The NHL reduced consecutive game back-to-backs in its expanded 84-game season, but the true challenge of a team’s schedule goes beyond just counting them. A deeper look reveals significant variations in how grueling these schedules actually are for different franchises. Factors beyond back-to-back frequency play a key role in determining which teams face the most demanding travel and recovery demands. Understanding these nuances could reshape perceptions of which squads are truly pushed to their limits.

The NHL cut the number of back-to-backs despite expanding to 84 games. But simply counting them doesn't tell the whole story of which teams received the toughest schedules.