to watch every game, you can purchase an NHL.tv subscription. This service lets you stream every game live or on demand, and also includes features like multi-game views and condensed games.
Conclusion
So, are you ready for some hockey? Whether you're a seasoned fan or a newbie, there's a lot to look forward to this season. With talented players, exciting teams, and plenty of ways to watch, there's no reason not to tune in.