Get ready for the puck to drop on the highly anticipated 2026-27 NHL season. The league's schedule release is finally here, and hockey fans are buzzing with excitement. The upcoming season promises to be filled with thrilling matchups, intense rivalries, and high-stakes games that will determine the fate of playoff spots and division titles. From the opening night showdowns to the grueling stretches of back-to-back games, our in-depth analysis breaks down the biggest games and dates of the season, highlighting the must-see matchups and storylines that will shape the narrative of the 2026-27 campaign.

NHL schedule release: Analyzing the biggest games and dates of the 2026-27 season  The New York Times