Nhl Hockey Season Start And End
Ice hockey is a popular sport in North America, and the National Hockey League (NHL) is its premier professional league. The NHL hockey season begins in October and ends in June, spanning across eight months. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the NHL hockey season start and end, how it is structured, and what teams and players participate in it.
What Happens in NHL Preseason?
The NHL preseason is the period before the regular season begins. It starts in September and lasts for about two weeks. During the NHL preseason, teams play exhibition games against each other to prepare for the regular season. These games are not counted in the regular season standings, and teams often use them to try out new players and strategies. The NHL preseason is also an opportunity for fans to see their favorite teams in action before the official start of the regular season.
How Is the NHL Regular Season Structured?
The NHL regular season consists of 82 games for each team, with a total of 31 teams in the league. Teams play in one of two conferences, Eastern or Western, and are divided into four divisions within each conference. The top three teams in each division qualify for the playoffs, along with two wildcard teams from each conference with the next best records. The NHL regular season usually begins in the first week of October and ends in the second week of April.
What Happens in the NHL Playoffs?
The NHL playoffs are a best-of-seven elimination tournament that determines the league champion. The playoffs usually begin in mid-April and end in early June. The top 16 teams in the league qualify for the playoffs, and they are seeded based on their regular season records. In the first round, the top seed in each division plays the second wildcard team, while the second and third teams in each division play each other. The winners advance to the second round, and the process is repeated until the conference champions are determined. The winners of the conference finals play in the Stanley Cup Finals, which is a best-of-seven series to determine the NHL champion.
What Are Some Key Dates in the NHL Season?
There are several key dates in the NHL season that fans should be aware of, including:
- Mid-June: NHL Entry Draft
- Early July: NHL Free Agency begins
- December 19-27: NHL holiday break
- January 1: NHL Winter Classic outdoor game
- January 26-29: NHL All-Star Weekend
- April 8: NHL regular season ends
- April 10: NHL playoffs begin
- June: Stanley Cup Finals begin
Who Are Some of the Best NHL Players?
The NHL has had many great players over the years, but some of the best current players include:
- Connor McDavid
- Auston Matthews
- Nathan MacKinnon
- Sidney Crosby
- Alex Ovechkin
- Evgeni Malkin
- Patrik Laine
- David Pastrnak
- Brad Marchand
- Mitch Marner
Conclusion
The NHL hockey season is an exciting time for fans of the sport. Starting with the preseason in September and ending with the Stanley Cup Finals in June, the NHL season spans eight months and features 82 regular season games, followed by the playoffs. Fans can look forward to key dates throughout the year, including the NHL Entry Draft, All-Star Weekend, and the Winter Classic. And with so many talented players on the ice, there is never a dull moment in the NHL.