On Tuesday, the NHL Frozen Frenzy will take place, a delightful event when all 32 teams compete on the same day.
The action kicks off with the Washington Capitals facing the Philadelphia Flyers at 6 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN+, and concludes with the Los Angeles Kings battling the Vegas Golden Knights at 11 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN+. Game times will begin with 15-minute intervals to enhance puck viewing on NHL Power Play via ESPN+ (accessible to all ESPN+ subscribers), alongside a whip-around show covering all 16 games.
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That’s a significant amount of hockey.
Which teams deserve your focus this season, both during the Frozen Frenzy and throughout the 2024-25 NHL season?
It appears every team has something intriguing to offer, from standout players and championship dreams to compelling narratives and a historic record pursuit unfolding in Washington, D.C.
Let’s dive in and enjoy the Frenzy.
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Atlantic Division
A formidable defense
The Bruins claim that size wasn’t their primary focus when constructing their blue line; instead, they were concentrating on acquiring the best players suited to their requirements. However, the defense they have assembled resembles the Boston skyline: This offseason, they added 6-foot-6 defenseman Nikita Zadorov, joining Brandon Carlo (6-5), Hampus Lindholm (6-4), Mason Lohrei (6-5), and Andrew Peeke (6-3) on the depth chart. Charlie McAvoy, their top defenseman, stands at a relatively modest 6-1 compared to his towering teammates.
While Zdeno Chara may be gone, his legacy seemingly endures with the Bruins.
Is the playoff drought nearing an end?
The Sabres find themselves in a unique position, belonging to the only team in the four major sports leagues currently suffering from a playoff absence as significant as theirs: the beleaguered New York Jets, who last reached the playoffs in 2010. The Sabres haven’t been seen in the Stanley Cup playoffs since 2011, marking the longest postseason drought in NHL history.
Despite their struggles, there was much optimism heading into the season, fueled by rising stars like Tage Thompson and the return of veteran coach Lindy Ruff—who, coincidentally, was the last coach to guide Buffalo to the playoffs. Though the results have yet to materialize, the roster is brimming with talent. They surely must become a playoff contender eventually, right? Right?
It’s still “Showtime”
There were concerns that Patrick Kane’s professional career could be over following his hip resurfacing surgery in 2023. This procedure has left many NHL players returning as shadows of their former selves. However, the former league MVP had a remarkable comeback season with the Red Wings in 2023-24, achieving 27 points in 50 games.
The 35-year-old Kane, a three-time Stanley Cup champion, inked a one-year contract with Detroit, aiming to revive “Showtime” in the Motor City. He ranks as the third highest-scoring American player in NHL history, accumulating 1,286 points, trailing only Brett Hull (1,391) and Mike Modano (1,374).
On the hunt for a repeat
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Last season, the Panthers secured their inaugural Stanley Cup championship, boasting a roster filled with scoring capability, aggressive physical play, and a strong attitude, led by stars like Matthew Tkachuk. Florida aims to sustain their success this season, as they retain most of that roster in pursuit of a consecutive championship.
Since 2016, both the Penguins and the Lightning have clinched back-to-back titles. Moreover, the Lightning reached the Stanley Cup Final for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022. The Panthers strive to replicate this Eastern Conference three-peat during the current season.
Despite being without star center Aleksander Barkov for a large part of the season, the Panthers have shown a strong start.
Lane Hutson’s electrifying presence
There are moments when the audience’s reaction is unmistakable when a player glides onto the ice. When Lane Hutson handles the puck at Bell Centre, the excitement in the air is palpable; fans shift in their seats as the rookie defenseman seamlessly skates across each zone. His offensive flair resembles a personalized highlight reel. As for his defensive skills… well, being a rookie sometimes brings its own kind of thrill.
In summary: Few first-year players will captivate audiences this season the way Lane Hutson does.
