The 2022-23 NHL season concluded with the Florida Panthers and Vegas Golden Knights going head to head in the Stanley Cup Final, the latter coming away victorious. Cup contenders for 2023-24 include the Vegas Golden Knights, Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche, New Jersey Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers (although they haven't played like it so far), and Dallas Stars. These teams are playing action-packed hockey this year.
This season, the NHL is continuing its tradition of outdoor games, with the Heritage Classic which was between the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers on Oct. 29, the Winter Classic between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Seattle Kraken on Jan. 1, and the Stadium Series featuring the Philadelphia Flyers and New Jersey Devils on Feb. 17, followed by the New York Rangers and New York Islanders on Feb. 18.
Connor Bedard, Luke Hughes, Matthew Knies, Logan Cooley, Adam Fantilli, and Devon Levi are exciting rookies this season. Superstars Connor McDavid, Cale Makar, Auston Matthews, and Nathan MacKinnon are primed for another electric season. Jack Hughes and Tim Stutzle blossomed in 2022-23 and have joined the ranks of the best in the league. Erik Karlsson had an unbelievable year and now wears a new uniform. Goaltenders Linus Ullmark, Connor Hellebuyck, and Ilya Sorokin were brick walls last season and seek to continue their dominance this year.
The only thing better than watching NHL hockey on TV is seeing hockey live in person. Hockey is known for a fast pace and an electric atmosphere, elements most exciting from inside the arenas. Live hockey means the whir of skates slicing the ice, the goal horn piercing the air, and holding your breath during overtime. Now that the 2023-24 season is underway, we're taking a look at must-see NHL games. Which games should you mark on your calendar to check out in person? Here are five highly anticipated match-ups.
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5. Pittsburgh Penguins @ Chicago Blackhawks — Feb. 15, 2024, 7:30 p.m. CST
If you couldn't make it to see the Chicago Blackhawks visit the Pittsburgh Penguins on Opening Night Oct. 10, not to fear. The Penguins will be in Chicago on Feb. 15, 2024. Considering the Blackhawks are in the midst of a rebuild, and the Penguins have retooled after they missed the playoffs last year for the first time in 17 years but have still gotten off to a slow start, what makes this a highly anticipated match-up? It features 2023's first-overall draft pick Connor Bedard facing off against 2005 first-overall draft pick Sidney Crosby.
Sidney Crosby has been a mainstay in the Penguins' lineup since 2005, becoming the youngest captain in NHL history in 2007 (Connor McDavid now holds that record). In 2022-23, Crosby proved he still has it by scoring 33 goals, just behind teammate Jake Guentzel's team-leading 36 goals. Guentzel had ankle surgery in the offseason. The winger hasn't been as electric as last year, but he's finding his groove. The Penguins added exciting talent over the offseason: Ryan Graves and Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson on the blue line, and Noel Acciari, Vinnie Hinostroza and Matt Nieto for speed and forward depth. The Penguins have been underwhelming so far, but it's early enough that they could turn things around.
Eighteen-year-old Connor Bedard was born about two weeks before 36-year-old Sidney Crosby was drafted by the Penguins in 2005. Bedard is a generational talent, and he's putting Chicago hockey back on the map. The NHL community expects a big rookie year for Bedard, and he's favored to win the Calder Trophy. Bedard is a dynamic player, known for speed, a wicked shot, and a deceptive style. He scored 71 goals in the WHL last year. Making the leap to the NHL at the young age of 18 is no easy feat. Even without an official Blackhawks captain this year, Bedard is receiving veteran leadership from players like Seth Jones, Connor Murphy, and Taylor Hall.
One team is fighting through a rebuild, while the other is fighting through a retool. The Blackhawks have a few more years before they can dream of being a top team again, and the Penguins are taking one last swing in the Crosby era. This match-up is a must-see. The Penguins and Blackhawks face off Feb. 6, 2024, in Chicago.
Key Penguins: Sidney Crosby, Jake Guentzel, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, Erik Karlsson
Underrated Penguin: Ryan Graves
Penguins' X-Factor: Tristan Jarry
Key Blackhawks: Connor Bedard, Taylor Hall, Andreas Athanasiou, Seth Jones, Wyatt Kaiser
Underrated Blackhawk: Taylor Raddysh
Blackhawks' X-Factor: Lukas Reichel
4. Winter Classic: Vegas Golden Knights @ Seattle Kraken — Jan. 1, 2024 12:00 p.m. PST
Per tradition, the 2023 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic, 2024 Discover NHL Winter Classic, and 2024 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series will each deliver exhilarating outdoor match-ups. An outdoor hockey game is a unique experience that should be on every NHL fan's bucket list. Here's why you should check out this season's Winter Classic.
