2021–22 NHL season

(Redirected from 2021–2022 NHL season)

The 2021–22 NHL season was the 105th season of operation (104th season of play) of the National Hockey League (NHL). The league expanded to 32 teams with the addition of the Seattle Kraken. The league had an October-to-April regular season scheduling and a full 82-game regular season for the first time since the 2018–19 NHL season as the previous two NHL seasons were shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The league also restored its pre-COVID-19 Eastern and Western conferences. The season began on October 12.[1][2][3]

2021–22 NHL season
LeagueNational Hockey League
SportIce hockey
DurationOctober 12, 2021 – June 26, 2022
Number of games82
Number of teams32
TV partner(s)Sportsnet, CBC, TVA Sports (Canada)
ESPN/ESPN2/ABC, TNT/TBS (United States)
Streaming partner(s)Sportsnet Now (Canada)
ESPN+/Hulu (United States)
Draft
Top draft pickOwen Power
Picked byBuffalo Sabres
Regular season
Presidents' TrophyFlorida Panthers
Season MVPAuston Matthews (Maple Leafs)
Top scorerConnor McDavid (Oilers)
Playoffs
Playoffs MVPCale Makar
Stanley Cup
ChampionsColorado Avalanche
  Runners-upTampa Bay Lightning
NHL seasons

On December 22, all games were suspended league-wide through at least December 26 (officially termed as an extension of the regularly scheduled Christmas break), in order to reconcile COVID-19 outbreaks that had impacted a large number of teams and resulted in various game postponements. Most teams were scheduled to resume play on December 28, but the home games of all seven Canadian teams through early January were further postponed due to COVID-19 attendance restrictions imposed by provincial health authorities.

The playoffs concluded on June 26, with the Colorado Avalanche defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Stanley Cup Finals in six games, winning their third Stanley Cup in franchise history.

League business

edit

Expansion

edit

On December 4, 2018, the NHL confirmed that it had granted an expansion franchise in the city of Seattle.[4] The team was named the Seattle Kraken on July 23, 2020.[5][6] On April 30, 2021, the team was permitted to begin making trades and signing players after sending its final expansion payment to the league.[7] The 2021 NHL Expansion Draft was held on July 21, 2021, to fill out the Kraken roster.

Realignment

edit

The league returned to the previous alignment with Eastern and Western conferences.[3] As planned before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Seattle Kraken were placed in the Pacific Division and the Arizona Coyotes were moved to the Central Division.[4] If the cross-border travel restrictions had continued for another year, the league would have been forced to use a temporary alignment with an all-Canadian division for a second year.[2]

Entry draft

edit

The 2021 NHL Entry Draft was held July 23–24, 2021, with Owen Power being selected first overall by the Buffalo Sabres. For the second consecutive year the draft was conducted in a remote format due to the COVID-19 pandemic, hosted from the NHL Network studios in Secaucus, New Jersey.[8]

Sponsorships

edit

As in the previous season, NHL teams were allowed to display sponsor logos (helmet entitlement partner) on their helmets. The Edmonton Oilers and Philadelphia Flyers did not have a sponsor, opting to have the traditional team logo on their helmets. The remaining teams have the following helmet sponsors for this season:

Coaching changes

edit
Coaching changes
Off–season
Team 2020–21 coach 2021–22 coach Notes
Arizona Coyotes Rick Tocchet Andre Tourigny On May 9, 2021, Tocchet and the Coyotes mutually agreed to part ways at the end of Tocchet's contract, one day after the team's final game of the 2020–21 season. Tocchet coached the Coyotes for four seasons, compiling a 125–131–34 record, with one playoff appearance in 2020.[32] On July 1, Tourigny was named head coach.[33]
Buffalo Sabres Ralph Krueger
Don Granato*
Don Granato Krueger was fired on March 17, 2021, after parts of two seasons with Buffalo, with the team suffering a 6–18–4 start and a 12-game losing streak. Krueger totaled a 36–49–12 record during his short tenure, and failed to lead the team to the playoffs in his lone complete season. Assistant coach Granato was named interim head coach.[34] Granato was named the permanent head coach on June 29.[35]
Columbus Blue Jackets John Tortorella Brad Larsen On May 9, 2021, one day after the Blue Jackets' last game of the 2020–21 season, Tortorella and the team agreed to mutually parts ways after Tortorella's contract expired.[36] Tortorella coached the Blue Jackets since the 2015–16 season and registered a 227–166–54 record, with four playoff appearances. On June 10, assistant coach Larsen was named head coach.[37]
Montreal Canadiens Claude Julien
Dominique Ducharme*
Dominique Ducharme Julien was fired on February 24, 2021, after parts of five seasons during his second stint as head coach of the Canadiens, which had registered a 9–5–4 record to start the season. Julien compiled a 129–123–35 record during his second stint and the team reached the playoffs twice during his tenure, never advancing past the first round. Assistant coach Ducharme was named interim head coach.[38] On July 13, Ducharme was named the permanent head coach and signed a three-year extension with the team.[39]
New York Rangers David Quinn Gerard Gallant Quinn was fired on May 12, 2021, after serving as team's head coach for three seasons. The Rangers went 96–87–25 under Quinn and made the playoffs once.[40] On June 16, Gallant was named head coach.[41]
Seattle Kraken Expansion team Dave Hakstol On June 24, 2021, the Kraken named Hakstol, who previously served as head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers, as the franchise's first head coach.[42]
In–season
Team Outgoing coach Incoming coach Notes
Chicago Blackhawks Jeremy Colliton Derek King* Colliton was fired on November 6, 2021, after parts of four seasons with Chicago, with the team starting the season 1–9–2. In his tenure, Colliton compiled a 87–92–26 record and led the team to the first round of the playoffs in 2020. King, previously the head coach of the Blackhawks' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate Rockford IceHogs, was promoted to interim head coach.[43]
Edmonton Oilers Dave Tippett Jay Woodcroft Tippett was fired on February 10, 2022, after Edmonton began the season 23–18–3; after starting the season 16–5–0, the Oilers had since registered a record of 7–13–3. In approximately two and a half seasons with Edmonton, Tippett totaled a 95–62–14 record with two playoff berths, failing to advance past the first round. Woodcroft, formerly the head coach of the Oilers' AHL affiliate Bakersfield Condors, was promoted to head coach the next day.[44]
Florida Panthers Joel Quenneville Andrew Brunette* Quenneville resigned on October 28, 2021, after the results of an internal investigation revealed that he had improperly handled an accusation of sexual assault during his tenure as head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks in 2010.[45] Quenneville totaled a 79–40–13 record in just over two seasons with the Panthers, reaching the playoffs twice but failing to advance past the first round.[46] Assistant coach Brunette was named interim head coach.[47]
Montreal Canadiens Dominique Ducharme Martin St. Louis* Ducharme was fired on February 9, 2022, after the Canadiens began the season 8–30–7, with the team last in the league at his time of departure. In his brief tenure over parts of two seasons, Ducharme registered a 23–46–14 record, reaching the Stanley Cup Finals in 2021.[48] St. Louis was named interim head coach later in the day.[49]
Philadelphia Flyers Alain Vigneault Mike Yeo* Vigneault was fired on December 6, 2021, after the Flyers began the season 8–10–4. Vigneault compiled a 74–54–19 record in just over two seasons with Philadelphia, reaching the second round of the playoffs in 2020. Assistant coach Yeo was retained and named interim head coach.[50]
Vancouver Canucks Travis Green Bruce Boudreau Green was fired on December 5, 2021, after an 8–15–2 start to the season. In just over four seasons with Vancouver, Green totaled a 133–147–34 record, leading the team to the second round of the playoffs in 2020. Boudreau, most recently the head coach of the Minnesota Wild from 2016 to 2020, was named head coach the same day.[51]
Winnipeg Jets Paul Maurice Dave Lowry* Maurice resigned on December 17, 2021, after the Jets started the season 13–10–5. In just under eight and a half seasons with Winnipeg, Maurice totaled a 315–223–62 record, with five playoff appearances. Assistant coach Lowry was named interim head coach.[52]

(*) Indicates interim.

Front office changes

edit
General managers
In–season
Team Outgoing general manager Incoming general manager Notes
Anaheim Ducks Bob Murray Jeff Solomon*
Pat Verbeek
Murray resigned on November 10, 2021, one day after being placed on administrative leave due to an investigation of alleged unprofessional conduct. Murray had joined the Ducks organization in 2005 as Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations, winning a Stanley Cup in 2007, before being promoted to general manager in 2008. He had also briefly served as the Ducks' interim head coach during the 2018–19 season. Assistant general manager and vice president of hockey operations Solomon was named interim general manager.[53] Verbeek, who most recently was general manager of the Grand Rapids Griffins, the AHL affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings, was named general manager on February 3, 2022.[54]
Chicago Blackhawks Stan Bowman Kyle Davidson Bowman resigned on October 26, 2021, after the results of an internal investigation revealed that he had improperly handled an accusation of sexual assault within the Blackhawks organization in 2010. Bowman had been with the organization since 2001, and was named general manager in 2009, before ultimately being promoted further to President of Hockey Operations in 2020. His tenure included three Stanley Cup victories. Assistant general manager Davidson was named interim general manager, before being promoted to permanent general manager on March 1, 2022.[55][56]
Montreal Canadiens Marc Bergevin Jeff Gorton*
(As executive vice president of hockey operations)
Kent Hughes
Bergevin was fired on November 28, 2021, after the Canadiens started the season 6–15–2. Bergevin had served as general manager of the Canadiens since 2012, overseeing three division championships and a Stanley Cup Finals appearance in 2021. Gorton, most recently general manager of the New York Rangers, and who had been hired earlier in the day, was retained and named executive vice president of hockey operations in order to "assure the continuity of day-to-day operations," effectively serving as the interim general manager.[57] Hughes, formerly a player agent, was named general manager on January 18, 2022.[58]
San Jose Sharks Doug Wilson Joe Will* Wilson resigned on April 7, 2022, for medical reasons,[59] with the Sharks holding a record of 29–31–9. Wilson had served as general manager of the Sharks since 2003, overseeing fourteen playoff appearances, five Pacific Division titles, one Presidents' Trophy, and one Stanley Cup Finals appearance. Will, the assistant general manager at the time, assumed the role of interim general manager.[59]
Vancouver Canucks Jim Benning Stan Smyl*
Jim Rutherford*
Patrik Allvin
Benning was fired on December 6, 2021, after the Canucks started the season 8–15–2. Benning had served as general manager of the Canucks since 2014, overseeing two playoff appearances. Smyl, who had served as Senior Advisor to the general manager since 2008, was promoted to interim general manager. On December 9, Rutherford, most recently general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins, was hired as president of hockey operations, and assumed the role of interim general manager.[60] Allvin, who was most recently an assistant GM for the Pittsburgh Penguins and briefly served as interim general manager after Rutherford resigned at Pittsburgh, was named general manager on January 26, 2022.[61]

(*) Indicates interim.

Arena changes and regulations

edit

COVID-19 restrictions

edit

Unlike the previous season (where most games were either played behind closed doors or with a reduced spectator capacity), with the loosening of restrictions across Canada and the United States due to COVID-19 vaccination progress, the NHL anticipated that every team would be able to have capacity crowds (if not near-capacity) at the start of the 2021–22 season.[71][72] Some teams, including all Canadian teams, required attendees to present proof of vaccination for all or part of the season.[73][74][75]

In December 2021, all Canadian NHL teams began to reintroduce capacity restrictions due to concerns over the local spread of the highly-infectious[76] Omicron variant.[77][78] By December 21, all Canadian NHL teams besides Montreal had been restricted to 50% capacity per provincial public health orders,[79][80] with Alberta and Ontario also restricting the consumption of food and drink in order to strengthen face mask mandates.[81][77] One initial exception was the Montreal Canadiens; after requesting that the Canadiens December 16 home game be played behind closed doors, the Quebec provincial government formally prohibited spectators at all professional sporting events effective December 20.[82][78] On December 27, the Manitoba government restricted all public gatherings to a maximum of 250 people, including sporting events;[83] the Jets therefore announced that all home games would be played behind closed doors until further notice.[84]

On December 28, the NHL announced that nine games in Canada (four in Montreal, two in Winnipeg, one each in Calgary, Ottawa and Toronto) would be postponed as a result of attendance restrictions in these cities.[85] Effective December 31, 2021, large venues in Ontario were also restricted to a maximum of 1,000 spectators; MLSE announced that all Maple Leafs home games would be played behind closed doors until further notice.[86] At this time, the NHL began to postpone some Canadian home games, specifically citing attendance restrictions as reasoning.[87][88] On January 3, 2022, the Ontario government rolled back the province to modified Stage 2 restrictions, which effectively mandated that all sporting events be held behind closed doors.[89]

Although Ontario began to lift some of these restrictions beginning January 31, large venues remained capped at a maximum of 500 spectators.[90] The Ottawa Senators began to re-admit spectators within this limitation.[91] On February 8, 2022, Manitoba allowed sporting events to return to 50% capacity.[92] The same day, Alberta deprecated the "Restrictions Exemption Program", which required non-essential venues to mandate proof of vaccination or a negative test in order to operate at the maximum allowed capacity—then 50% in large venues. Alberta also began to allow concessions to be consumed in seats. All other capacity restrictions were lifted effective March 1.[93][94]

