The National Hockey League (NHL) has rolled out exciting updates for its 2024-25 regular-season schedule, announcing the addition of several pivotal matchups. This season promises thrilling hockey, with games being broadcast across multiple platforms, including ESPN, ABC, ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu.
Starting on March 6, hockey fans can catch the San Jose Sharks clashing with the Colorado Avalanche at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. This kicks off the newly announced slate featuring teams eager for playoff positioning. Among the highlights is the March 11 matchup, where the Tampa Bay Lightning take on the Carolina Hurricanes, two of the strongest contenders from the Eastern Conference, and this game will also be available on ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu.
The updates extend to the Washington Capitals as they look to solidify their standing atop the Eastern Conference. With Alex Ovechkin on the verge of making history, pursuing Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL goals record of 894, the Capitals will be featured prominently. Notably, on March 27, they face off against the Minnesota Wild, before taking on the Columbus Blue Jackets on April 12, the latter of which will air on ABC and ESPN+.
April 8 brings another must-watch clash when the Toronto Maple Leafs, current contenders for the Atlantic Division title, take on the Florida Panthers. This game occurs at 7:00 p.m. ET on ESPN and promises to be pivotal as the season begins to wind down.
Marking the end of the regular season, ESPN will broadcast a doubleheader on April 17, featuring both the Washington Capitals against the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Calgary Flames facing the Los Angeles Kings. Such matchups are bound to play significant roles as teams vie for playoff spots.
For fans eager to catch NHL action, the expanded March schedule includes multiple games slated for television broadcast on February 25, including highlights like the Edmonton Oilers taking on the Tampa Bay Lightning at 7:30 p.m. ET, with coverage available on ESPN+ along with several other exciting contests happening simultaneously.
Turning to recent performances, the Toronto Maple Leafs provided a thrilling representation of their talent, overcoming the Boston Bruins with a stunning comeback to secure a 5-4 overtime victory. Mitch Marner scored the game-winner, showcasing his ability to step up when it counts. This marked the Maple Leafs’ sixth win out of seven games as they position themselves nicely within the division.
Meanwhile, Boston's David Pastrnak is enjoying his own streak of prowess, extending his point streak to 15 games, but the Bruins sit precariously close to the edge of the playoff picture, having lost their last four games. General Manager Don Sweeney faces the tough decision of whether to bolster the roster as the trade deadline approaches.
With eyes trained on the playoff race heating up, the NHL season proves to be more electrifying than ever. Fans can expect to see teams and players alike fighting tooth and nail for the coveted playoff spots, making every game count.
The excitement and anticipation building for the upcoming weeks encapsulate the indomitable spirit of hockey. With so many storylines, culminating toward the regular season's end, it's clear the entertainment is just getting started. Tune in for all the action across ABC, ESPN, and streaming services.