Linus Ullmark, the franchise goalie
For several years, the Bruins boasted the NHL’s finest goaltending duo with Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman. However, nothing lasts indefinitely, especially when both goalies wished to play more than 55 games and Boston faced roster challenges amid salary cap limitations.
Consequently, Ullmark was traded to the Senators, paving the way for Boston to offer Swayman an eight-year contract extension with an annual cap hit of $8.25 million. Just three days later, Ullmark secured his own extension: four years at the same $8.25 million cap hit. Last season, the Senators struggled with the league’s least effective goaltending. Will Ullmark be able to transform that situation and lead the Senators to playoff contention?
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The best line in hockey?
An offseason highlight was the Lightning’s decision to allow longtime captain Steven Stamkos to depart as a free agent, opting instead to bring in former Penguins star Jake Guentzel, who is four years younger. Guentzel has stepped into Stamkos’s former position on Tampa Bay’s top line, joining Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov, who was a finalist for the MVP award last season.
This trio might have transformed a good situation into an even better one: Over the course of four games, they have been averaging 6.8 goals per 60 minutes while allowing only 1.2 goals per 60 minutes defensively.
Mitch Marner and the murky future
At 27 years old, Marner has been a crucial part of the Leafs’ core of star players since beginning his career nine seasons ago. He is a flashy offensive talent, a nominated defensive player for the Selke Trophy, and a playmaking winger—at least during the regular season. Meanwhile, the lack of playoff success for Toronto has led to increasing frustrations among fans, primarily centered around Marner’s minimal contributions in the postseason.
Now in the final year of his contract, questions loom: Will the Leafs extend his contract? Will he be traded? Or will he leave as a free agent? As is often the case with the Maple Leafs, the drama continues.
Metropolitan Division
The Brind’Amour aesthetic
Throughout Rod Brind’Amour’s 20-season NHL journey as a coach, he proved adept at nearly every aspect of the game: scoring points, excelling defensively—earning two Selke Trophies—and contributing to special teams. It’s often said that teams mirror the characteristics of their coaches, and this holds true in Carolina’s case: last season, the team ranked eighth in offense, fourth in defense, first in penalty killing, and second in power plays.
Despite some adjustments to their lineup during the offseason, watching the Hurricanes play reveals a team that excels in all areas of the game. Following the example set by their coach during his playing days, Carolina remains challenging to compete against, a signature of Brind’Amour’s six seasons leading from behind the bench.
Playing through the grief
This section should have been centered on Johnny Gaudreau. It’s still difficult to process the loss of such a remarkable player. Tragically, the 31-year-old Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, lost their lives due to a suspected drunk driver while biking on August 29 in New Jersey. The Blue Jackets have paid homage to Johnny Hockey in various ways this season, from helmet stickers to leaving his locker unfilled, and even creating a “donkey head hat” player of the game award, honoring Gaudreau’s fondness for calling others “a donkey.”
Emerging stars like Adam Fantilli, Yegor Chinakhov, Kirill Marchenko, and Kent Johnson will have their moments as players of the game this season, celebrating the promise of Columbus’s future while honoring Johnny Gaudreau’s legacy.
Torrid expectations
Two years back, the Devils seemed ready to contend for the Stanley Cup. However, last season, that confidence transformed into unpredictability, as New Jersey fell 31 points in the standings, finishing seventh in the Metro Division amidst a season riddled with injuries, underwhelming performances, and shattered expectations.
No team
The Islanders were more proactive in addressing their shortcomings than the Devils after last season. They revamped their goaltending by acquiring Jacob Markstrom and Jake Allen, strengthened their defense with veteran additions like Brett Pesce, enhanced their forward depth, and appointed former Toronto coach Sheldon Keefe. Following a disappointing last season, expectations are soaring once more. Can the Devils meet them?
The Bo and Barzal Show
The two leading offensive figures for the Islanders are forwards Bo Horvat (who netted 33 goals last season) and Mathew Barzal (who accumulated 80 points in 80 games). They spent the majority of last season playing on the same line, and coach Patrick Roy has decided to pair them again this year.