On February 15 and 16, the Manitoba and British Columbia governments lifted restrictions on venue capacity, although their respective proof of vaccination requirements remain in force.[95][96] Manitoba lifted proof of vaccination on March 1, but B.C. would maintain it through at least the end of June.[97][98] The next day, the Ontario government eased attendance restrictions to allow 50% capacity, before allowing venues to return to full capacity March 1.[99] The Alberta-based teams followed suit the same day. On February 21, the Quebec government eased attendance restrictions to allow 50% capacity; before returning to full capacity crowds on March 12.[100]

Regular season

edit

The league returned to its normal October-to-April, 82-game regular season.[2] The entire schedule was released on July 22, with October 12 planned for opening night.[1][101]

Outdoor games

edit

The league held the following outdoor games:

Postponed games

edit
edit
  • Three Ottawa Senators games (on the road at the New Jersey Devils on November 16, and at home against the Nashville Predators and New York Rangers on November 18 and 20) were postponed after 10 Ottawa players and an assistant coach were placed on the COVID-19 protocol list.[109] The road game at New Jersey was made up on December 6.[110]
  • Two New York Islanders games (both road games at the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers on November 28 and 30) were postponed after eight Islanders players were placed on the protocol list. The Islsanders won all their COVID-19 protocol rescheduled games this season.[111] The road game at the Rangers was rescheduled on March 17,[112] and the road game at the Flyers was rescheduled on January 18.[113]
  • Six Calgary Flames games (two road games at the Chicago Blackhawks and Nashville Predators on December 13 and 14, and four home games against the Toronto Maple Leafs on December 16, the Columbus Blue Jackets on December 18, the Anaheim Ducks on December 21, and the Seattle Kraken on December 23) were postponed after 19 Flames players and 12 staffers, including head coach Darryl Sutter, were placed on the protocol list.[114]
  • A Carolina Hurricanes road game against the Minnesota Wild on December 14 was postponed after six Hurricanes players and one staff member were placed on the protocol list.[115]
  • Four Boston Bruins games (road games at the Montreal Canadiens on December 18 and Ottawa Senators on December 19, and home games against the Carolina Hurricanes on December 21 and Colorado Avalanche on December 23) were postponed after eight Bruins players were placed on the protocol list.[116] The Avalanche also postponed three games in addition to the December 23 game in Boston (home game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on December 18, and road games at the Detroit Red Wings and Buffalo Sabres on December 20 and 22) due to five Avalanche players entering protocol.[117] The Red Wings' road game at the Minnesota Wild on December 23 was also postponed due to nine Red Wings players and three coaches entering protocol.[118]
  • Three Florida Panthers games (two road games at the Minnesota Wild and Chicago Blackhawks on December 18 and 21, and a home game against the Nashville Predators on December 23), were postponed after seven Panthers players were placed on the protocol list.[117] The Predators also postponed two games in addition to the December 23 game at Florida (road game at the Carolina Hurricanes on December 19, and a home game against the Winnipeg Jets on December 21) due to eight Predators players entering the protocol list.[116]
  • Two Toronto Maple Leafs road games (at the Vancouver Canucks on December 18 and Seattle Kraken on December 19) were postponed after seven Maple Leafs players were placed on the protocol list. The Canucks' home game against the Arizona Coyotes on December 19 was also postponed due to five Canucks players entering protocol.[119] The Coyotes–Kraken game on December 21 was also postponed.[120]
  • On December 19, the NHL and NHLPA agreed to postpone all cross-border games through the regularly-scheduled Christmas break. This impacts 12 games through December 23.[121]
  • The Columbus Blue Jackets postponed both of its games against the Buffalo Sabres (road game on December 21, home game on December 23) due to COVID-19 concerns. The Pittsburgh Penguins' home game against the New Jersey Devils, and the Philadelphia Flyers' home game against the Washington Capitals on December 21 were also postponed for the same reason.[120][122]
  • On December 21, the NHL and NHLPA agreed to postpone all games and close all team facilities from December 22 through the regularly-scheduled Christmas break (ending December 26).[123][124] On December 24, it was announced that this suspension of play will continue through December 27, but that teams would be allowed to resume practices on December 26.[125] On December 26, the NHL announced that it would return to play on December 28. However, six games were later postponed due to COVID-19 concerns. These include two games involving the Chicago Blackhawks (home game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on December 28, and road game at the Winnipeg Jets on December 29), two games between the Dallas Stars and the Colorado Avalanche (at Colorado on December 29, at Dallas on December 31), and two games scheduled on December 29 (Pittsburgh Penguins at the Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Boston Bruins at the Ottawa Senators). The league also announced that it would reinstate the temporary rule from the previous season allowing teams to have taxi squads, in an effort to reduce the impact of players entering the protocol list.[126][127][128]
  • Twenty NHL games hosted by the seven Canadian teams were postponed due to attendance restrictions. As announced on December 28, these initially included four Montreal Canadiens home games (January 4 against the Washington Capitals, January 5 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, January 8 against the Buffalo Sabres, and January 10 against the Columbus Blue Jackets), three Winnipeg Jets games (on the road at the Calgary Flames on December 31, and home games against the Seattle Kraken and the Minnesota Wild on January 8 and 10), the Ottawa Senators' home game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on December 31, and the Toronto Maple Leafs' home game against the Carolina Hurricanes on January 3. The Boston Bruins–Montreal Canadiens game on January 12 was moved from Montreal's Bell Centre to Boston's TD Garden, with a game in Montreal to be played at a later date. In addition, the December 29 game between the Detroit Red Wings and the New York Islanders was postponed due to COVID-19 concerns.[85] On December 31, a further eight Canadian games were postponed, including three New York Islanders road games (against the Vancouver Canucks on January 5, the Edmonton Oilers on January 8, and the Calgary Flames on January 11), two Minnesota Wild road games (against Ottawa on January 3 and Edmonton on January 12), two Vegas Golden Knights road games (against Edmonton on January 14 and Calgary on January 15), and Winnipeg's home game against Edmonton on January 16. On January 5, the New Jersey Devils' road games at the Montreal Canadiens (January 15) and the Toronto Maple Leafs (January 17), and the Chicago Blackhawks' road game at the Edmonton Oilers on January 18, were also postponed for the same reason.[88] Additionally, due to the postponement of their other road games, the Islanders' game at Seattle on January 4 was also postponed.[87]
  • The January 2 game between the Dallas Stars and the Arizona Coyotes was postponed due to COVID-19 concerns involving the Stars.[129]
  • The January 6 game between the Ottawa Senators and the Seattle Kraken was postponed due to COVID-19 concerns involving the Senators.[130] The Senators' road games at the Vancouver Canucks (January 8) and the Winnipeg Jets (January 15) were also postponed due to attendance restrictions in Canada.[131] On January 9, the NHL rescheduled the Senators' road game at the Edmonton Oilers from January 10 to January 15 due to COVID-19 concerns affecting the Oilers.[132]
  • To accommodate the rescheduled New York Islanders–Philadelphia Flyers game (see above), the Flyers' home game against the Detroit Red Wings, and the Islanders' home game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, were rescheduled from January 18 to a date to be determined. In addition, due to the aforementioned attendance restrictions in Canada, the Islanders' game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on January 22 was moved from Toronto's Scotiabank Arena to New York's UBS Arena, with the original game in Toronto rescheduled to April 17.[113]
  • The January 6 game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Anaheim Ducks was rescheduled to January 9 due to COVID-19 concerns involving the Ducks.[133]
  • The January 10 game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the New Jersey Devils was postponed due to COVID-19 concerns involving the Devils.[132]
  • The January 11 game between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Philadelphia Flyers was postponed due to COVID-19 concerns involving the Flyers.[134]
  • On January 19, the NHL published substantial updates to its regular season schedule, most notably rescheduling 95 prior COVID-19-affected games to the former Olympic break between February 7 and February 22. A number of other games scheduled in March and April were rescheduled to either February or later in the season to accommodate the rescheduled games.[135]

Other

edit
  • The January 29 game between the Seattle Kraken and the New York Islanders was postponed due to the January 2022 North American blizzard. The game was rescheduled to February 2.[136]
  • The April 13 game between the Seattle Kraken and the Winnipeg Jets was postponed due to the expected extreme weather conditions in Winnipeg. The game was rescheduled to May 1.[137]

Olympics

edit

The collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that the league and the National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA) signed on July 10, 2020, included a provision opening the possibility for the NHL to explore participation at the Beijing 2022 and Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.[138] By the time the league released the regular schedule on July 22, discussions were still ongoing with the International Olympic Committee on sending players to the 2022 Winter Olympics, particularly in regards to health protocols and insurance issues.[139][140] Two working schedules were thus created that were not released to the public, one with an Olympics break and one without.[3] The schedule released on July 22 included a break for the Games from February 7 to 22,[140][141] with the intention that the other schedule without the Olympics break would be used instead if the league and the IOC could not reach a deal, and some teams would have to reschedule as many as 16 home dates.[142]

On September 3, 2021, a deal was officially reached to send players to the Olympics, with an opt-out clause should COVID-19 health conditions worsen.[143] On December 22, the NHL and NHLPA announced that it would opt out of sending its players to the Olympics, nor schedule a break in the season, citing the ongoing COVID-19 issues within the league and the "profound disruption" to the schedule that came as a result. The NHL then used the Winter Olympics' window to reschedule postponed games.[144]

All-Star Game

edit

The 2022 All-Star Game took place at T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada, home of the Vegas Golden Knights, on February 5, with the skills competition held on February 4.[141] During seasons when the league sends players to the Olympics (most recently in 2014), the All-Star Game is not normally held. On June 28, 2021, with still no deal signed with the IOC, the league announced that it had decided to schedule an All-Star Game anyway.[102][145][146] It was originally scheduled as the last event before the Olympic break, and the NHL had reportedly chosen to host it on the west coast to ease travel to Beijing afterward.[101][147]

Standings

edit

Eastern Conference

edit
Top 3 (Metropolitan Division)
Pos Team GP W L OTL RW GF GA GD Pts
1 y – Carolina Hurricanes 82 54 20 8 47 278 202 +76 116
2 x – New York Rangers 82 52 24 6 44 254 207 +47 110
3 x – Pittsburgh Penguins 82 46 25 11 37 272 229 +43 103
Source: National Hockey League[148]
Rules for classification: 1) Fewer number of games played (GP, only during regular season); 2) Greater number of regulation wins (RW); 3) Greater number of wins in regulation and overtime, excluding shootout wins (ROW); 4) Greater number of total wins, including shootouts (W); 5) Greater number of points earned in head-to-head play; if teams played an uneven number of head-to-head games, the result of the first game on the home ice of the team with the extra home game is discarded; 6) Greater goal differential (GD); 7) Greater number of goals scored (GF) дкИР
x – Clinched playoff spot; y – Clinched division
Top 3 (Atlantic Division)
Pos Team GP W L OTL RW GF GA GD Pts
1 p – Florida Panthers 82 58 18 6 42 340 246 +94 122
2 x – Toronto Maple Leafs 82 54 21 7 45 315 253 +62 115
3 x – Tampa Bay Lightning 82 51 23 8 39 287 233 +54 110
Source: National Hockey League[148]
Rules for classification: 1) Fewer number of games played (GP, only during regular season); 2) Greater number of regulation wins (RW); 3) Greater number of wins in regulation and overtime, excluding shootout wins (ROW); 4) Greater number of total wins, including shootouts (W); 5) Greater number of points earned in head-to-head play; if teams played an uneven number of head-to-head games, the result of the first game on the home ice of the team with the extra home game is discarded; 6) Greater goal differential (GD); 7) Greater number of goals scored (GF)
p – Clinched Presidents' Trophy; x – Clinched playoff spot
Eastern Conference Wild Card
Pos Div Team GP W L OTL RW GF GA GD Pts
1 AT x – Boston Bruins 82 51 26 5 40 255 220 +35 107
2 ME x – Washington Capitals 82 44 26 12 35 275 245 +30 100
3 ME e – New York Islanders 82 37 35 10 34 231 237 −6 84
4 ME e – Columbus Blue Jackets 82 37 38 7 26 262 300 −38 81
5 AT e – Buffalo Sabres 82 32 39 11 25 232 290 −58 75
6 AT e – Detroit Red Wings 82 32 40 10 21 230 312 −82 74
7 AT e – Ottawa Senators 82 33 42 7 26 227 266 −39 73
8 ME e – New Jersey Devils 82 27 46 9 19 248 307 −59 63
9 ME e – Philadelphia Flyers 82 25 46 11 20 211 298 −87 61
10 AT e – Montreal Canadiens 82 22 49 11 16 221 319 −98 55
Source: National Hockey League[149]
Rules for classification: 1) Fewer number of games played (GP, only during regular season); 2) Greater number of regulation wins (RW); 3) Greater number of wins in regulation and overtime, excluding shootout wins (ROW); 4) Greater number of total wins, including shootouts (W); 5) Greater number of points earned in head-to-head play; if teams played an uneven number of head-to-head games, the result of the first game on the home ice of the team with the extra home game is discarded; 6) Greater goal differential (GD); 7) Greater number of goals scored (GF)
e – Eliminated from playoff contention; x – Clinched playoff spot

