When Does the 2021-22 NHL Season Start?
Find out all the latest news and information on the start date for the 2021-22 NHL season.
Introduction
The NHL season is gearing up for another great year of action, and fans are wondering when it will all begin. The schedule has not yet been released, but we do know that the first regular season game will be played on October 12th, 2021. The Stanley Cup Playoffs will begin in mid-April and conclude in early June 2022.
As always, the NHL will take a break in February for the Winter Olympics. This year, the games will be held in Beijing, China and the league is scheduled to resume play on February 26th, 2022.
This season promises to be an exciting one, so make sure you mark your calendars and circle those key dates!
NHL Season Format
The 2021-22 NHL season is tentatively scheduled to begin on October 12, 2021. However, the start date is subject to change due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The season will be played in a 56-game format and will feature divisional realignment. The new divisional alignments will have the following teams:
Atlantic Division: Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, Florida Panthers, Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs
Central Division: Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings, Nashville Predators, St. Louis Blues, Winnipeg Jets
North Division: Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks
Pacific Division: Anaheim Ducks , Arizona Coyotes , Colorado Avalanche , Dallas Stars , Los Angeles Kings , Minnesota Wild , San Jose Sharks , St. Louis Blues , Vegas Golden Knights
NHL Season Start Date
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced Thursday that the league is targeting a Jan. 1, 2022, start date for the 2021-22 season.
The NHL had initially hoped to start the new season in December, but the recent spike in COVID-19 cases across North America has forced the league to push back its timeline.
Bettman said the league will provide an update on its plans for the 2021-22 season in early December.
NHL Season Length
The NHL regular season typically runs from early October to early April, with a break in February for the NHL All-Star Game and a holiday break in late December and early January.
The Stanley Cup playoffs usually start in mid-April and can run into June, with the Stanley Cup being awarded to the winning team in early June.
The 2021-22 NHL season is tentatively scheduled to start on October 11, 2021.
Conclusion
Now that you know all about the NHL season, it’s time to start planning your viewing schedule. With so many great match-ups and storylines to follow, there’s sure to be something for everyone. So whether you’re a die-hard fan or just getting into the sport, make sure to tune in when the 2021-22 NHL season begins.