New York isn’t particularly known for its offense, having ranked 22nd in the NHL for goals per game last season. Therefore, Horvat and Barzal must take on a significant portion of the scoring responsibilities for a team that is expected to contend for a playoff spot.
Time for Shesterkin to break the bank?
The Rangers boast one of the premier goaltenders in Igor Shesterkin, who is 28 years old. This is a sentiment shared by the Rangers, Shesterkin himself, and his agents. As several elite goaltenders recently secured contract extensions, the Rangers and Shesterkin could not finalize a deal prior to the season while heading towards unrestricted free agency next summer.
Reports indicate he declined an $88 million offer from the Rangers, which would have made him the highest-paid goalie in NHL history. Observing Shesterkin’s performance this season—potentially elevating his value with all-star caliber play, or diminishing it due to unexpected struggles—adds an interesting dimension to this talented Rangers roster.
Michkov Mania
The Flyers haven’t seen an offensive rookie as gifted as forward Matvei Michkov since Claude Giroux made his debut in 2008-09. In fact, one could argue that they haven’t had a rookie this anticipated since Eric Lindros joined in 1992-93. Michkov has already exhibited glimpses of the electrifying offensive talent that had fans purchasing his jersey before he even participated in a preseason game for the Flyers.
There will be a learning curve for the 19-year-old prodigy, but the often gruff coach John Tortorella has stated he intends to foster his creativity.
“I’m not interested in turning him into a checker,” the coach remarked. “We are in dire need of the instinctive plays that he can deliver.”
The band plays on
Sidney Crosby (37), Evgeni Malkin (38), Kris Letang (37), and Erik Karlsson (34) are all striving to keep the Penguins’ championship window open as their NHL careers wind down. However, consider Malkin’s impressive start, amassing 11 points in seven games, or Crosby, who continues to be among the league’s elite centers.
If Pittsburgh secures a playoff spot, it will be thanks to this remarkable quartet. Let’s appreciate their presence while we still can.
The Gretzky chase
As of Tuesday, Alex Ovechkin was a mere 41 goals shy of surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s all-time career goals record, which would officially crown him the greatest goal-scorer in NHL history.
Each goal he nets this season brings him one significant step closer to a historic achievement that goes beyond hockey.
The Capitals are fully committed to this pursuit, having enlisted a “presenting partner of Alex Ovechkin’s quest for the all-time NHL goal-scoring record,” which will sponsor an in-arena goal tracker displaying the gap between the Great One and the Great 8.
Central Division
The Connor Bedard Show, Year 2
Bedard is heralded as the franchise’s savior for the Blackhawks, a team that has seen its dynasty dissipate over the past decade since their last Stanley Cup victory. In his rookie season, at just 18 years old, Bedard secured the Calder Trophy with an impressive 61 points in 68 games, including 22 goals, consistently making highlight reels.
In his second year, Bedard benefits from enhanced offensive support, featuring players like Teuvo Teravainen and Tyler Bertuzzi. Anticipate a stellar encore performance as Bedard continues his ascent to superstardom—if he’s not already there.
Cale Makar aims for 100 points
Throughout his six-year NHL career, Makar has achieved numerous accolades: Rookie of the Year, the Norris Trophy for best defenseman, a Stanley Cup championship, and the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. However, due to injuries and shortened seasons, one milestone has remained out of reach: scoring 100 points in a regular season. Only six defensemen in NHL history have accomplished this feat, with Erik Karlsson being the most recent in 2022-23.
With 12 points accrued in his initial six games, Makar is making a strong offensive impression for the Avalanche.
Will this be the year?
The Dallas Stars have participated in the last two Western Conference finals. However, they have failed to appear in the last two Stanley Cup finals. Consequently, this team is eager to break through the playoff barrier and reach the Cup Final.
