National Hockey League

Publication date: 11 Jul 2025

The National Hockey League (NHL) is the premier professional ice hockey organization in North America. In fact, it is one of the most prestigious leagues in the world. Founded in 1917, the NHL brings together the best clubs in the United States and Canada. It attracts millions of fans each season. The tournament culminates in the Stanley Cup, one of the most coveted trophies in hockey.

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The NHL in 2025-26

The 2025/2026 NHL season will once again bring together the best clubs from the USA and Canada. They will compete for the world’s top hockey trophy — the Stanley Cup. Each of the 32 teams will play 82 regular-season games. Fans can look forward to hundreds of exciting matches and intense rivalries. As usual, the regular season will conclude with playoff series where the best teams will battle it out.

Tournament dates and locations

The regular season is scheduled to start in October 2025 and will run through April 2026. All games will be held at top arenas across the USA and Canada — from Montreal and Toronto to New York and Las Vegas.

2025/26 NHL Playoffs

The playoffs will begin in mid-April and conclude in June with the Stanley Cup Final series.

The playoff format remains unchanged: teams play best-of-seven series. Every game can be decisive, as the prize is a spot in the final. The winner then gets a chance to compete for the Stanley Cup, traditionally awarded in early summer.

Stanley Cup

The Stanley Cup is the NHL’s most prestigious trophy and every hockey player’s dream. In 2025, the Florida Panthers became back-to-back Stanley Cup champions. In the 2025/2026 season, the Cup will once again be the number one goal for the league’s top teams.

Big favourites and contenders

Among the favorites, analysts highlight the Boston Bruins, Dallas Stars, Vegas Golden Knights, and New York Rangers. It’s also important to remember the Russian players, who traditionally play key roles on their teams.

Tournament History

The NHL has a rich history, starting with the first games in 1917. In 1927, the Stanley Cup was drawn for the first time. It became a symbol of championship in hockey. The league has more than once been the stage for legendary players such as Wayne Gretzky, Alexander Ovechkin and others.

The uniqueness of the tournament

One of the unique features of the NHL is the regular season followed by exciting playoff series. The standings change every week. In addition, the schedule is full of games that can be watched online. The NHL is known for the speed of the game, the intensity of the play and the professionalism of the officiating.

The biggest bet in the tournament’s history

Interesting fact: In 2018, a Washington Capitals fan bet $500,000 on his team to win the Stanley Cup. That gamble paid off big when Washington won their first championship by defeating Vegas.

NHL results over the last 3 years

NHL in the 2026-27 season

In 2026/27, the NHL season expands to 84 games. Preseason cuts to four shorter matches. The season starts late September for international events. Two outdoor games confirmed: Winter Classic on January 2 in Miami and Stadium Series on February 1 in Tampa. Preseason formats change, and the 2026 All-Star Game is canceled for the Olympics.

Keep an eye on the dates of hockey tournaments and other events in our Sporting Events Calendar.