Western Conference

edit
Top 3 (Central Division)
Pos Team GP W L OTL RW GF GA GD Pts
1 z – Colorado Avalanche 82 56 19 7 46 312 234 +78 119
2 x – Minnesota Wild 82 53 22 7 37 310 253 +57 113
3 x – St. Louis Blues 82 49 22 11 43 311 242 +69 109
Source: National Hockey League[148]
Rules for classification: 1) Fewer number of games played (GP, only during regular season); 2) Greater number of regulation wins (RW); 3) Greater number of wins in regulation and overtime, excluding shootout wins (ROW); 4) Greater number of total wins, including shootouts (W); 5) Greater number of points earned in head-to-head play; if teams played an uneven number of head-to-head games, the result of the first game on the home ice of the team with the extra home game is discarded; 6) Greater goal differential (GD); 7) Greater number of goals scored (GF)
x – Clinched playoff spot; z – Clinched conference
Top 3 (Pacific Division)
Pos Team GP W L OTL RW GF GA GD Pts
1 y – Calgary Flames 82 50 21 11 44 293 208 +85 111
2 x – Edmonton Oilers 82 49 27 6 38 290 252 +38 104
3 x – Los Angeles Kings 82 44 27 11 35 239 236 +3 99
Source: National Hockey League[148]
Rules for classification: 1) Fewer number of games played (GP, only during regular season); 2) Greater number of regulation wins (RW); 3) Greater number of wins in regulation and overtime, excluding shootout wins (ROW); 4) Greater number of total wins, including shootouts (W); 5) Greater number of points earned in head-to-head play; if teams played an uneven number of head-to-head games, the result of the first game on the home ice of the team with the extra home game is discarded; 6) Greater goal differential (GD); 7) Greater number of goals scored (GF)
x – Clinched playoff spot; y – Clinched division
Western Conference Wild Card
Pos Div Team GP W L OTL RW GF GA GD Pts
1 CE x – Dallas Stars 82 46 30 6 31 238 246 −8 98
2 CE x – Nashville Predators 82 45 30 7 35 266 252 +14 97
3 PA e – Vegas Golden Knights 82 43 31 8 34 266 248 +18 94
4 PA e – Vancouver Canucks 82 40 30 12 32 249 236 +13 92
5 CE e – Winnipeg Jets 82 39 32 11 32 252 257 −5 89
6 PA e – San Jose Sharks 82 32 37 13 22 214 264 −50 77
7 PA e – Anaheim Ducks 82 31 37 14 22 232 271 −39 76
8 CE e – Chicago Blackhawks 82 28 42 12 16 219 291 −72 68
9 PA e – Seattle Kraken 82 27 49 6 23 216 285 −69 60
10 CE e – Arizona Coyotes 82 25 50 7 18 207 313 −106 57
Source: National Hockey League[149]
Rules for classification: 1) Fewer number of games played (GP, only during regular season); 2) Greater number of regulation wins (RW); 3) Greater number of wins in regulation and overtime, excluding shootout wins (ROW); 4) Greater number of total wins, including shootouts (W); 5) Greater number of points earned in head-to-head play; if teams played an uneven number of head-to-head games, the result of the first game on the home ice of the team with the extra home game is discarded; 6) Greater goal differential (GD); 7) Greater number of goals scored (GF)
e – Eliminated from playoff contention; x – Clinched playoff spot

Playoffs

edit

Bracket

edit

In each round, teams compete in a best-of-seven series following a 2–2–1–1–1 format (scores in the bracket indicate the number of games won in each best-of-seven series). The team with home ice advantage plays at home for games one and two (and games five and seven, if necessary), and the other team is at home for games three and four (and game six, if necessary). The top three teams in each division make the playoffs, along with two wild cards in each conference, for a total of eight teams from each conference.

In the First Round, the lower seeded wild card in each conference played against the division winner with the best record while the other wild card played against the other division winner, and both wild cards were de facto #4 seeds. The other series matched the second and third place teams from the divisions. In the first two rounds, home ice advantage was awarded to the team with the better seed. In the conference finals and Stanley Cup Finals, home ice advantage was awarded to the team with the better regular season record.

First round Second round Conference finals Stanley Cup Finals
            
A1 Florida 4
WC Washington 2
A1 Florida 0
A3 Tampa Bay 4
A2 Toronto 3
A3 Tampa Bay 4
A3 Tampa Bay 4
Eastern Conference
M2 NY Rangers 2
M1 Carolina 4
WC Boston 3
M1 Carolina 3
M2 NY Rangers 4
M2 NY Rangers 4
M3 Pittsburgh 3
A3 Tampa Bay 2
C1 Colorado 4
C1 Colorado 4
WC Nashville 0
C1 Colorado 4
C3 St. Louis 2
C2 Minnesota 2
C3 St. Louis 4
C1 Colorado 4
Western Conference
P2 Edmonton 0
P1 Calgary 4
WC Dallas 3
P1 Calgary 1
P2 Edmonton 4
P2 Edmonton 4
P3 Los Angeles 3
Legend
  • A1, A2, A3 – The first, second, and third place teams from the Atlantic Division, respectively
  • M1, M2, M3 – The first, second, and third place teams from the Metropolitan Division, respectively
  • C1, C2, C3 – The first, second, and third place teams from the Central Division, respectively
  • P1, P2, P3 – The first, second, and third place teams from the Pacific Division, respectively
  • WC – Wild Card teams

Statistics

edit

Scoring leaders

edit

The following players led the league in regular season points at the completion of games played on April 29, 2022.[150]

Player Team GP G A Pts +/– PIM
Connor McDavid Edmonton Oilers 80 44 79 123 +28 45
Johnny Gaudreau Calgary Flames 82 40 75 115 +64 26
Jonathan Huberdeau Florida Panthers 80 30 85 115 +35 54
Leon Draisaitl Edmonton Oilers 80 55 55 110 +17 40
Kirill Kaprizov Minnesota Wild 81 47 61 108 +27 34
Auston Matthews Toronto Maple Leafs 73 60 46 106 +20 18
Steven Stamkos Tampa Bay Lightning 81 42 64 106 +24 36
Matthew Tkachuk Calgary Flames 82 42 62 104 +57 68
J. T. Miller Vancouver Canucks 80 32 67 99 +15 47
Mitch Marner Toronto Maple Leafs 72 35 62 97 +23 16

Nashville Predators player Roman Josi, ranked eleventh in scoring with 96 points, became the NHL's highest-scoring defenseman in 29 years,[151] since Phil Housley scored 97 points with the Winnipeg Jets in 1992–93.[152] Auston Matthews became only the third player in 25 years to score 60 or more goals, joining Alexander Ovechkin (65 goals with Washington Capitals in 2007–08) and Steven Stamkos (60 goals with Tampa Bay Lightning in 2011–12).[153]

Leading goaltenders

edit

The following goaltenders led the league in regular season goals against average at the completion of games played on April 29, 2022, while playing at least 1,920 minutes.[154]

Player Team GP TOI W L OTL GA SO SV% GAA
Igor Shesterkin New York Rangers 53 3,070:32 36 13 4 106 6 .935 2.07
Frederik Andersen Carolina Hurricanes 52 3,070:53 35 14 3 111 4 .922 2.17
Jacob Markstrom Calgary Flames 63 3,695:50 37 15 9 137 9 .922 2.22
Ilya Sorokin New York Islanders 52 3,072:17 26 18 8 123 7 .925 2.40
Jeremy Swayman Boston Bruins 41 2,390:14 23 14 3 96 3 .914 2.41
Tristan Jarry Pittsburgh Penguins 58 3,415:11 34 18 6 138 4 .919 2.42
Linus Ullmark Boston Bruins 41 2,330:26 26 10 2 95 1 .917 2.45
Andrei Vasilevskiy Tampa Bay Lightning 63 3,760:45 39 18 5 156 2 .916 2.49
Jake Oettinger Dallas Stars 48 2,707:36 30 15 1 114 1 .914 2.53
Darcy Kuemper Colorado Avalanche 57 3,258:45 37 12 4 138 5 .921 2.54

NHL awards

edit

Voting concluded immediately after the end of the regular season. Statistics-based awards such as the Art Ross Trophy, Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy, William M. Jennings Trophy and the Presidents' Trophy are announced at the end of the regular season. The Stanley Cup and the Conn Smythe Trophy are presented at the end of the Stanley Cup Finals.

The NHL announced the return of the NHL Awards ceremony which took place on June 21. However, only the Calder, Hart, Norris, Vezina, and Lindsay awards were presented. The other major awards were presented during the conference finals.[155] The Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award was awarded during the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.[156]

2021–22 NHL awards
Award Recipient(s) Runner(s)-up/Finalists
Stanley Cup Colorado Avalanche Tampa Bay Lightning
Presidents' Trophy
(Best regular-season record)
Florida Panthers Colorado Avalanche
Prince of Wales Trophy
(Eastern Conference playoff champion)
Tampa Bay Lightning New York Rangers
Clarence S. Campbell Bowl
(Western Conference playoff champion)
Colorado Avalanche Edmonton Oilers
Art Ross Trophy
(Player with most points)
Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers) Johnny Gaudreau (Calgary Flames)[Notes 9]
Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy
(Perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication)
Carey Price (Montreal Canadiens) Zdeno Chara (New York Islanders)
Kevin Hayes (Philadelphia Flyers)
Calder Memorial Trophy
(Best first-year player)
Moritz Seider (Detroit Red Wings) Michael Bunting (Toronto Maple Leafs)
Trevor Zegras (Anaheim Ducks)
Conn Smythe Trophy
(Most valuable player, playoffs)
Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche) Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche)
Frank J. Selke Trophy
(Defensive forward)
Patrice Bergeron (Boston Bruins) Aleksander Barkov (Florida Panthers)
Elias Lindholm (Calgary Flames)
Hart Memorial Trophy
(Most valuable player, regular season)
Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs) Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers)
Igor Shesterkin (New York Rangers)
Jack Adams Award
(Best coach)
Darryl Sutter (Calgary Flames) Andrew Brunette (Florida Panthers)
Gerard Gallant (New York Rangers)
James Norris Memorial Trophy
(Best defenseman)
Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche) Victor Hedman (Tampa Bay Lightning)
Roman Josi (Nashville Predators)
King Clancy Memorial Trophy
(Leadership and humanitarian contribution)
P. K. Subban (New Jersey Devils) Ryan Getzlaf (Anaheim Ducks)
Darnell Nurse (Edmonton Oilers)
Lady Byng Memorial Trophy
(Sportsmanship and excellence)
Kyle Connor (Winnipeg Jets) Jaccob Slavin (Carolina Hurricanes)
Jared Spurgeon (Minnesota Wild)
Ted Lindsay Award
(Outstanding player)
Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs) Roman Josi (Nashville Predators)
Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers)
Mark Messier Leadership Award
(Leadership and community activities)
Anze Kopitar (Los Angeles Kings) N/A
Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy
(Top goal-scorer)
Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs) Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton Oilers)
Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award
(Top general manager)
Joe Sakic (Colorado Avalanche) Julien BriseBois (Tampa Bay Lightning)
Chris Drury (New York Rangers)
Vezina Trophy
(Best goaltender)
Igor Shesterkin (New York Rangers) Jacob Markstrom (Calgary Flames)
Juuse Saros (Nashville Predators)
William M. Jennings Trophy
(Goaltender(s) of team with fewest goals against)
Frederik Andersen and Antti Raanta
(Carolina Hurricanes)
Alexandar Georgiev and Igor Shesterkin
(New York Rangers)

All-Star teams

edit
Position First Team Second Team Position All-Rookie
G Igor Shesterkin, New York Rangers Jacob Markstrom, Calgary Flames G Jeremy Swayman, Boston Bruins
D Roman Josi, Nashville Predators Victor Hedman, Tampa Bay Lightning D Alexandre Carrier, Nashville Predators
D Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche Charlie McAvoy, Boston Bruins D Moritz Seider, Detroit Red Wings
C Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers F Michael Bunting, Toronto Maple Leafs
RW Mitch Marner, Toronto Maple Leafs Matthew Tkachuk, Calgary Flames F Lucas Raymond, Detroit Red Wings
LW Johnny Gaudreau, Calgary Flames Jonathan Huberdeau, Florida Panthers F Trevor Zegras, Anaheim Ducks

Uniforms

edit

League changes

edit
  • The 2021–22 season will be the first for Adidas' new Primegreen jerseys across the league; the new line is intended to be more environmentally-friendly, being manufactured with a minimum of 50 percent of recycled materials. These jerseys will be used in-game and sold commercially.[157]

Wholesale team changes

edit
  • The Arizona Coyotes changed their road uniform to the original Kachina design from 1996 to 2003, replacing the road uniform they wore from 2015.[158]
  • The Los Angeles Kings changed their alternate uniform to a modernized white version of the Wayne Gretzky-era uniforms they wore from 1988 to 1998. This set replaced the silver alternate uniforms they wore from 2016.[159]
  • The New Jersey Devils unveiled their first full-fledged alternate uniform,[Notes 10] featuring a black base with white stripes and red accents. The uniform was designed by Devils legend Martin Brodeur and was largely influenced by the history of ice hockey in New Jersey.[160]
  • The Pittsburgh Penguins changed their alternate uniform to a modernized version of the black "PITTSBURGH" diagonal uniforms worn from 1992 to 1997, similar to the previous season's white Reverse Retro uniforms. The uniform replaces the yellow alternate uniforms worn from 2018 onward.[161]
  • For its inaugural season, the Seattle Kraken are wearing home deep sea blue and road white uniforms with ice blue, boundless blue, shadow blue and red accents.[162]
  • The Toronto Maple Leafs unveiled a reversible alternate uniform, a first in North American professional sports. The primarily black uniform featured the traditional Maple Leafs logo and blue accents in front, while the reverse side has Justin Bieber's drew house insignia, modified inside a yellow Maple Leafs logo.[163]
  • The Winnipeg Jets changed their alternate uniform to the throwback design they wore in the 2019 Heritage Classic, replacing the aviator blue script uniform they wore from 2018.[164]

Milestones

edit

First games

edit

The following is a list of notable players who played their first NHL game during the 2021–22 season, listed with their first team.