Despite making it to the playoffs in 2000 and 2020, the Stars have only claimed the Stanley Cup once, in 1999. With a roster filled with seasoned stars (Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin), players in their prime (Jason Robertson, Miro Heiskanen), and emerging talents (Wyatt Johnston, Logan Stankoven) alongside their franchise goalie Jake Oettinger, this could be the season the Stars finally light up the scoreboard.
Flower’s farewell tour
Marc-Andre Fleury, a veteran goalie for the Wild, is skating towards retirement after signing a one-year contract extension in April, announcing that his 21st season will be his final lap around the league.
While he may not be the Vezina Trophy-caliber goalie he was five years ago, he still ranks among the most charismatic stars in the NHL—something that will be evident in the warm fanfare he receives away from Minnesota this season.
Stamkos, Marchessault enter their Nashville era
The Lightning parted ways with Steven Stamkos.
The Golden Knights chose not to extend the contract that Jonathan Marchessault desired. As a result, both franchise icons found themselves as free agents, ultimately landing in Nashville. This move represented a significant boost in star power, scoring ability, and championship experience for the team, aiming to strengthen their position in the Western Conference.
Will this strategy pay off? The initial outcomes for the Predators have been disappointing, as they failed to secure a victory in their first five games. However, it is likely that everyone will need time to adjust.
Thomas, Kyrou attempt to revive the magic
Throughout their NHL journeys with the Blues, forwards Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou have frequently played together or been dispersed across the lineup to enhance the team’s offense. Coach Drew Bannister has expressed his desire to see them paired more often early this season.
When both are performing well, Thomas and Kyrou can rival any duo’s dynamism in the Western Conference.
New NHL city, revitalized NHL players
With the Arizona Coyotes ceasing operations and relocating to Salt Lake City, the franchise left behind all traces of its history and statistics in Tempe. Ryan and Ashley Smith essentially have a brand-new NHL team—though it features players who were Coyotes last season.
Witnessing the Utah Hockey Club—currently a temporary name until an official one is adopted in Year 2—has been thrilling as offensive talents like Dylan Guenther, Clayton Keller, and Logan Cooley thrive on the support of enthusiastic crowds. They are motivated to impress fans who are new to the NHL, and the early results have been encouraging.
Are the Jets authentic contenders?
The Jets kicked off the 2024-25 season as the top team in the NHL. They ranked first in the league for scoring (averaging 4.80 goals per game) and were second in team defense (allowing just 1.60 goals per game), bolstered by their goaltending duo of Connor Hellebuyck and Eric Comrie. After achieving 110 points last season, they are determined to prove it wasn’t a mere anomaly. New head coach Scott Arniel has expanded upon their defensive consistency by enhancing their offensive capabilities.
While it’s still early in the season and their schedule has been relatively favorable, Winnipeg has displayed an impressive performance. It’s refreshing to see at least one professional sports team named the Jets finding success this season.
Pacific Division
Leo Carlsson
At just 19 years old and standing 6-foot-3, Leo Carlsson is a genuine asset. The No. 2 overall pick in 2023 had his rookie season limited due to load management, but this year he is ready to make a name for himself in the NHL. His overtime game-winner against Utah earlier in the season showcased his potential, as Carlsson seized a loose puck, outran his opponents, and outsmarted Connor Ingram to score:
0:35
Leo Carlsson scores stunning OT goal for Ducks
Leo Carlsson navigates through Utah and fires a close-range OT goal into the Anaheim net.
Possessing size, talent, and a high hockey IQ, he has likened his playing style to that of Evgeni Malkin and Aleksander Barkov. Whether he achieves that elevated status remains to be seen, but he is essential to the Ducks’ upcoming generation and the NHL at large.
Are the keys out of the tank’s ignition?
While some argue that tanking is nonexistent in the NHL, there have been front offices that strategically built their rosters to enhance their chances in the draft lottery. The Flames may find themselves in this scenario, especially given the loss of talent over the past three seasons.
