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NHL Rumors: 84-Game Schedule Discussed to Create More Regional Rivalry Games
Dec 16, 2022
NEWARK, NJ - APRIL 24: A general view of the NHL logo on the back of the goal on April 24, 2022 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Getty Images)
The NHL has discussed expanding the regular season from 82 to 84 games, according to Greg Wyshynski of ESPN.
The change would allow for more rivalry games between divisional opponents while also limiting the imbalance under the current format.
With 82 games, each of the 32 teams plays twice against opponents in the other conference and three times against non-divisional opponents in the same conference. It leaves just 26 games for divisional matchups, meaning teams play some of their seven rivals three times and others four times.
Adding two games to the schedule would allow for 28 divisional battles per team, resulting in two home and two away games against each rival.
A problem with the current schedule is that some rivalry matchups are limited to just three games. The Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers won't play after Dec. 27, for instance.
"They could play Calgary in Edmonton 10 times and sell them all out. It's crazy," one NHL general manager told Wyshynski.
The Oilers' only home matchup against the Flames was its second game of the year, on Oct. 15. In the Eastern Conference, the New York Rangers and New York Islanders will also play only three times this season.
In addition to providing extra revenue with big games, the new schedule could reduce travel costs.
"Why not take advantage of rivalries and save money by scheduling more intradivisional games and more games per stop?" a general manager said. "The COVID schedule seemed to work."
During the shortened 2020-21 season, teams exclusively played regional matchups, most often two in a row in the same location, to limit travel.
The NHL Players' Association would need to approve any additional games, as that could add injury risks while also affecting prorated salaries.
The league last had an 84-game schedule in 1992-93 and 1993-94.
Having failed to land a lucrative
long-term contract during the opening two weeks of the 2022 NHL
free-agent market, John Klingberg signed a one-year,
Alex Ovechkin Trademarks 'THE GR8 CHASE' Amid Chase for Wayne Gretzky NHL Goal Record
Dec 15, 2022
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 13: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals celebrates after scoring his 800th career goal during the third period against the Chicago Blackhawks at United Center on December 13, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
After becoming the third player in NHL history to score at least 800 career goals, Alex Ovechkin is marketing his pursuit of Wayne Gretzky.
Per ESPN's Emily Kaplan, the Washington Capitals star has trademarked "THE GR8 CHASE" as he goes after the NHL's all-time goals scored record.
Kaplan noted the first phase of Ovechkin's "THE GR8 CHASE" merchandise will be available to fans during Thursday's home game against the Dallas Stars.
"Ovechkin's family was heavily involved in the creation of the logo, as well as the trademark name," Kaplan wrote. "'THE GR8 CHASE' is a triple entendre, alluding to Ovechkin's nickname ('The Great Eight'), Gretzky's nickname ('The Great One') and Ovechkin's chase of history."
Ovechkin's hat trick in Tuesday's 7-3 win over the Chicago Blackhawks gave him 800 for his storied career.
Gretzky (894 goals) and Gordie Howe (801) are the only players ahead of Ovechkin on the all-time scoring list. He hit the 800-goal mark in 1,305 career games, while Gretzky scored his 800th in his 1,116th game.
If Ovechkin continues at his career pace, he could surpass Gretzky during the 2024-25 season. He signed a five-year contract extension with the Capitals in July 2021 that runs through the 2025-26 campaign.
