When Does the NHL Schedule Come Out?
Contents
Find out when the NHL schedule is released so you can start planning your trips to see your favorite team play.
When is the NHL schedule released?
The NHL schedule is released in two parts. The first part, which includes the dates and times of all games for the first half of the season, is released in late June or early July. The second part, which contains the dates and times of all games for the second half of the season, as well as the Stanley Cup Playoffs schedule, is usually released in mid-late August.
How is the NHL schedule made?
The NHL schedule is made through a process that involves all 30 teams and various computer programs. There are many factors that go into the schedule making process, including but not limited to: arena availability, time zones, national holidays, and other events scheduled in arenas.
What factors go into the NHL schedule?
The National Hockey League schedule is released in two parts. The first part, which includes the league’s opening night games as well as the Winter Classic, is released in late June or early July. The rest of the schedule is announced a few weeks later, typically in mid-August.
What factors go into the NHL schedule?
It’s a complicated process, but the NHL schedule-maker tries to achieve a number of objectives when putting together the 1,271 games that will be played during the regular season.
Here are some of the things that are taken into consideration:
– Divisional balance: Each team plays 28 games against division rivals (four games against each team in its own division).
– Conference balance: Each team plays 24 games against conference rivals (three games against each team in its own conference).
– Interconference play: Each team plays all 15 teams from the other conference at least once.
– Rivalries: The schedule tries to ensure that marquee matchups are played often and that rivalry games are spread out throughout the season. That way, if two teams are vying for first place in their division late in the season, their head-to-head matchup could have major playoff implications.
– Arena availability: Scheduling is also based on arena availability. For example, certain buildings might be unavailable for a few days because they’re hosting concerts or other events.
– Time zone preference: Whenever possible, teams from the same time zone are scheduled to play each other. That can help reduce travel costs and fatigue for players and teams.
– National television broadcasts: The league works with its broadcast partners — NBC Sports Group and Rogers Sportsnet — to ensure that high-profile games are shown on national television in both the United States and Canada.
How does the NHL schedule affect the fans?
Many NHL fans wait anxiously for the schedule to come out so they can start planning for the upcoming season. The schedule release date is usually in late June or early July, but the exact date varies from year to year. The NHL schedule can have a big effect on fans, especially if their favorite team is playing on a different day or time than they are used to. It can also be difficult to get tickets to see a game if the schedule is released late and all the good seats are already taken.
