HannahPeck

For the past 30 years, the NHL has not wavered from its normal 82 game seasons. Yet starting this September, teams will tack on an additional 2 games! While an additional 2 regular season games may seem nominal, it actually provides a slew of pros and cons. An 84 game season allows for all 32 teams to preserve divisional rivalries, reduces preseason, but also allows the opportunity for more injuries especially in the crawl for post-season. 

One of the main arguments for an 84 game season is simply equality. By upping the amount of regular season games, it now allows for every team to host and visit each other 31 teams. This eliminates schedule imbalance and allows fans to the opportunity to see every team every season. 

But more than just benefiting the fans, it allows to keep the rivalries we know and love without sacrificing any balance. 

Adding these additional games ensures there’s no threat to removing rivalries! One of the best parts of hockey, and hockey history, is the rivalries that have emerged between divisions. Had the NHL opted to restrategize the 82 game season instead of adding two games, it’s reasonable to believe we would’ve lost rivalry games. Imagine a season with less Devils vs Rangers, Penguins vs Flyers, or any other fan favorite matchup. This 84 season schedule allows teams to keep rivalries and balance the schedule better. 

The two additional games also have small, but impact benefits. It increases ticket revenue, allows for more games on tv, creates two more opportunities for fans to see regular season games and more! 

However, it’s also fair to see the negative side of this. Many players continue to rest and train during preseason, this season they’ll have to be ready to go a week or two earlier than normal. We also know one of the unfortunate parts of hockey is the injuries. Adding two more games does increase the chances of players getting injured especially as the grueling season drags on closer to playoff hockey 

Personally, I’m glad the NHL didn’t opt for an entire scheduling overhaul but rather adding a few extra games to create a more optimized hockey season. It’ll be fun this season to see how this small, but impactful change effects strategy, players, and the game itself!