NHL expands season to 84 games

The NHL has officially released its 2026-27 regular season schedule, expanding the number of games from 82 to 84 for the first time since the 1993-94 season. According to ESPN, this change comes as a response to franchises expressing concerns about the imbalance of divisional games, allowing teams to play each of their seven division rivals four times each, with two home and two away games.

The season will kick off on September 29, with the Carolina Hurricanes raising their Stanley Cup banner against the Florida Panthers. This new schedule format allows for each team to have 42 home and 42 away games.

The NHL also plans to increase Monday afternoon games, aimed at engaging international audiences, particularly in Europe, with double the number of Monday matinee games this season. The All-Star Weekend will take place at UBS Arena on February 5 and 6, featuring a skills competition for younger players and a unique 3-on-3 tournament format.

Notably, the Lightning will host a total of 42 home games and play all Atlantic Division teams four times, further intensifying rivalries within the league. The NHL Global Series will also include games in Helsinki and Dusseldorf to further expand international reach.

As the new schedule is expected to foster heightened competition and fan engagement, teams will have a fresh opportunity to build on their rivalries. The Tampa Bay Lightning's schedule includes key matchups against rivals such as the Detroit Red Wings and Florida Panthers, with the final meeting against the Panthers occurring late in the season on March 23, while they contend for playoff positioning in a demanding schedule that features numerous back-to-back games throughout the season.

The scheduling changes have generated excitement among fans and analysts alike, marking a significant evolution in the NHL's approach to its regular season format.