The reigning Stanley Cup champions and second-newest NHL organization, the Vegas Golden Knights, will take on the newest NHL organization, the Seattle Kraken, in the Winter Classic on New Year's Day 2024. What better way to celebrate the new year than by bundling up in your knit hat, hand warmers, winter coat, and favorite jersey and heading to Seattle? The big game takes place at T-Mobile Park, home of MLB's Seattle Mariners.
The Golden Knights won the Pacific Division in 2022-23 with 111 points. The organization has made the playoffs five out of six seasons in its short history. The 2022-23 season marked their first Stanley Cup win. In an early look at Stanley Cup odds in August, Bleacher Report listed the Golden Knights as having the sixth-best odds to win the Cup this season, utilizing DraftKings. The way they've played so far says they deserved to be higher on that list. The Golden Knights started off the 2023-24 season undefeated through seven games. Golden Knights center Jack Eichel had a strong 2022-23 season, including an electric playoff performance, and he looks strong this season, too.
The Kraken had a massive improvement in the 2022-23 season, following their 60-point inaugural season with a 100-point sophomore season. The fledgling Pacific Division team has already made its first franchise playoff appearance, reaching the second round in 2023. Fourth place in the Pacific Division last year, they earned a Western Conference wild-card spot. Seattle was eliminated by the Dallas Stars in the Conference Semi-Finals. Kraken center Matty Beniers is fresh off of a Calder Memorial Trophy win as last season's most proficient NHL rookie. The Kraken haven't had the best start to the season, but they have the talent in the lineup to turn things around.
The two newest NHL franchises have already provided thrills, and this season is sure to bring more. In addition to Jan. 1, the Kraken and Golden Knights meet up on March 21, 2024, in Vegas and March 12, 2024, in Seattle. They also met up on Oct. 10, 2023, with the Golden Knights winning the game.
Key Golden Knights: Jack Eichel, Jonathan Marchessault, Brett Howden, Alex Pietrangelo, Adin Hill
Underrated Golden Knight: Brayden McNabb
Golden Knights' X-Factor: Paul Cotter
Key Kraken: Jared McCann, Matty Beniers, Jordan Eberle, Vince Dunn, Adam Larsson
Underrated Kraken: Eeli Tolvanen
Kraken X-Factor: Tye Kartye
3. New York Rangers @ New Jersey Devils — Nov. 18, 2023, 7:00 p.m. EST
If ever there's a time to check out the legendary cross-river rivalry, the time is now. The New Jersey Devils have entered a window of Stanley Cup contention, brimming with young talent, offensive firepower, and sizzling chemistry. The New York Rangers are a powerhouse with a balance of veterans and budding talent, a new coach, and a stud goalie. The Rangers head to Newark to face off against the Devils on Nov. 18, 2023, a rematch of two teams who met in the first round of last season's Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The Rangers pushed the Devils' backs against the wall in their Round 1 match-up, but the Devils fought back. Young goalie Akira Schmid wrote one heck of an origin story, defenseman Dougie Hamilton proved he's the king of game-winning goals, and center Jack Hughes was all over the ice. The Devils beat the Rangers in seven games. Don't be surprised if you see these teams go head-to-head in the playoffs again sometime soon.
Last season, the Rangers came in third in the Metropolitan Division. Their loss in the first round of the playoffs was two steps back from their Eastern Conference finals appearance in 2022. In their Stanley Cup odds piece in August, Bleacher Report listed the Rangers as the team with the seventh-best chance of winning the Cup in 2024, citing odds from DraftKings. The Rangers have had an incredible start to the 2023-24 season. Igor Shesterkin, 2022 Vezina Trophy winner, is a commanding force between the pipes, and Artemi Panarin could break 100 points after getting dangerously close three times. The Rangers are hoping for breakouts from young players like Alexis Lafreniere and Kaapo Kakko.
The Devils came in second in the Metropolitan Division in 2022-23, landing just one point below the Carolina Hurricanes. They lost the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals to the Hurricanes, but they proved that they're a team to watch in the coming years. Bleacher Report believes the Devils have the third-best chance of winning the Cup in 2024. The 2023-24 season showcases last season's breakout, Jack Hughes, who could eclipse 100 points following a 99-point season, and his brother, rookie defenseman Luke Hughes, a potential Calder Trophy nominee. Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, and Tyler Toffoli have been on fire. The Devils' defense has struggled this year, but they're hoping to find their rhythm.
If you can't make it to this season's first meeting of these rivals in November, you'll have three more opportunities in 2024. The Rangers and Devils also play in New Jersey on Feb. 22, and they square off in New York on March 11 and April 3.