Player Team Notability
Matty Beniers Seattle Kraken 2022–23 Calder Memorial Trophy winner, one-time NHL All-Star, NHL All-Rookie Team selection
Connor Ingram Nashville Predators Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy winner
Owen Power[165] Buffalo Sabres First overall pick in the 2021 Draft, NHL All-Rookie Team selection
Moritz Seider Detroit Red Wings 2021–22 Calder Memorial Trophy winner, NHL All-Rookie Team selection

Last games

edit

The following is a list of players of note who played their last NHL game in 2021–22, listed with their team:

Player Team Notability
Dustin Brown[166] Los Angeles Kings Over 1,200 games played, NHL Foundation Player Award winner, Mark Messier Leadership Award winner, one-time NHL All-Star
Zdeno Chara[167] New York Islanders All-time leader in games played by a defenseman (1,680), James Norris Memorial Trophy winner, Mark Messier Leadership Award winner, seven-time NHL All-Star team selection, six-time NHL All-Star, NHL 2010s All-Decade Team selection, oldest active NHL player at time of retirement (45 years, 42 days), tallest player in NHL history (6 ft 9 in (2.06 m))
Ryan Getzlaf[168] Anaheim Ducks Over 1,100 games played, one-time NHL All-Star team selection, three-time NHL All-Star
Andy Greene[169] New York Islanders Over 1,000 games played
Duncan Keith[170] Edmonton Oilers Over 1,200 games played, two-time James Norris Memorial Trophy winner, Conn Smythe Trophy winner, three-time NHL All-Star team selection, four-time NHL All-Star, 100 Greatest NHL Players, NHL 2010s All-Decade Team
Andrew Ladd[171] Arizona Coyotes Over 1,000 games played
Carey Price[172] Montreal Canadiens Hart Memorial Trophy winner, Ted Lindsay Award winner, Vezina Trophy winner, William M. Jennings Trophy winner, Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy winner, one-time NHL All-Star team selection, seven-time NHL All-Star, NHL All-Rookie Team selection, over 300 wins
Tuukka Rask[173] Boston Bruins Vezina Trophy winner, William M. Jennings Trophy winner, two-time NHL All-Star team selection, two-time NHL All-Star, over 300 wins
Cory Schneider[174] New York Islanders William M. Jennings Trophy winner, one-time NHL All-Star
Jason Spezza[175] Toronto Maple Leafs Over 1,200 games played, two-time NHL All-Star
P. K. Subban[176] New Jersey Devils James Norris Memorial Trophy winner, King Clancy Memorial Trophy winner, three-time NHL All-Star team selection, three-time NHL All-Star, NHL All-Rookie Team selection
Joe Thornton[177] Florida Panthers Over 1,700 games played, Hart Memorial Trophy winner, Art Ross Trophy winner, four-time NHL All-Star team selection, six-time NHL All-Star, last active NHL player to have been born in the 1970s, last active player to have played in the 1990s
Keith Yandle[178] Philadelphia Flyers Longest iron man streak of all time at retirement (989 consecutive games), over 1,100 games played, three-time NHL All-Star

Major milestones reached

edit
  • On October 13, 2021, Washington Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin scored his 732nd goal, surpassing Marcel Dionne for fifth in all-time goals scored.[179]
  • On October 13, 2021, Washington Capitals head coach Peter Laviolette surpassed John Tortorella for the most NHL wins by an American-born head coach, with 674 total.[180]
  • On October 21, 2021, Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky recorded his 300th win, becoming the 38th goaltender to reach the mark.[181]
  • On November 6, 2021, New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello became the third general manager to reach 1,500 NHL wins (regular season and playoffs).[182]
  • On November 15, 2021, New York Islanders defenseman Andy Greene played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 358th player to reach the mark.[183]
  • On November 16, 2021, Anaheim Ducks forward Ryan Getzlaf recorded his 1,000th NHL point, becoming the 92nd player to reach the mark.[184]
  • On November 26, 2021, Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy became the second-fastest goaltender to reach 200 wins, accomplishing the milestone in 318 games.[185]
  • On November 27, 2021, Edmonton Oilers defenseman Kris Russell blocked his 1,999th shot, becoming the all-time leader in blocked shots since the statistic began to be tracked; later in the same night, Russell became the first player to block 2,000 shots.[186]
  • On November 30, 2021, Dallas Stars head coach Rick Bowness became the first coach in NHL history to reach 2,500 games coached (as head coach or assistant).[187]
  • On November 30, 2021, Dallas Stars goaltender Braden Holtby recorded his 293rd win in his 500th game, surpassing Jacques Plante for the most goaltender wins through their first 500 games.[188]
  • On December 5, 2021, Winnipeg Jets forward Blake Wheeler played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 359th player to reach the mark.[189]
  • On December 6, 2021, Arizona Coyotes forward Loui Eriksson played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 360th player to reach the mark.[190]
  • On December 7, 2021, Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury played his 900th NHL game, becoming the eighth goaltender to reach the mark.[191]
  • On December 9, 2021, Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury recorded his 500th win, becoming the third goaltender to reach the mark.[192]
  • On December 31, 2021, Washington Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin scored his 275th power play goal, becoming the all-time leader in power play goals, and surpassing the record previously held by Dave Andreychuk.[193]
  • On January 6, 2022, Columbus Blue Jackets forward Jakub Voracek played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 361st player to reach the mark.[194]
  • On January 11, 2022, Pittsburgh Penguins forwards Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin and defenseman Kris Letang played their first game of the season as a trio, setting a new record for most seasons (16) as a trio in NHL history.[195]
  • On January 17, 2022, San Jose Sharks forward Timo Meier scored five goals in one game, becoming the 47th player in NHL history to do so.[196]
  • On January 23, 2022, Vancouver Canucks head coach Bruce Boudreau became the 29th head coach in NHL history to coach 1,000 games.[197]
  • On January 25, 2022, Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Keith Yandle played his 965th consecutive NHL game, setting a new record for consecutive games played, and surpassing the record previously held by Doug Jarvis.[198]
  • On January 27, 2022, Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 362nd player to reach the mark.[199]
  • On February 15, 2022, Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sidney Crosby scored his 500th goal, becoming the 46th player to reach the mark.[200]
  • On February 15, 2022, Washington Capitals head coach Peter Laviolette became the tenth head coach in NHL history to win 700 games.[201]
  • On February 24, 2022, New York Islanders defenseman Zdeno Chara played his 1,652nd NHL game, becoming the all-time leader in games played by a defenseman, and surpassing the record previously held by Chris Chelios.[202]
  • On March 1, 2022, Colorado Avalanche defenseman Jack Johnson played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 363rd player to reach the mark.[203]
  • On March 1, 2022, Vegas Golden Knights head coach Peter DeBoer became the 28th head coach in NHL history to win 500 games.[204]
  • On March 5, 2022, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Wayne Simmonds played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 364th player to reach the mark.[205]
  • On March 5, 2022, Seattle Kraken defenseman Mark Giordano played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 365th player to reach the mark.[206]
  • On March 8, 2022, Washington Capitals duo Alexander Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom played their 1,000th game together, becoming the ninth pair in league history to reach the mark.[207]
  • On March 9, 2022, Washington Capitals forward Nicklas Backstrom recorded his 1,000th point, becoming the 93rd player to reach the mark.[208]
  • On March 10, 2022, Buffalo Sabres goaltender Craig Anderson recorded his 300th win, becoming the 39th goaltender to reach the mark.[209]
  • On March 11, 2022, New York Islanders head coach Barry Trotz became the third head coach in NHL history to win 900 games.[210]
  • On March 12, 2022, Detroit Red Wings defenseman Marc Staal played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 366th player to reach the mark. Additionally, Staal joined his brothers Eric and Jordan as the first trio of brothers in NHL history to each record 1,000 games played.[211]
  • On March 15, 2022, Boston Bruins forward Nick Foligno played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 367th player to reach the mark.[212] Additionally, he and his father Mike became the second father-and-son duo in NHL history to each record 1,000 games, after Bobby and Brett Hull.[213]
  • On March 17, 2022, Philadelphia Flyers forward Claude Giroux played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 368th player to reach the mark.[214]
  • On March 31, 2022, Chicago Blackhawks forward Jonathan Toews played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 369th player to reach the mark.[215]
  • On March 31, 2022, Florida Panthers forward Jonathan Huberdeau recorded his 71st assist of the season, becoming the all-time single-season leader in assists by a left winger, and surpassing the record previously held by Joe Juneau.[216]
  • On April 7, 2022, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews scored his 56th goal of the season, setting a new single-season record for goals scored by a United States-born player, and surpassing the record previously held by Jimmy Carson and Kevin Stevens.[217]
  • On April 20, 2022, Washington Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin scored his 50th goal of the season, becoming the third player to do so nine times, tying Wayne Gretzky and Mike Bossy for having the most 50-goal seasons in NHL history. He also became the oldest player to record a 50-goal season at 36 years and 215 days of age, surpassing the record previously held by Johnny Bucyk.[218]
  • On April 20, 2022, Arizona Coyotes forward Andrew Ladd played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 370th player to reach the mark.[219]
  • On April 24, 2022, the Eastern Conference became the first conference to have eight teams reach 100 points in the same season.[220]
  • On April 26, 2022, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews scored his 60th goal of the season, becoming the 21st player to reach the mark, and accomplishing the 40th 60-goal season in NHL history. Matthews additionally became the first United States-born player to do so.[221]
  • On May 9, 2022, Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sidney Crosby became the sixth player in league history to score 200 playoff points.[222]
  • On May 14, 2022, Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid scored two points in game 7 of the Oilers' first-round series against the Los Angeles Kings, becoming the second player in NHL history to record six multi-point games in a single playoff series, and first since Rick Middleton did so for the Boston Bruins in 1983.[223]

Broadcast rights

edit

Canadian media

edit

National

edit

This was the eighth season of the league's 12-year Canadian national broadcast rights deal with Sportsnet. This includes Sportnet's sub-licensing agreements to air Saturday Hockey Night in Canada games on CBC Television and French-language broadcasts on TVA Sports, and games streamed on Sportsnet Now, CBCSports.ca (for games televised by CBC), or the subscription service NHL Live.[224] This season NHL Live was made available at no extra cost to subscribers of Sportsnet Now+.[225] After a one-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Hometown Hockey games have returned to Sportsnet's schedule, moving to Monday nights.[226]

Personnel

edit

On September 21, 2021, Hockey Night in Canada/Sportsnet lead play-by-play announcer Jim Hughson announced his retirement from broadcasting.[227]

On April 28, 2022, Winnipeg Jets play-by-play announcer Dennis Beyak announced his retirement. Beyak served as the voice of the Jets since relocating from Atlanta in 2011. He also worked play-by-play duties for the Edmonton Oilers and the Toronto Maple Leafs.[228]

On September 15, 2022, Montreal Canadiens English-language play-by-play announcer Dan Robertson announced his departure from the team. Robertson had been the team's English radio voice since 2014, and have split television duties with Bryan Mudryk starting in 2018.[229]

U.S. media

edit

National

edit

The 2021–22 season was the first of the NHL's new national media rights agreements in the United States,[230][231] following the expiration of the league's contract with NBC Sports after the previous season. In negotiating its media rights, the NHL aimed to surpass the US$2 billion total that NBC paid over the life of their 2011–21 contract.[232] The league explored splitting its media rights between multiple broadcasters,[233] and over-the-top services (such as DAZN, ESPN+, and Peacock).[234]

On March 10, 2021, the NHL announced that ESPN/ABC would serve as one of the new rightsholders under a seven-year contract, marking the network's return to NHL broadcasting for the first time since the 2003–04 season. On April 27, 2021, the NHL announced that Turner Sports would serve as the second rightsholder. The structure of the two new contracts resemble ESPN and TNT's broadcast rights to the NBA, in which they also split national coverage.[230][231][235][236]