However, GM Craig Conroy dismisses the notion of tanking, describing the Flames as undergoing a “retool on the fly.” In practice, this translates to retaining veteran players like Nazem Kadri rather than trading them for future prospects. The initial results indicate that he may be onto something, as the Flames currently sit at 4-0-1 ahead of Tuesday’s games, standing at the top of the Pacific division.
Climbing the mountain once more
There are high expectations for the Oilers to clinch the Stanley Cup this year, especially following their defeat against the Florida Panthers in Game 7 of last season’s Final. This loss came after an impressive comeback from a 3-0 series deficit; they also triumphed in a tough second-round series against Vancouver and successfully turned their regular season around from a rocky start into a conference championship.
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Last season demonstrated the challenging and demanding journey to reach the championship peak—evident in star center Connor McDavid’s emotional breakdown in the dressing room post-Game 7, showcasing the depth of his commitment. Will Edmonton conquer that mountain again, guided by generational talents like McDavid and Leon Draisaitl? Or will the ascent prove too challenging this season?
Kopitar still shines
It’s rare to dominate the narrative of “37-year-old star center performing at an MVP level within the context of his team” when Sidney Crosby remains active in the NHL. Nevertheless, Anze Kopitar is again making his claim for this merit.
The two-time Selke Trophy winner has exceeded 70 points in each of his last two seasons and has made a strong start for L.A. this season—precisely when they needed him, with fellow longtime Kings player Drew Doughty sidelined for months due to a fractured ankle. While the Kings boast notable offensive talent, Kopitar continues to demonstrate how it’s done.
Macklin Celebrini, rookie star
Celebrini, aged 18, was selected first overall in the 2024 draft.
draft from Boston University, he joins the NHL as a key figure in San Jose’s multi-year rebuilding effort, marking a franchise that has been out of championship contention for seven seasons.
Due to a hip injury, he has been sidelined since the season opener and is currently listed as week to week. However, he’s back on the ice, which is excellent news for the Sharks, who have already witnessed glimpses of his offensive brilliance.
Joey Daccord, the People’s Goalie
While he may not excel at overtime celebration hugs, this quirk only enhances Daccord’s charm for Kraken fans, who have wholeheartedly adopted the former Arizona State University goaltender as their own.
His ability to reciprocate that enthusiasm on the ice certainly helps, demonstrated by his impressive .916 save percentage last season, which earned him a lucrative five-year contract. Daccord has made a strong start in his follow-up season with Seattle, a franchise now in its fourth year in the NHL.
The Petey Panic
“Let’s discuss Elias Pettersson.” “What’s going on with Canucks’ Elias Pettersson?” “How worried should the Canucks be about Elias Pettersson?”
This is just a snapshot of the recent headlines concerning Vancouver’s standout center. A sluggish start (with two assists in five games), a 13-point drop in performance from the previous season, and only one goal in 13 playoff games have turned the 25-year-old star into a subject of speculation. He’s in the initial year of an impressive eight-year, $92.8 million contract extension. Will Pettersson quell concerns with another outstanding offensive season, or are the worries justified?
Jack Eichel, All-American
Since his arrival in Las Vegas in 2021 – coupled with the surgery that the Buffalo Sabres had previously denied him – Eichel has established himself as one of the premier two-way centers in the NHL. He ranks 11th in the league for points per game (1.06) among centers over the past three seasons. His defensive prowess was pivotal in Vegas’s Stanley Cup victory in 2023.
Now in his tenth season, Eichel serves as the Golden Knights’ primary offensive contributor and could potentially fulfill the same role for Team USA in both the 4 Nations Faceoff and the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
32 Teams to Watch During the NHL Frozen Frenzy: Key Storylines and Matchups for the 2024-25 Season
The NHL Frozen Frenzy is back, and with a new season on the horizon, hockey fans are gearing up for an exciting slate of games and storylines. As we dive into the 2024-25 NHL season, here’s a comprehensive look at the 32 teams to watch, highlighting key storylines, important matchups, and what fans can expect as the action unfolds on the ice.
