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Hockey season 2023 starts

Hockey season 2023 starts: What to expect from NHL and KHL?

The ice awaits: NHL and KHL season 2023 preview.

Published on 26 Sep 2023

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As the chill of autumn begins to settle in and the leaves change color, hockey fans around the world eagerly anticipate the start of the hockey season 2023. The National Hockey League (NHL) is gearing up for another thrilling season, meanwhile, the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) is in action. With new talent emerging, established stars ready to shine, and the ever-present drama of the sport, the 2023 hockey season promises to be a captivating spectacle. In this article, we’ll explore what fans can expect from both the NHL and KHL hockey season 2023 as they drop the puck and embark on another exciting journey on the ice.;

NHL 2023-24 schedule

  • Regular season dates: October 10, 2023, through April 18, 2024.
  • Stanley Cup Finals: Scheduled in June, following the start of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
  • 2024 All-Star Game: Hosted at the Toronto Maple Leafs’ home arena, Scotiabank Arena, on February 3.

NHL hockey season 2023 key events

October 10: NHL Opening Night: A Grand Start to the Season

Get ready for an exhilarating start to the 2023-24 NHL regular season on Tuesday, October 10, as fans across the globe eagerly await a triple-header spectacle broadcast on ESPN. The highlight of the evening? A clash that hockey aficionados won’t want to miss, featuring none other than Connor Bedard facing off against the legendary Sidney Crosby. To add to the excitement, this momentous occasion will also include the raising of the Golden Knights’ championship banner—a symbol of their triumph in the previous season. It’s a night that promises high-octane action and a celebration of hockey excellence.

October 29: 2023 NHL Heritage Classic: A Canadian Outdoor Extravaganza Returns

After a hiatus last season, the much-anticipated 2023 NHL Heritage Classic makes its triumphant return. Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 29, when the stage will be set for the Battle of Alberta at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton. This iconic outdoor Canadian event will see the Flames and the Oilers face off under the open skies, a thrilling spectacle that promises to rekindle the tradition of outdoor hockey in all its glory.

November 16-19: NHL Global Series Sweden: Hockey Takes Center Stage in Stockholm

In mid-November, the spotlight shifts to the vibrant city of Stockholm, Sweden, for the second installment of the 2023 NHL Global Series. Four prominent NHL teams, the Red Wings, Senators, Wild, and Maple Leafs, will descend upon Avicii Arena for a series of electrifying matchups. It all kicks off on Thursday, November 16, when the Detroit Red Wings square off against the Ottawa Senators. The excitement continues the next day with a battle between Detroit and Toronto on Friday, November 17. On Saturday, November 18, fans can look forward to an intense showdown between Ottawa and Minnesota. The grand finale of the Global Series unfolds on Sunday, November 19, as the Minnesota Wild face the Toronto Maple Leafs in what promises to be a captivating display of international hockey talent.;

December 23: Stanley Cup Final Rematch: A Holiday Treat for Hockey Fans

While Christmas approaches, hockey enthusiasts can anticipate an early holiday gift on Saturday, December 23. The rematch of the 2023 Stanley Cup Final is scheduled to take place, with the Florida Panthers hosting the defending champions, the Golden Knights. It’s a clash that will not only stir memories of their previous championship showdown but also ignite the competitive fire as these two elite teams face off once again. As the holiday season unfolds, this marquee matchup will undoubtedly be a highlight on the NHL calendar, showcasing the very best the league has to offer.

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The KHL hockey season 2023 unravels

The Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) is in its 16th season, and the worldwide hockey community is abuzz with excitement as the season progresses. With a series of intriguing changes and a schedule that’s breaking records, Here’s what’s set to come!

The Return of Lada Togliatti

A major focal point for the 2023-24 KHL season is the comeback of Lada Togliatti. This marks their third venture into the KHL, their previous appearance dating back to 2018. Lada Togliatti’s return injects an additional layer of competition and anticipation into the league as they aim to reestablish themselves as a formidable force.

An Expanded Regular Season

This season, the KHL is upping the ante with an extended regular season. A whopping 782 games are scheduled, spanning an unprecedented 165 gamedays. Each of the 23 participating teams will engage in a demanding 68 regular season encounters, putting their skill, endurance, and consistency to the ultimate test. The regular season is slated to have just one breather, taking place from December 8th to December 18th, 2023, during which the 2023 All-Star Week will take center stage.

A Revamped Playoff Format

In a bid to infuse more excitement and unpredictability into the playoffs, the KHL is introducing a cross-playoff system for the Gagarin Cup playoffs. Teams will first partake in the Conference Quarterfinals, followed by a cross-conference switch and re-seeding in the second round. This innovative format promises to bring fresh matchups and narratives to the postseason, ensuring fans are constantly on the edge of their seats.

KHL’s standout players so far

Goaltender

Vladislav Podyapolsky, who secured victories in all three of his starts last week for Lada, achieved this remarkable feat for the third time in his career. Podyapolsky, known for his time with Severtstal, faced an impressive 89 shots during this stretch, averaging 29.7 saves per night. His stellar performance resulted in a remarkable 96.63% save percentage and a minuscule 1.00 goals-against average.

Defenseman

Bogdan Konyushkov, representing Torpedo, showcased his prowess by tallying four points (1 goal and 3 assists) in three games last week. This is his personal best achievement. With an impeccable record and a plus-1 rating for the week, Konyushkov demonstrated his defensive excellence. His contributions extended beyond the scoresheet. As he recorded three hits, three blocked shots, and three takeaways, solidifying his role as a key defenseman.

Forward

Shane Prince, donning the Spartak jersey, earned the title of best forward for the second time in his career. It follows his exceptional performance of 5 points (4 goals and 1 assist) across three games last week. Prince maintained an unblemished record, concluding the week with a plus-1 rating. His contributions were not limited to offense, as he recorded a hit and executed three takeaways. Notably, Prince previously received the best forward award during the 2020-2021 season while representing Dinamo Minsk.

Rookie

Emerging as a standout rookie, goaltender Artemy Pleshkov from SKA celebrated his first career recognition. Pleshkov demonstrated his prowess by securing victories in both of his appearances last week. Over the course of these games, he faced 62 shots, averaging an impressive 31 saves per night. Pleshkov boasted a remarkable 98.39% save percentage and an exceptional goals-against average of 0.50. His highlight of the week was a shutout victory in the Saturday game against Amur. It marks his first KHL shutout and a promising start to his career.

In sum, the 2023 hockey season promises a captivating journey across the icy arenas of both the NHL and KHL. With new narratives, fierce competitions, and moments of brilliance on the horizon. So, grab your jerseys, tune in, and prepare to be enthralled by the world of hockey in the upcoming season. The ice awaits, and the thrill of the game is just around the corner.

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