ESPN's contract allows at least 25 exclusive games per season on ABC or ESPN, 75 exclusive games streamed on ESPN+ (also simulcast on Hulu), exclusive rights to the opening night games, the All-Star Game, and other "special events". ESPN2 and other ESPN networks would also be used as overflow channels. NHL.tv, the NHL's digital out-of-market package, will be discontinued in the United States, with all out-of-market games moving to ESPN+,[237] at no extra cost to subscribers. Most of ESPN+'s 75-game slate in 2021–22 took place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with a select number of games on Fridays. ESPN's 2021–22 schedule included four Tuesday night games in October, six Thursday night games in January, February and March, and eight Tuesday or Thursday night games in April. ABC's 2021–22 schedule included the Thanksgiving Showdown on November 26, the All-Star Game, and nine ABC Hockey Saturday games during the later months of the regular season (one of which airing in primetime).[238]

Turner's contract includes exclusive rights to up to 72 exclusive games per-season, the Winter Classic, and extended highlights on Turner's Bleacher Report website. Games primarily air on TNT, with sister networks TBS and TruTV used as overflow channels.[236] The agreement also included the option to stream its games on HBO Max, but TNT eventually chose not to do so until the 2023–24 NHL season.[236][239] For the 2021–22 season, TNT aired 50 games, primarily on Wednesday nights (with 15 doubleheaders), seven weeks of games on Sundays in March and April 2022, and all three outdoor games.[240] Due to TNT's prior commitments to air AEW Dynamite, the network only aired a single, west coast game on Wednesday nights from October 27 through December 29, after which Dynamite moved to TBS beginning January 5.[240][241]

NHL Network continued to nationally televise selected regular season games not broadcast by either ESPN or TNT.[242] NHL Network and TNT games will not be available to stream live on ESPN+, but will be available on-demand 24 hours after they end.[243]

ESPN and TNT's coverage of the Stanley Cup playoffs differs from their rights to the NBA playoffs. With ESPN and TNT having designated days of the week in which they televise the first two rounds of the NBA playoffs, the NHL has to work around those dates while ensuring that both broadcasters televise roughly an equal number of first and second round Stanley Cup playoff games. ESPN/ABC then has the first choice of which NHL Conference finals series to air, instead of having the broadcasters alternate annually between Eastern and Western Conference like they do with their NBA Conference finals coverage. And while the NBA Finals is exclusive to ABC, coverage of the Stanley Cup Finals instead alternates annually, with ABC airing it during even-numbered years (marking the first time that it will be broadcast entirely on American network television; under past contracts, two games aired on cable) and TNT televising it during odd-numbered years (marking the first time since 1994 that national coverage will be exclusively on cable television).[235][236]

The NHL renewed its national radio agreement with Sports USA, which had taken over NHL Radio the previous season on a one-year deal, for an additional four seasons, taking the company's rights through the 2025 Stanley Cup Finals.[244]

Local

edit

Personnel

edit

On May 26, 2021, TNT announced that current Rangers radio voice Kenny Albert and current Blackhawks analyst Eddie Olczyk — a pairing carried over from NBC, will be their lead broadcast team, and that Turner Sports had signed Oilers and hockey legend Wayne Gretzky to be their lead studio analyst.[249][250][251][252][253][254]

TNT announced the rest of their personnel on September 14, naming current Islanders and former NBC play-by-play man Brendan Burke,[255] current Blues analyst Darren Pang, and 3x gold medalist and Hockey Night's Jennifer Botterill as their second broadcast team. Current Flyers lead analyst Keith Jones, also from NBC, will serve as the lead ice-level reporter, joining Albert and Olczyk on the lead team.[256] Liam McHugh, was named as TNT's lead studio host, continuing that role from NBC, with his colleague Anson Carter, most recent Coyotes head coach Rick Tocchet, and veteran Paul Bissonnette joining Gretzky as studio analysts. NHL Network's Jackie Redmond, and Tarik El-Bashir will also appear as contributors.[257] On September 29, 2021, TNT announced that they added former NHL referee Don Koharski as a rules analyst.[258] TNT later added former Blackhawk Jamal Mayers to their broadcast team as a contributor, Rangers legend Henrik Lundqvist, who also joined MSG, as a studio analyst, former referee Stephane Auger to their team, as another rules analyst, joining Koharski, Nabil Karim, formerly of ESPN, as a fill-in studio host and reporter, Kraken play-by-play announcer John Forslund as a third play-by-play announcer, and Sharks color commentator Bret Hedican as a third color commentator. TNT added a bunch of current players and announcers from Sportsnet, FuboTV, the Flyers, Sharks, Islanders, Vegas Golden Knights, New Jersey Devils, Columbus Blue Jackets, and the Canadian women's national ice hockey team to their Stanley Cup playoff coverage.

ESPN formally confirmed its commentator teams on June 29, 2021. ESPN's #2 college football play-by-play man Sean McDonough would be the network's lead play-by-play announcer; Monday Night Football's Steve Levy would lead studio coverage and contribute to occasional play-by-play commentary. Sportsnet's Leah Hextall and ESPN's #3 college football play-by-play man Bob Wischusen were officially named as play-by-play commentators, as well as SportsCenter's John Buccigross, who will also contribute as an alternate studio host, and serve as the host for The Point. ESPN legend Barry Melrose, 6x Cup champion Mark Messier, and 3x Cup champion Chris Chelios were named strictly as studio analysts while TSN's Ray Ferraro, NBC's Brian Boucher, Ryan Callahan, and A. J. Mleczko,[89] NHL Network's Kevin Weekes, Hockey Night/Sportsnet's Cassie Campbell-Pascall, WEPN-FM's Rick DiPietro, and 2018 gold medalist Hilary Knight would contribute as booth, ice-level, and studio analysts. 2016 Isobel Cup champion Blake Bolden was added to join insiders Emily Kaplan and Greg Wyshynski as insiders and rinkside reporters.[233] Linda Cohn continued her duties hosting In the Crease, while also gaining roles as an ice-level reporter and backup studio and game break host. On August 4, 2021, ESPN announced that they added most recent Blue Jackets coach and Stanley Cup winning coach John Tortorella as an extra studio analyst.[259][260]

On September 16, after ESPN released their slate of games for the 2021-22 season, SportsCenter anchor and ESPN Social host Arda Ocal would announce himself that he too would host select game broadcasts.[261] On October 2, former referee Dave Jackson joined the network as a rules analyst, an NHL first.[262] Early into the 2021-22 season, ESPN added former NBC analyst Dominic Moore, who had hosted the Expansion Draft with Weekes and ESPN College Football personality Chris Fowler. Laura Rutledge, host of NFL Live and SEC Nation, joined ESPN team for their coverage of the 2022 NHL All-Star Game, in a celebrity interviewer role. After preparing for and playing in the 2022 Winter Olympics, Knight made her ESPN debut on March 10, 2022. Bolden, who has been working as a pro scout for the Los Angeles Kings since 2020, made her official ESPN on-air debut a week later. After the regular season kicked into high gear, Knight and Bolden were the only two who still had to make their on-air debuts with ESPN. Occasionally, other well known ESPN personalities like Jeremy Schaap, Kevin Connors, Michael Eaves, and Max McGee will be added in fill-in roles on The Point and In the Crease. Mike Monaco, Roxy Bernstein, and Caley Chelios, daughter of Chris, have also filled in on game coverage. TSN's Gord Miller, Ferraro's broadcast partner for Maple Leafs games on TSN, joined ESPN for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. P. K. Subban joined ESPN for the Playoffs in an expanded role, which includes being a game analyst for select games.

Buffalo play-by-play announcer Rick Jeanneret, after initially stating he expected to retire after his 50th season in 2021,[263][264] announced he would return for one final season in 2021–22.[265] Jeanneret was assigned to call 20 home games (all on the TV/radio simulcast) during his final season, with Dan Dunleavy working the remaining 62 games (52 on the TV/radio simulcast).[266]

Chicago TV play-by-play announcer Pat Foley announced he would retire at the end of this season. Foley, who has served as the Blackhawks' voice for 39 seasons, will call an undisclosed number of games this season.[267] In games where Foley was off TV, either John Wiedeman, Stephen Nelson, Chris Vosters, or Mike Monaco would fill-in. In addition, Colby Cohen replaced Steve Konroyd as the substitute TV analyst for Eddie Olczyk. In games where Wiedeman calls TV games, Alan Fuehring, Jason Ross Jr. and Joey Zakrewski would take over on the radio side.[268] Foley called his final Blackhawks game on April 14, a 3–2 shootout win over the Sharks, after which Vosters assumed the play-by-play duties full-time.[269] On July 18, Olczyk announced his resignation as the Blackhawks' TV analyst after 15 seasons.[270]

On May 17, New Jersey play-by-play announcer Steve Cangialosi stepped down after 11 seasons.[271]

Seattle's inaugural local commentators will include play-by-play announcers John Forslund (TV) and Everett Fitzhugh (radio), and analysts J. T. Brown (TV) and Dave Tomlinson (radio).[247][272][273] On February 10, it was announced that Fitzhugh will join Brown on the television booth for the Kraken's road game at the Winnipeg Jets on February 17, becoming the first all-black NHL TV broadcast team.[274]

Viewership

edit

With the new U.S. television deals, Sports Business Journal projected that viewership of national games had increased by 18% year-over-year during the regular season. TNT (whose package largely supplanted NBCSN's main package of games) announced a 24% increase in viewership in comparison to cable-televised games during the 2019–20 season, 29% year-over-year in comparison to the shortened 2020–21 season, and a 56% increase in female viewership.[275][276]

See also

edit

Notes

edit
  1. ^ Sponsor retained from previous season. Not to be confused with Canadian parent company Toronto-Dominion Bank which sponsors the Vancouver Canucks' helmets.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i Sponsor retained from previous season.
  3. ^ Sponsor retained from previous season. For the first 13 games of the season, the Avalanche's helmets featured the team logo.
  4. ^ The away helmets featured the "Nashville – Music City" logo representing the NCVC.
  5. ^ Sponsor retained from previous season. Initially, Prudential allowed advertisements from Black-owned businesses to appear on the Devils' helmets for 13 games. On December 8, Prudential and the Devils announced that Razu, a New Jersey-based networking and digital platform for musicians, would become the team's road helmet sponsor for the rest of the season.
  6. ^ The home blue helmet will feature the Amazon "smile" logo, while the road white helmet will feature Amazon's Climate Pledge initiative.
  7. ^ Sponsor retained on road helmets, replaces previous sponsor DEX Imaging on home helmets.
  8. ^ Not to be confused with American subsidiary TD Bank which sponsors the Boston Bruins' helmets and holds naming rights to TD Garden.
  9. ^ Tied with Jonathan Huberdeau of the Florida Panthers but won the tie-breaker by scoring 40 goals. Huberdeau scored 30 goals.
  10. ^ The Devils have worn their classic red and green uniforms since 2010, but not as full-time alternate uniforms.

