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The 2026-27 schedule for the NHL is already changing, even before the first puck is dropped. The league announced changes to the start times for three games involving six teams, which means a change in travel schedules, broadcast schedules, and early-season routines for the teams.
Three Games, Six Clubs Affected
The New York Islanders will play the New York Rangers at 7:30 p.m. ET in ESPN’s coverage of the game on October 6. The Florida Panthers’ evening with the Los Angeles Kings will continue on ESPN, with the matchup moving to a time of play at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT on the same night.
The Colorado Avalanche are now slated to kick off their match against the Oilers at 9 p.m. ET later in the season, on Feb. 17 in Edmonton. Every change has an impact on home and visiting teams and extends to six organisations’ preparation calendars.
These changes are on top of a structural change. The league has grown to 84 games for the first time since the early ’90s, with two more divisional games being played for each team and the season beginning in late September. These late start-time changes, and the extended campaign, make flexibility of seasons even after the initial announcement necessary for clubs.
Adapting on the Fly
The changes are not just cosmetic for the teams involved. Later or earlier puck drops may impact rest schedules, media commitments, and travel for fans. With two more games in the season to fit into, it’s all a matter of weight for each adjustment.
The fact that the league is still feeling the need to make changes to the times after the full slate was published is a testament to broadcast arrangements and the practicalities of the calendar. Six clubs are already fine-tuning their plans in the lead-up to the regular season, as training camps begin.
New Depth and adaptability tests will be applied in the 2026-27 campaign. The franchises that have to deal with these new start times have started making some changes before the first puck drop.
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