Key Storylines and Team Overviews
Each team brings its unique flavor to the Frozen Frenzy. Here are the key storylines that fans should keep an eye on:
1. Atlantic Division
- Boston Bruins: Can the Bruins bounce back after a playoff exit?
- Tampa Bay Lightning: Will their veteran core continue to thrive or show signs of aging?
- Toronto Maple Leafs: Can they finally get over the playoff hump?
- Florida Panthers: Are they legit contenders following last season’s success?
2. Metropolitan Division
- New York Rangers: With new additions, will they finally clinch a Cup?
- Pittsburgh Penguins: Is this the end of an era or the beginning of a new dynasty?
- Carolina Hurricanes: Can they maintain their dominance in the division?
- New Jersey Devils: What’s next for their young core after a breakout season?
3. Central Division
- Colorado Avalanche: Will they recover from injuries to reclaim their title?
- Dallas Stars: Can they ride their playoff momentum into the new season?
- Chicago Blackhawks: The rebuilding process is underway; how will they fare?
- Winnipeg Jets: Can they remain competitive in a tough division?
4. Pacific Division
- Vegas Golden Knights: Defending champions looking to repeat; will they succeed?
- Los Angeles Kings: A young roster with potential; how far can they go?
- Edmonton Oilers: With McDavid and Draisaitl, can they finally achieve playoff success?
- Seattle Kraken: Expansion team poised for a deeper playoff push!
Top Matchups to Watch
As the NHL Frozen Frenzy unfolds, certain matchups will capture the attention of fans around the league. Here are some must-watch games:
| Date | Matchup | Location |
|---|---|---|
| October 15, 2024 | Boston Bruins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs | TD Garden, Boston |
| November 5, 2024 | New York Rangers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins | Madison Square Garden, New York |
| December 1, 2024 | Colorado Avalanche vs. Dallas Stars | Ball Arena, Denver |
| January 20, 2025 | Vegas Golden Knights vs. Edmonton Oilers | T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas |
Player to Watch: Key Stars Shining Bright
Every season brings breakout performances and key players who can change the course of a game. Here are some players to keep an eye on during the 2024-25 season:
- Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers): The best player in the world continues to set records.
- Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs): Will he lead his team to playoff glory?
- Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche): A defenseman who plays like a forward.
- Igor Shesterkin (New York Rangers): The goaltender to watch in crucial games.
Benefits of Following NHL Frozen Frenzy
Engaging with the NHL Frozen Frenzy offers several benefits for fans:
- Enhanced Fan Experience: Following your favorite teams and players elevates the excitement of each game.
- Community Engagement: Connect with fellow fans on social media platforms, fostering a sense of community.
- Improved Knowledge: Staying updated on player stats and game outcomes enhances your understanding of the sport.
First-Hand Experiences: Fans Share Their Stories
Case Study: The Thrill of Game Day
Fans from across the NHL share their experiences of attending games during the Frozen Frenzy. Here are some testimonials from die-hard supporters:
“Attending a game at Madison Square Garden during the Frozen Frenzy was electrifying! The energy in the arena was unmatched.” – John D., New York
“The excitement of watching the Vegas Golden Knights play at home is something every hockey fan needs to experience!” – Sarah T., Las Vegas
Practical Tips for Enjoying the NHL Frozen Frenzy
As fans gear up for the 2024-25 season, here are some practical tips to make the most of the NHL Frozen Frenzy:
- Stay Informed: Follow reliable sports news sources for updates on player injuries and team performance.
- Engage with Social Media: Join NHL groups and follow team accounts for real-time updates and discussions.
- Plan Your Viewing Parties: Gather fellow fans for game nights to enhance the viewing experience.
Conclusion
As the NHL Frozen Frenzy approaches, excitement is in the air. With compelling storylines, intense matchups, and star players ready to shine, the 2024-25 season promises to be unforgettable. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, there’s something for everyone in this year’s frenzy!