References

edit
  1. ^ a b "NHL hopes to start 2021-22 season on Oct. 12". TSN. April 21, 2021.
  2. ^ a b c "Multiple Canadian teams will lobby for North Division continuing after 2021". Sportsnet. March 13, 2021. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
  3. ^ a b c "NHL plans for return to 82-game schedule, previous divisions next season". NHL. July 13, 2021. Retrieved July 13, 2021.
  4. ^ a b Chiappelli, Kirstie (December 4, 2018). "Seattle lands NHL expansion team starting in 2021-22 season". Sporting News. Archived from the original on December 6, 2018. Retrieved December 5, 2018.
  5. ^ Dedaj, Paulina (March 20, 2020). "NHL's Seattle team postpones name reveal amid coronavirus pandemic". Fox News. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  6. ^ Cotsonika, Nicholas J. (July 23, 2020). "Seattle Kraken reveal nickname for NHL expansion team". NHL.com. NHL Enterprises, L.P. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
  7. ^ "Seattle Kraken make final payment, officially become 32nd NHL team". USA Today. Associated Press. April 30, 2021. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  8. ^ Gulitti, Tom (May 19, 2021). "2021 NHL Draft Lottery to take place June 2". NHL.com. NHL Enterprises, L.P. Retrieved June 2, 2021.
  9. ^ "UCI Health to be Ducks' Season Presenting and Helmet Decal Partner". Anaheim Ducks. October 13, 2021. Retrieved October 14, 2021.
  10. ^ "Canes Announce Lenovo as Official Helmet Branding Partner". Carolina Hurricanes. September 24, 2021. Retrieved September 24, 2021.
  11. ^ "RELEASE: Belle Tire Named Helmet Partner and Official Tire Retailer". Chicago Blackhawks. September 23, 2021. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
  12. ^ "iDesign to be featured on Blue Jackets helmets for all road games". Columbus Blue Jackets. October 19, 2021. Retrieved October 19, 2021.
  13. ^ "CBJ announce DSW will be the home helmet sponsor for the 2021-22 season". Columbus Blue Jackets. October 21, 2021. Retrieved October 22, 2021.
  14. ^ "Energy Transfer becomes official home helmet sponsor for Stars in 2021-22". Dallas Stars. September 24, 2021. Retrieved September 24, 2021.
  15. ^ "7-Eleven becomes official road helmet sponsor for Stars in 2021-22 season". Dallas Stars. September 24, 2021. Retrieved September 24, 2021.
  16. ^ "Detroit Red Wings announce Meijer as helmet entitlement partner". Detroit Red Wings. September 15, 2021. Retrieved September 24, 2021.
  17. ^ "Amerant Bank Named Official Home Helmet Branding Partner of the Florida Panthers". PRNewswire.com (Press release). Retrieved October 10, 2021.
  18. ^ LAKingsUniformHistory [@KingsUniHistory] (September 18, 2021). "New Spectrum advertising logo on the @LAKings road white helmet" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  19. ^ "Wild and Twin Cities Toyota dealers announce helmet sponsorship". Minnesota Wild. October 14, 2021. Retrieved October 14, 2021.
  20. ^ "CIBC Signs Multi-Year Sponsorship Agreement with the Montreal Canadiens". Newswire.ca. Retrieved September 28, 2021.
  21. ^ "New Jersey Devils helmets to have advertising from Black-owned businesses for 13 games". ESPN. October 13, 2021. Retrieved October 13, 2021.
  22. ^ "Devils to promote Black-owned business with logo on player helmets". New Jersey Devils. Retrieved December 9, 2021.
  23. ^ "Benjamin Moore Named Official Paint Partner of the New York Rangers". New York Rangers. September 24, 2021. Retrieved September 24, 2021.
  24. ^ "32 Thoughts: Maple Leafs, Jets both angry over kneeing incidents". Sportsnet. Retrieved December 9, 2021.
  25. ^ "Penguins Announce 'Bold Penguin' as Helmet Partner for Home Season". September 17, 2021. Retrieved September 19, 2021.
  26. ^ "Stifel, Enterprise return as helmet sponsors for 2021-22 season". St. Louis Blues. October 21, 2021. Retrieved October 22, 2021.
  27. ^ "Using Their Heads". Seattle Kraken. September 14, 2021. Retrieved September 19, 2021.
  28. ^ "Tampa General Hospital helmet entitlement agreement expanded". Tampa Bay Lightnign. October 12, 2021. Retrieved October 13, 2021.
  29. ^ "MLSE announces deal with TikTok, company's logo featured on Leafs' helmets". Sportsnet. Retrieved October 13, 2021.
  30. ^ "Canucks Name TD as Official Helmet Partner". Vancouver Canucks. October 12, 2021. Retrieved October 12, 2021.
  31. ^ "VGK Announce Credit One Bank & P3 Health Partners as Helmet Sponsors". Vegas Golden Knights. September 30, 2021. Retrieved October 1, 2021.
  32. ^ "Rick Tocchet won't return as head coach of Arizona Coyotes". ESPN.com. ESPN Enterprises. May 9, 2021. Retrieved May 9, 2021.
  33. ^ "Coyotes Name André Tourigny as Head Coach". NHL.com. July 1, 2021. Retrieved July 1, 2021.
  34. ^ Lysowski, Lance (March 17, 2021). "Ralph Krueger fired as Sabres' coach after winless streak reaches 12 games". BuffaloNews.com. The Buffalo News. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
  35. ^ "Sabres name Don Granato head coach". Buffalo Sabres. June 29, 2021.
  36. ^ "CBJ, John Tortorella mutually agree to part ways". NHL.com. NHL Enterprises, L. P. May 9, 2021. Retrieved May 9, 2021.
  37. ^ "Larsen named coach of Blue Jackets". NHL.com. NHL Enterprises, L. P. June 10, 2021. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
  38. ^ "Claude Julien and Kirk Muller relieved of their coaching duties". NHL.com. NHL Enterprises, L. P. February 24, 2021. Retrieved February 24, 2021.
  39. ^ "Dominique Ducharme appointed 31st head coach in Canadiens history". NHL.com. July 13, 2021. Retrieved July 13, 2021.
  40. ^ "Rangers Announce Changes to Coaching Staff". NHL.com. NHL Enterprises, L. P. May 12, 2021. Retrieved May 12, 2021.
  41. ^ "Gerard Gallant Named Rangers Head Coach". NHL.com. June 16, 2021. Retrieved June 17, 2021.
  42. ^ Myers, Tracey (June 24, 2021). "Hakstol hired as coach of expansion Kraken". NHL.com. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
  43. ^ "RELEASE: Blackhawks Relieve Jeremy Colliton of Coaching Duties". NHL.com. November 6, 2021. Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  44. ^ "RELEASE: Jay Woodcroft, Dave Manson join Oilers coaching staff". NHL.com. February 10, 2022. Retrieved February 10, 2022.
  45. ^ "Florida Panthers Announce Resignation of Joel Quenneville". National Hockey League. October 28, 2021. Retrieved October 28, 2021.
  46. ^ Reynolds, Tim (October 28, 2021). "Florida Panthers coach Joel Quenneville resigns amid sexual assault scandal". The Palm Beach Post. Retrieved October 28, 2021.
  47. ^ @FlaPanthers (October 29, 2021). "Statement from Florida Panthers General Manager Bill Zito on Interim Head Coach Andrew Brunette" (Tweet). Retrieved October 29, 2021 – via Twitter.
  48. ^ "Dominique Ducharme relieved of his duties as head coach of the Montreal Canadiens". NHL.com. February 9, 2022. Retrieved February 9, 2022.
  49. ^ "Martin St. Louis appointed interim head coach of the Montreal Canadiens". NHL.com. February 9, 2022. Retrieved February 9, 2022.
  50. ^ Kimelman, Adam (December 6, 2021). "Vigneault fired as coach of Flyers, replaced by Yeo". NHL.com. Retrieved December 6, 2021.
  51. ^ "Green fired as coach of Canucks, Benning as GM". nhl.com. December 6, 2021. Retrieved December 6, 2021.
  52. ^ "Maurice resigns as Jets coach, was in ninth season with Winnipeg". NHL.com. December 17, 2021. Retrieved December 17, 2021.
  53. ^ "Ducks EVP/GM Bob Murray resigns, will enter alcohol abuse program". The Athletic Media Company. November 10, 2021. Retrieved November 10, 2021.
  54. ^ Myers, Tracey (February 3, 2022). "Verbeek hired as Ducks general manager, was assistant with Red Wings". NHL.com. NHL Enterprises, L. P. Retrieved February 3, 2022.
  55. ^ Kaplan, Emily (October 26, 2021). "Chicago Blackhawks report out; president Stan Bowman resigns". ESPN.com. ESPN Interactive. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
  56. ^ "RELEASE: Kyle Davidson Named 10th General Manager in Blackhawks History". NHL.com. March 1, 2022. Retrieved March 2, 2022.
  57. ^ "Hockey Management Changes within the Montreal Canadiens Organization". NHL.com. November 28, 2021. Retrieved November 28, 2021.
  58. ^ "Hughes hired as general manager by Canadiens". NHL.com. NHL Enterprises, L. P. January 18, 2022. Retrieved January 18, 2022.
  59. ^ a b "Doug Wilson to Step Down As General Manager of Sharks After 19 Seasons". NHL.com. NHL Enterprises, L. P. April 7, 2022. Retrieved April 7, 2022. 'I feel it is in the best interest of the organization and myself to step down from my current duties and focus on my health and full recovery.' - Doug Wilson
  60. ^ "Jim Rutherford Named President, Hockey Operations". NHL.com. NHL Enterprises, L. P. December 9, 2021. Retrieved December 9, 2021.
  61. ^ Benjamin, Amalie (January 26, 2022). "Allvin hired as Canucks general manager, was assistant GM with Penguins". NHL.com. NHL Enterprises, L. P. Retrieved January 26, 2022.
  62. ^ Valencia, Peter (August 19, 2021). "City of Glendale won't renew Arizona Coyotes lease, ending 18-year run". KTVK/KPHO. Retrieved August 19, 2021.
  63. ^ "Panthers home temporarily renamed FLA Live Arena". NHL.com. September 21, 2021. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
  64. ^ "Kings home to be renamed Crypto.com Arena". NHL.com. November 18, 2021. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  65. ^ Olson, David (March 1, 2020). "All Islanders' '20-21 home games will be at Coliseum, Cuomo, NHL commish confirm". Newsday. Retrieved September 20, 2020.
  66. ^ "NHL Seattle expansion team to play at Climate Pledge Arena". NHL.com. June 25, 2020. Retrieved August 5, 2020.
  67. ^ Condor, Bob (June 24, 2020). "Making the 'Climate Pledge'". NHLSeattle.com. Retrieved August 5, 2020.
  68. ^ Long, Michael (June 26, 2020). "Amazon deal sees Seattle's NHL venue renamed Climate Pledge Arena". Sportspromedia.com. Retrieved March 27, 2021.
  69. ^ "Welcome to Canada Life Centre, home of the Winnipeg Jets". NHL.com. June 15, 2021. Retrieved June 15, 2021.
  70. ^ "Bell MTS Centre, home of Winnipeg Jets, to be renamed Canada Life Centre". BNN Bloomberg. June 15, 2021. Retrieved June 15, 2021.
  71. ^ "NHL expecting near full capacity for new season". The Stadium Business. September 27, 2021. Retrieved December 16, 2021.
  72. ^ Mather, Victor (October 11, 2021). "2021-22 N.H.L. Season: What's New and What's Returning to Normal". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved December 16, 2021.
  73. ^ "Winnipeg Jets to play next season at full capacity, require vaccinations for fans". CTV News Winnipeg. August 11, 2021. Archived from the original on August 12, 2021. Retrieved December 16, 2021.
  74. ^ "Flames prepare proof-of-vaccine system to fill Saddledome amid COVID-19 fourth wave concerns". calgaryherald. Retrieved December 16, 2021.
  75. ^ "COVID-19 vaccine proof, no bags: What Edmonton Oilers fans can expect at Rogers Place". Global News. Archived from the original on September 27, 2021. Retrieved December 16, 2021. Each NHL rink in Canada will require proof of vaccination for fans to attend.
  76. ^ SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and variants under investigation in England, technical briefing 31 (PDF) (Briefing). Public Health England. December 10, 2021. pp. 3–5, 20–22. GOV-10645. Retrieved December 10, 2021.
  77. ^ a b Davidson, Sean (December 15, 2021). "Ontario expands eligibility for COVID-19 booster shots, cuts capacity limits in some indoor spaces". CTV News Toronto. Retrieved December 15, 2021.
  78. ^ a b "Bell Centre will be closed to fans for Thursday's Canadiens game against Flyers". Sportsnet.ca. Retrieved December 17, 2021.
  79. ^ "Capacity limits set to come into effect next week for Jets' games". CTV News Winnipeg. December 17, 2021. Archived from the original on December 18, 2021. Retrieved December 18, 2021.
  80. ^ "B.C. imposes new gathering limits, restaurant rules, vaccine requirements as COVID-19 cases surge". CTV News British Columbia. December 17, 2021. Archived from the original on December 17, 2021. Retrieved December 18, 2021.
  81. ^ "Alberta reduces attendance at large venues to avoid COVID-19 superspreaders, opens boosters to all adults". CTV News Edmonton. December 21, 2021. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved December 21, 2021.
  82. ^ "Quebec shuts down schools, bars, gyms and more as COVID-19 case counts soar". CBC News. December 20, 2021. Archived from the original on December 20, 2021. Retrieved December 20, 2021.
  83. ^ "New public health orders coming into effect in Manitoba to curb spread of Omicron variant". CTV News Winnipeg. December 27, 2021. Archived from the original on December 27, 2021. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
