For those that can’t wait to scratch their hockey itch, there’s good news. Before the official games that matter being on August 1, the NHL has decided to allow teams to play exhibition games.
The league has put together matchups that will take place before the start of the 24-team playoff tournament, and it looks like they have focused on already-built rivalries that fans were anxious to see.
Starting Tuesday, July 28, teas will battle it out, opening with contests between the Penguins and Flyers, Maple Leafs and Canadiens, Oilers and Flames.
Day two, July 29, will feature the Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers, the two New York clubs will face each other, the Carolina Hurricanes will play against the Washington Capitals. the Blues will meet the Blackhawks and the Avalanche square off against the Wild. Finally, the Jets will face the Canucks in the late game.
Day three will feature the Boston Bruins vs. Columbus Blue Jackets, Predators vs. Stars, and Golden Knights vs Coyotes.
This will also give fans a sense of how spaced out the games will be and the NHL an opportunity to work out any potential kinks in the scheduling and broadcasting before the real action gets underway.
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The NHL Is Getting Ready
Darren Dreger of TSN reports that the NHL is sending three groups of events staff to Edmonton and Toronto starting today. These people will be looking after the logistics of hotel rooms, team rooms, workout facilities, and testing or feeding 900 people at each site. As Dreger writes, “the list of facility needs is extensive. Enormous undertaking kicking into high gear.”
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