NHL announces extended preseason, sparking fan outrage over late finales

Fans of the NHL, brace yourselves: The league's pre-season schedule announcement indicates another late run for the Stanley Cup finals, stretching well into June 2025.

Despite vocal pleas from the fanbase, it seems the NHL remains set on a schedule that drags the season's climax into the summer months.

Starting on September 21st and concluding on October 5th, this pre-season is jam-packed with 106 games across 15 days.

Matches will be held in 40 different venues spanning North America and Europe, leading to a regular season kickoff on October 8th in North America.

This schedule firmly plants the playoffs in late June, a timing many fans have criticized.

NHL aficionados have long requested an earlier puck drop in September, hoping for a Stanley Cup Finals wrap by May.

The appeal of enjoying high-stakes games alongside spring barbecues is undeniable. Instead, fans face the prospect of mid-summer games, often coinciding with less than ideal ice conditions due to the heat.

The extended pre-season itself has come under scrutiny and suggests a streamlined approach that could potentially allow for an earlier season finale, keeping fan engagement high before summer distractions pull them away.

Moreover, the timing of finals games can disrupt daily plans, forcing fans to rush home to catch crucial matches.

The dynamics of late-season hockey not only affect viewership but also the quality of play, with players battling it out on deteriorating ice.

Despite the feedback, the NHL's adherence to this schedule highlights a disconnect with its core audience.

The repetitive nature of this scheduling issue raises questions about the league's strategic priorities and its responsiveness to fan input.

This extended pre-season is set to test the patience and loyalty of the NHL's fanbase yet again, as they navigate another year of summer hockey.

Whether this will prompt any change in approach by the NHL remains to be seen, but the message from fans is clear: they're ready for a change.

Source: Hockey Feed
NHL releases pre-season schedule and fans are not happy