  84. ^ "Winnipeg Jets not permitting fans for home games until at least Jan. 11". Sportsnet.ca. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
  85. ^ a b "NHL postpones Red-Wings-Islanders game, nine others". NHL.com. Retrieved December 28, 2021.
  86. ^ "Ontario reducing capacity limits at large spectator venues to 1,000 people". CTV News Toronto. December 30, 2021. Retrieved January 1, 2022.
  87. ^ a b "NHL postpones nine more games, bringing total to 90". NHL.com. December 31, 2021. Retrieved December 31, 2021.
  88. ^ a b "NHL postpones three more games, bringing total to 98". NHL.com. Retrieved January 5, 2022.
  89. ^ a b Stephens, Mike (January 5, 2022). "OHL Will Continue Play Without Pausing Season". The Hockey News. Retrieved January 15, 2022.
  90. ^ "Return of spectators to Ontario sports arenas still over a month away". Canadian Press. January 20, 2022. Retrieved January 29, 2022.
  91. ^ "A trickle of fans return to Canadian Tire Centre to watch Senators". ottawasun. Retrieved February 12, 2022.
  92. ^ "More fans welcome at Winnipeg Jets games under health order changes". CTV News Winnipeg. February 3, 2022. Retrieved February 12, 2022.
  93. ^ "'Almost like a pre-COVID game': Flames fans question capacity and voice mask concerns at Saddledome". CTV News Calgary. February 11, 2022. Retrieved February 12, 2022.
  94. ^ TSN ca Staff (February 8, 2022). "Alberta to end vaccine passport program - TSN.ca". TSN. Retrieved February 12, 2022.
  95. ^ "BC drops capacity limits for organized events, keeps vaccine card in place". Daily Hive News. Retrieved February 24, 2022.
  96. ^ "Jets to be allowed full capacity at Canada Life Centre on Wednesday". The Score. February 12, 2022. Retrieved February 24, 2022.
  97. ^ "B.C. extends vaccine card program until June 30 | Globalnews.ca". Global News. Retrieved February 25, 2022.
  98. ^ "Manitoba ending all COVID-19 restrictions by March 15". CTV News Winnipeg. February 11, 2022. Retrieved February 12, 2022.
  99. ^ "Senators, Maple Leafs return to 50% capacity Thursday". The Hockey News. February 14, 2022. Retrieved February 17, 2022.
  100. ^ "Bell Centre returning to 50 per cent capacity as of Feb. 21". Sportsnet. Retrieved February 24, 2022.
  101. ^ a b "NHL Schedule Break 2022 Winter Olympics Player Participation Not Yet Guaranteed". ESPN.com. July 20, 2021. Retrieved July 20, 2021.
  102. ^ a b c "NHL Announces 2021-22 Outdoor Games and 2022 Honda NHL All-Star Weekend" (Press release). NHL. June 28, 2021.
  103. ^ "NHL postpones Winter Classic, All-Star Weekend for upcoming season". Sportsnet.ca. Retrieved October 22, 2020.
  104. ^ "NHL postpones 2021 Winter Classic, All-Star Game". ProHockeyTalk. October 22, 2020. Retrieved October 22, 2020.
  105. ^ "2021 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series Game Postponed". NHL.com. December 23, 2020. Retrieved December 25, 2020.
  106. ^ "Blues-Wild Winter Classic in Minneapolis set for Jan. 1; All-Star Game to Vegas". The Athletic. June 28, 2021. A source said the Carolina Hurricanes, whose 2021 Stadium Series game in Raleigh, N.C., was postponed in December, deferred their outdoor game to the 2022-23 season.
  107. ^ "Minnesota's Target Field to host 2022 NHL Winter Classic". Sportsnet. June 28, 2021.
  108. ^ "Maple Leafs, Sabres to play in 2022 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic". NHL.com. September 16, 2021. Retrieved September 16, 2021.
  109. ^ "Senators, National Hockey League postpone team's next three games". NHL.com. November 15, 2021. Retrieved November 15, 2021.
  110. ^ "Senators return to practice after COVID-19 pause". NHL.com. November 21, 2021. Retrieved December 17, 2021.
  111. ^ "Islanders Games Postponed at Least Through Nov. 30". NHL.com. November 27, 2021. Retrieved November 27, 2021.
  112. ^ "Islanders-Rangers game postponed for COVID-19 issues set for March 17". NHL.com. December 8, 2021. Retrieved December 17, 2021.
  113. ^ a b "NHL announces five scheduling changes". NHL.com. January 4, 2022. Retrieved January 4, 2022.
  114. ^ "Flames games postponed through Dec. 23 due to COVID-19 concerns". NHL.com. December 17, 2021. Retrieved December 17, 2021.
  115. ^ "Hurricanes game against Wild postponed because of COVID-19 issues". NHL.com. December 14, 2021. Retrieved December 14, 2021.
  116. ^ a b "Bruins, Predators shut down through holiday break". NHL.com. December 18, 2021. Retrieved December 18, 2021.
  117. ^ a b "Avalanche, Panthers shut down through holiday break due to COVID concerns". NHL.com. December 17, 2021. Retrieved December 17, 2021.
  118. ^ "Red Wings shut down through holiday break". NHL.com. December 19, 2021. Retrieved December 19, 2021.
  119. ^ "Maple Leafs, Canucks have weekend games postponed due to COVID concerns". NHL.com. December 18, 2021. Retrieved December 18, 2021.
  120. ^ a b "Cross-border games postponed through holiday break". NHL.com. December 20, 2021. Retrieved December 20, 2021.
  121. ^ "NHL postpones all cross-border games until after Christmas break". Sportsnet.ca. Retrieved December 19, 2021.
  122. ^ "NHL Postpones Tonight's Capitals-Flyers Game". NHL.com. December 21, 2021. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
  123. ^ "NHL to pause season from Wednesday through Christmas Day". Sportsnet.ca. Retrieved December 21, 2021.
  124. ^ "NHL to pause season Wednesday, resume as scheduled after Christmas break, amid COVID-19 cases". ESPN.com. December 21, 2021. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
  125. ^ "All NHL games next Monday postponed as league extends pause". Sportsnet.ca. December 24, 2021. Archived from the original on December 24, 2021. Retrieved December 25, 2021.
  126. ^ "NHL, NHLPA agree to temporary taxi squads for COVID-19". NHL.com. December 26, 2021. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
  127. ^ "NHL delays return to play until Tuesday". NHL.com. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
  128. ^ "NHL postpones three more games, total up to 70". NHL.com. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
  129. ^ "NHL postpones Stars-Coyotes game Sunday". NHL.com. Retrieved December 30, 2021.
  130. ^ "Senators-Kraken game scheduled for Jan. 6 postponed by NHL". NHL.com. Retrieved January 3, 2022.
  131. ^ "Two Senators games postponed because of attendance restrictions in Canada". NHL.com. Retrieved January 7, 2022.
  132. ^ a b "NHL postpones Senators-Oilers, Lightning-Devils because of COVID-19". NHL.com. Retrieved January 9, 2022.
  133. ^ "Red Wings-Ducks game postponed because of COVID-19 issues, total at 99". NHL.com. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  134. ^ "Hurricanes-Flyers game postponed by NHL due to COVID-19 issues". NHL.com. Retrieved January 10, 2022.
  135. ^ "NHL announces extensive updates to 2021-22 regular-season schedule". NHL.com. Retrieved January 19, 2022.
  136. ^ "Kraken at Islanders postponed, rescheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 2". NHL.com. Retrieved January 28, 2022.
  137. ^ "NHL postpones Kraken-Jets game Wednesday because of expected weather". NHL.com. April 12, 2022. Retrieved April 12, 2022.
  138. ^ "NHL, NHLPA ratify CBA extension through 2025–26 season". National Hockey League. Retrieved July 11, 2020.
  139. ^ "Bettman casts doubt on NHL players going to Beijing Olympics". CBC.ca. Associated Press. June 28, 2021. Retrieved July 25, 2021.
  140. ^ a b "NHL schedule leaves room for Winter Olympic break, league says talks ongoing". Canadian Press. CBC.ca. July 22, 2021. Retrieved July 25, 2021.
  141. ^ a b "NHL unveils 2021-22 schedule with realigned divisions, debut of Seattle Kraken". ESPN.com. July 22, 2021. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
  142. ^ "Scheduling NHL season with, without Olympics causes chaos". ESPN. August 10, 2021. Retrieved August 10, 2021.
  143. ^ "NHL players heading to Beijing Olympics in 2022: Bracket, schedule, teams, COVID protocols". ESPN. September 3, 2021. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
  144. ^ Wyshynski, Greg (December 21, 2021). "NHL skipping Olympics because of COVID surge". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved December 23, 2021.
  145. ^ "NHL announces 2022 event calendar; Olympic participation uncertainty". NBC Sports. June 28, 2021. Retrieved June 28, 2021.
  146. ^ "Better two years late than never, Florida Panthers to host 2023 NHL All-Star Weekend". Miami Herald. July 1, 2021.
  147. ^ "31 Thoughts: How Stanley Cup Playoffs could affect the blueliner market". Sportsnet. June 15, 2021. [The All-Star Game] will be somewhere in the West, because players going to the Beijing Olympics will leave from that event
  148. ^ a b c d "NHL Hockey Standings". www.nhl.com. National Hockey League.
  149. ^ a b "NHL Hockey Standings". www.nhl.com. National Hockey League.
  150. ^ "NHL Stats - NHL.com". National Hockey League. October 13, 2021. Retrieved October 13, 2021.
  151. ^ "Josi Named Finalist for Norris Trophy as NHL's Best Defenseman". NHL.com. May 9, 2022 [May 9, 2022]. Retrieved May 29, 2022.
  152. ^ "Statistics | Regular Season | By Season 1991–92 to 2021–22 | Defensemen". NHL.com. Retrieved February 28, 2023.
  153. ^ "Statistics | Regular Season | By Season 1991–92 to 2021–22 | All Skaters". NHL.com. Retrieved February 28, 2023.
  154. ^ "NHL Stats - NHL.com". National Hockey League. October 13, 2021. Retrieved October 13, 2021.
  155. ^ Cotsonika, Nicholas (May 19, 2022). "NHL Awards to be presented in hour-long show during Stanley Cup Final". nhl.com. NHL.
  156. ^ Lane, Jon (June 22, 2022). "BriseBois, Drury, Sakic finalists for General Manager of the Year Award". nhl.com. NHL.
  157. ^ "NHL teams to wear new adidas jerseys starting opening night on Oct. 12". nhl.com. September 27, 2021. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
  158. ^ Stephens, Mike (September 20, 2021). "Coyotes Bring Back White Kachina Jerseys". The Hockey News on Sports Illustrated. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
  159. ^ "LA Kings Authentic adizero Primegreen Alternate Jersey Revealed". National Hockey League. October 11, 2021. Retrieved October 11, 2021.
  160. ^ "Devils Unveil First Third Jersey". New Jersey Devils. November 23, 2021. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  161. ^ "Penguins Announce Third Jersey Schedule for 2021.22 Season". NHL.com. Pittsburgh Penguins. December 1, 2021. Retrieved December 1, 2021.
  162. ^ "Driedger, Eberle first to model Kraken's home, away jerseys". National Hockey League. July 22, 2021. Retrieved August 20, 2021.
  163. ^ "Justin Bieber designs reversible Maple Leafs jersey". National Hockey League. March 22, 2022. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  164. ^ "Jets announce tribute to Hawerchuk on 40th anniversary of first contract". National Hockey League. August 13, 2021. Retrieved August 13, 2021.
  165. ^ "Defenseman Owen Power, No. 1 overall choice in 2021 NHL draft, debuts as Buffalo Sabres cruise". ESPN.com. April 12, 2022. Retrieved April 13, 2022.
  166. ^ "Dustin Brown to retire after 18 seasons with Los Angeles Kings". ESPN.com. April 29, 2022. Retrieved April 29, 2022.
  167. ^ "Chara retires from NHL, will sign one-day contract with Bruins". NHL.com. September 20, 2022. Retrieved September 20, 2022.
  168. ^ "Getzlaf Announces Retirement from NHL After the 2021-22 Season". NHL.com. Anaheim Ducks. April 4, 2022. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
  169. ^ "Andy Greene Signs One-Day Contract to Retire as a Devil". NHL.com. October 12, 2022. Retrieved October 12, 2022.
  170. ^ "Keith announces retirement". nhl.com. July 12, 2022. Retrieved July 12, 2022.
  171. ^ "Two-time Stanley Cup winner Andrew Ladd announces retirement from NHL". Sportsnet.ca. September 10, 2023. Retrieved September 11, 2023.
  172. ^ Basu, Arpon (September 12, 2023). "Carey Price seems at peace with beginning the rest of his life". The Athletic. Retrieved February 1, 2024.
  173. ^ Rask, Tuukka (February 9, 2022). "A Statement from Tuukka Rask". NHL.com. Boston Bruins. Retrieved February 11, 2022.
  174. ^ Stacey, Phil (September 24, 2023). "Marblehead's Schneider retires from hockey after 16 years as a pro". The Salem News. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  175. ^ "Spezza announces retirement, joins Leafs front office". TSN.ca. May 29, 2022. Retrieved May 29, 2022.
  176. ^ "Subban retires from NHL after 13 seasons". NHL.com. September 20, 2022. Retrieved September 20, 2022.
  177. ^ "Bruins and Sharks legend Thornton announces retirement from NHL". TSN.ca. October 28, 2023. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  178. ^ "Yandle retires from NHL, holds consecutive games played record at 989". NHL.com. September 20, 2022. Retrieved September 20, 2022.