Key Rangers: Chris Kreider, Artemi Panarin, Adam Fox, Jacob Trouba, Igor Shesterkin
Underrated Ranger: Mika Zibanejad
Rangers' X-Factor: Alexis Lafreniere
Key Devils: Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, Timo Meier, Jesper Bratt, Dougie Hamilton
Underrated Devil: John Marino
Devils' X-Factor: Alexander Holtz
2. Carolina Hurricanes @ Edmonton Oilers — Dec. 6, 2023, 7:30 p.m. MST
The Carolina Hurricanes take on the Edmonton Oilers in Canada on Dec. 6, 2023. In Bleacher Report's Stanley Cup odds piece, they listed the Hurricanes as the team with the best chance of winning the Cup in 2024. The Oilers clocked in at fourth-best odds. Since the start of the season, the Oilers have struggled, and they're looking to put that behind them. Both teams are sure to bring their A-game to this match-up.
Carolina won the Metropolitan Division by one point in the 2022-23 regular season. They beat the Devils in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals before losing to the wild-card Florida Panthers in the Conference Finals. The Canes have a stacked lineup that includes Sebastion Aho and Brent Burns. They became even stronger in the offseason with the additions of Michael Bunting (via free agency), Dmitry Orlov (free agency), and Tony DeAngelo (trade). The aggressive Canes continue to be a tough defensive match-up. They're a team to beat this year.
Edmonton has been strong since 2020. It seemed like this could be the year they make a push to the Stanley Cup Final, although that feels a long way off with their poor start to the season. The Oilers came in second in the Pacific Division in 2022-23, finishing just two points behind the eventual Stanley Cup winners, the Golden Knights. They reached the Western Conference Finals in 2022 and the Conference Semi-Finals in 2023. The Oilers have the best player currently in the game, Connor McDavid, who just won his third Hart Memorial Trophy. Their electric offense also includes Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Will the Oilers turn their season around?
Canes vs. Oilers is sure to be a fiery battle. You'll want to be in the building to get the best view. These teams also meet on November 22, 2023 when the Oilers visit Carolina.
Key Hurricanes: Sebastian Aho, Martin Necas, Jaccob Slavin, Brent Burns, Dmitry Orlov
Underrated Hurricane: Michael Bunting
Hurricanes' X-Factor: Andrei Svechnikov
Key Oilers: Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Zach Hyman, Darnell Nurse
Underrated Oiler: Warren Foegele
Oilers' X-Factor: Evan Bouchard
1. Colorado Avalanche @ Toronto Maple Leafs — Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, 7:00 p.m. EST
This game features a potential Stanley Cup match-up that we could see in 2024. Bleacher Report believes that the Colorado Avalanche have the fifth-best odds of winning the Stanley Cup this season, and the Toronto Maple Leafs have the second-best odds. No Canadian team has won the Stanley Cup since 1993. Could this be the year a Canadian team ends the 30-year drought? The Maple Leafs are certainly in the mix, so it's a possibility. The Avalanche go head-to-head with the Maple Leafs in Toronto on Jan. 13, 2024.
The Avalanche topped the Central Division in the regular season last year, edging out the Dallas Stars by one point. The 2022 Stanley Cup winners failed to advance past the first round of the playoffs in 2023. Colorado continues to be a strong team with high hopes for another cup run. In 2022-23, Mikko Rantanen scored a staggering 55 goals, and Nathan McKinnon scored 42. The Avalanche also have one of the strongest offensive defensemen in the game, Cale Makar, the 2022 Norris Trophy winner. Devon Toews excels as a versatile, puck-moving defenseman.
Last season, Toronto was second in the Atlantic Division behind the Boston Bruins. They made it to the second round of the playoffs, knocked out by the Florida Panthers. The Maple Leafs are stacked with talent. Franchise player Auston Matthews, who is now armed with a new contract, scored 40 goals in 2022-23 and 60 in 2021-22. Mitch Marner hit 99 points last year, his second season in a row coming close to breaking 100. Notable defensemen John Klingberg and Max Domi are new Maple Leafs this season.
Don't miss the opportunity to see an exhilarating match-up between these two contending teams. They both aim to go far this season. The Avalanche also take on the Maple Leafs at home in Colorado on Feb. 24, 2024.
Key Avalanche: Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, Artturi Lehkonen, Devon Toews, Cale Makar
Underrated Avalanche: Tomas Tatar
Avalanche X-Factor: Bowen Byram
Key Maple Leafs: Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, Willian Nylander, Matthew Knies, Morgan Rielly
Underrated Maple Leaf: John Tavares
Maple Leafs' X-Factor: Timothy Liljegren
The 2023-24 NHL season has plenty more must-see hockey. See you at the arenas.