  179. ^ "Ovechkin gets career goal 732, now 5th all time". ESPN.com. October 14, 2021. Retrieved October 14, 2021.
  180. ^ Brown, Kevin (October 14, 2021). "Capitals' Peter Laviolette 'Thankful' to Become Winningest American NHL Coach". NBC4 Washington. Retrieved October 14, 2021.
  181. ^ "Bobrovsky gets 300th win, unbeaten Panthers top Avalanche". TSN.ca. October 21, 2022. Retrieved January 25, 2022.
  182. ^ NHL Public Relations [@PR_NHL] (November 6, 2021). "Lou Lamoriello of the NY Islanders became the third general manager in NHL history to reach 1,500 wins (regular season & playoffs). He needs six to tie Glen Sather for the second-highest combined total in League history" (Tweet). Retrieved November 7, 2021 – via Twitter.
  183. ^ "Islanders' Andy Greene: Plays 1,000th game". CBSSports.com. November 15, 2021. Retrieved January 25, 2022.
  184. ^ Arritt, Dan (November 17, 2021). "Getzlaf scores 1,000th NHL point on special night with Ducks". NHL.com. Retrieved January 25, 2022.
  185. ^ Faiello, Mari (November 27, 2021). "Lightning's Andrei Vasilevskiy gets 200th regular-season win". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved November 28, 2021.
  186. ^ "Oilers' Kris Russell breaks record for most blocked shots". sportsnet.ca. November 27, 2021. Retrieved November 28, 2021.
  187. ^ Shohara, Kyle (November 30, 2021). "Bowness coaches 2,500th career game as head or assistant coach in the NHL". NHL.com. Retrieved December 1, 2021.
  188. ^ NHL Public Relations [@PR_NHL] (November 30, 2021). "Braden Holtby (293-137-50 in 500 GP) made 39 saves and surpassed Jacques Plante (292-119-88 in 500 GP) for the most wins by a goaltender in NHL history through his first 500 career games" (Tweet). Retrieved December 1, 2021 – via Twitter.
  189. ^ "Jets double up Maple Leafs in Blake Wheeler's 1,000th NHL game". sportsnet.ca. Sportsnet. December 5, 2021. Retrieved December 6, 2021.
  190. ^ Romero, José M. (December 6, 2021). "Arizona Coyotes' Loui Eriksson reaches 1,000 career games". azcentral.com. Retrieved December 6, 2021.
  191. ^ "NHL On Tap: Fleury expected to play 900th NHL game, try for 500th win". NHL.com. December 7, 2021. Retrieved December 8, 2021.
  192. ^ Roumeliotis, Charlie (December 9, 2021). "Fleury becomes 3rd goalie in NHL history with 500 wins". NBCSports.com. Retrieved December 9, 2021.
  193. ^ Hogg, Dave (December 31, 2021). "Ovechkin record power-play goal pushes Capitals past Red Wings". NHL.com. Retrieved December 31, 2021.
  194. ^ Kreda, Allan (January 6, 2022). "Voracek's 1,000th game spoiled as Blue Jackets fall to Devils 3-1". Bally Sports. Retrieved January 7, 2022.
  195. ^ Penguins PR [@PenguinsPR] (January 12, 2022). "2021-22 marks the 16th season that Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang have played together - the most by a trio in NHL history" (Tweet). Retrieved March 10, 2022 – via Twitter.
  196. ^ Pashelka, Curtis (January 17, 2022). "Timo Meier sets new Sharks record with scoring outburst vs. Kings". The Mercury News. Retrieved January 17, 2022.
  197. ^ Gulitti, Tom (January 23, 2022). "Boudreau talks reaching 1,000 NHL games, Canucks in sit-down with NHL.com". NHL.com. Retrieved January 25, 2022.
  198. ^ Wyshynski, Greg (January 25, 2022). "Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Keith Yandle sets NHL record for consecutive games played at 965". ESPN.com. Retrieved January 26, 2022.
  199. ^ "Kings edge Islanders for second win in three games". TSN.ca. TSN. January 27, 2022. Retrieved January 27, 2022.
  200. ^ Crosby, Wes (February 15, 2022). "Crosby scores 500th NHL goal for Penguins, second active player". NHL.com. Retrieved February 15, 2022.
  201. ^ Glennon, John (February 15, 2022). "Ovechkin's 30th goal helps Capitals defeat Predators". NHL.com. Retrieved February 16, 2022.
  202. ^ Shilton, Kristen (February 24, 2022). "New York Islanders' Zdeno Chara breaks Chris Chelios' games-played record by defenseman". ESPN.com. Retrieved March 7, 2022.
  203. ^ Crosby, Wes (March 1, 2022). "Avalanche rally past Islanders for 40th win of season". NHL.com. Retrieved March 2, 2022.
  204. ^ Ostendorf, Kyleigh (March 2, 2022). "By The Numbers: DeBoer's Road to 500 NHL Wins". NHL.com. Retrieved March 5, 2022.
  205. ^ "Leafs forward Wayne Simmonds notches 1,000th career game vs. Canucks". The Athletic. March 5, 2022. Retrieved March 7, 2022.
  206. ^ "Kraken captain Mark Giordano plays in 1,000th NHL game". The Athletic. March 5, 2022. Retrieved March 7, 2022.
  207. ^ Pell, Samantha (March 10, 2022). "Alex Ovechkin moves into a tie with Jaromir Jagr for third on the NHL goals list". Washington Post. Retrieved March 10, 2022.
  208. ^ "McDavid scores in OT, Oilers beat Capitals to snap skid". ESPN. March 9, 2022. Retrieved March 10, 2022.
  209. ^ Shilton, Kristen (March 10, 2022). "Craig Anderson becomes 6th U.S.-born NHL goaltender to reach 300-win milestone". ESPN.com. Retrieved March 10, 2022.
  210. ^ "Trotz reaches 900 wins as Isles top Jets". TSN.ca. March 11, 2022. Retrieved March 13, 2022.
  211. ^ Mills, Jonathan (March 12, 2022). "'Something we don't take for granted': Marc Staal plays 1,000th NHL game". NHL.com. Retrieved March 13, 2022.
  212. ^ O'Mard, Marcus Kwesi (March 17, 2022). "Bruins' Nick Foligno Celebrates 'Special Day' After Playing 1,000th NHL Game". nesn.com. Retrieved March 18, 2022.
  213. ^ Russo, Eric (March 15, 2022). "From Foe to Friend: Foligno's Journey to 1,000 Games". NHL.com. Retrieved March 18, 2022.
  214. ^ LeBrun, Pierre (March 17, 2022). "Flyers' Claude Giroux plays 1,000th game, doesn't travel on road trip as trade rumors swirl: Sources". The Athletic. Retrieved March 18, 2022.
  215. ^ "Jonathan Toews 'very grateful' to reach 1,000 games, even in Blackhawks' loss to Panthers". Chicago Sun Times. March 31, 2022. Retrieved April 1, 2022.
  216. ^ "Panthers Beat Blackhawks 4-0, Set Club Record For Home Wins". CBS4 WFOR. March 31, 2022. Retrieved April 27, 2022.
  217. ^ Shilton, Kristen (April 7, 2022). "Auston Matthews breaks Toronto Maple Leafs' record; sets mark for most goals in season by U.S.-born player". ESPN.com. Retrieved April 10, 2022.
  218. ^ Gulitti, Tom (April 21, 2022). "Ovechkin scores twice, ties Gretzky, Bossy with nine 50-goal NHL seasons". NHL.com. Retrieved April 21, 2022.
  219. ^ "Andrew Ladd Thrilled & Proud to Reach 1,000 NHL Games". NHL.com. April 20, 2022. Retrieved April 22, 2022.
  220. ^ "Eight Eastern Conference teams get 100 points, make NHL history". NHL.com. April 24, 2022. Retrieved April 27, 2022.
  221. ^ "60-goal scorers in NHL history". nhl.com. April 27, 2022. Retrieved May 15, 2022.
  222. ^ Darnay, Mike (May 9, 2022). "Sidney Crosby becomes 6th player in NHL history to score 200 playoff points". CBS News. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
  223. ^ Sportsnet Stats [@SNstats] (May 14, 2022). "Oilers Connor McDavid 2nd player in NHL history with 6 multi-point games in a single playoff series, joining the Bruins Rick Middleton in the 1983 Adams Division Final vs Buffalo" (Tweet). Retrieved May 15, 2022 – via Twitter.
  224. ^ Rosen, Dan (November 26, 2013). "NHL, Rogers announce landmark 12-year deal". NHL.com. Retrieved August 24, 2019.
  225. ^ "SN NOW+ Adds Free NHL LIVE Access and Out-of-Market Games". iphoneincanada.ca. January 13, 2021. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
  226. ^ "NHL 2021-22 schedule: Sportsnet to broadcast more than 160 national games". sportsnet.ca. July 22, 2021. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  227. ^ "Sportsnet's Jim Hughson Retires from Broadcasting after 42 Years". Rogers Sports & Media. September 21, 2021. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
  228. ^ "Legendary voice of the Jets, Dennis Beyak, to retire at season's end". Toronto Sun. September 21, 2021. Retrieved April 28, 2022.
  229. ^ "Canadiens play-by-play commentator Robertson departing TSN 690 Radio". Montreal Gazette. September 15, 2022. Retrieved September 28, 2022.
  230. ^ a b "Turner's NHL deal will include "up to 72" exclusive national games each season, half the Stanley Cup Playoffs, HBO Max streaming". Awful Announcing. April 27, 2021. Archived from the original on April 28, 2021. Retrieved April 27, 2021.
  231. ^ a b Crupi, Anthony (April 27, 2021). "NHL Deal Gives Turner Six Months to Develop TV Plan". Sportico.com. Archived from the original on April 29, 2021. Retrieved April 29, 2021.
  232. ^ Adgate, Brad (January 15, 2019). "Hockey's Big Pay Day Is Coming". Forbes. Archived from the original on September 18, 2020. Retrieved September 20, 2020.
  233. ^ a b Ourand, John (May 27, 2019). "NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman relishes the opportunities as next media deal approaches". sportsbusinessdaily.com. Archived from the original on September 13, 2020. Retrieved September 20, 2020.
  234. ^ Deitsch, Richard (November 14, 2019). "Media Mailbag: The latest on the NHL's TV contract talks, Thursday Night Football's future, on CBS landing the Champions League". The Athletic. Archived from the original on September 18, 2020. Retrieved September 20, 2020.
  235. ^ a b "NHL moving to Turner Sports is $1 billion risk-reward for hockey". CNBC. April 27, 2021. Retrieved April 27, 2021.
  236. ^ a b c d "Turner Sports inks 7-year deal with NHL, will air 3 Stanley Cup finals". ESPN. April 27, 2021. Retrieved April 27, 2021.
  237. ^ "NHL back on ESPN with 7-year multiplatform deal". ESPN. March 10, 2021. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
  238. ^ "The Walt Disney Company Announces 103 Exclusive NHL Games Across ESPN, ESPN+, Hulu and ABC Beginning October 12". ESPN (Press release). September 16, 2021. Retrieved September 17, 2021.
  239. ^ "Max will start offering a live sports tier in October". The Verge. September 19, 2023. Archived from the original on September 19, 2023. Retrieved September 19, 2023.
  240. ^ a b "Turner Sports Announces 50-Game Telecast Schedule for Inaugural 2021-22 NHL Regular Season Beginning Wednesday, Oct. 13". Warner Media (Press release). September 16, 2021. Retrieved September 17, 2021.
  241. ^ Ravens, Andrew (May 19, 2021). "Why AEW Is Moving From TNT to TBS". The Wrap. Retrieved September 17, 2021.
  242. ^ "A viewing guide on how to watch NHL hockey on American television or streaming platforms". The Athletic. September 30, 2021.
  243. ^ "Breaking it Down: How to Watch the NHL on ESPN, ESPN+, Hulu and ABC" (Press release). ESPN. October 4, 2021. Retrieved October 6, 2021.
  244. ^ Shipley, Reice (October 8, 2021). "SportsUSA Grabs NHL's National Radio Rights". Barrett Media. Retrieved October 11, 2021.
  245. ^ Fink, James (September 9, 2016). "Entercom Buffalo to keep broadcasting Bills, Sabres on radio". Business First. Retrieved September 9, 2016.
  246. ^ Pergament, Alan (September 1, 2021). "Alan Pergament: Bills preseason games rating highest on record; WGR extends Bills, Sabres radio rights deals". Buffalo News. Retrieved September 1, 2021.
  247. ^ a b "Kraken agrees to TV deal with ROOT Sports; John Forslund hired as play-by-play broadcaster". The Seattle Times. January 26, 2021. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
  248. ^ "Sports Radio KJR named Kraken flagship station". The Seattle Times. March 3, 2021. Retrieved April 27, 2021.
  249. ^ "The Great Move: Gretzky will be part of Turner's NHL studio". Associated Press. May 26, 2021.
  250. ^ ""The Great One" Wayne Gretzky, Kenny Albert & Eddie Olczyk Join the Turner Sports NHL Team". Pressroom. May 26, 2021. Retrieved July 2, 2021.
  251. ^ "Gretzky joins Turner Sports as NHL studio analyst". NHL.com. Retrieved May 27, 2021.
  252. ^ "Gretzky, Albert and Olczyk to be part of Turner's NHL coverage". Newsday. Retrieved July 2, 2021.
  253. ^ Chiari, Mike. "Wayne Gretzky, Kenny Albert, Eddie Olczyk Join Turner Sports' NHL Coverage Team". Bleacher Report. Retrieved September 10, 2021.
  254. ^ "Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky joins Turner Sports as analyst". UPI. Retrieved September 18, 2021.
  255. ^ "Brendan Burke joining Turner Sports' new NHL roster". Newsday. Retrieved September 18, 2021.
  256. ^ Fish, Wayne (September 30, 2021). "Keith Jones excited by new TNT 'inside the glass' role". FlyingFishHockey. Retrieved October 12, 2021.
  257. ^ "Turner Sports announces NHL game, studio teams for season". USA Today. Associated Press. September 14, 2021.
  258. ^ "TNT Adds Don Koharski As NHL Rules Analyst". Barrett Sports Media. September 29, 2021.
  259. ^ ESPN PR [@espnpr] (August 4, 2021). "John Tortorella joins ESPN's roster of #NHL analysts presenting coverage this season across ESPN, @ABCNetwork, @ESPNPlus & @hulu" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  260. ^ "Tortorella joins ESPN as NHL studio analyst". NHL.com. Retrieved August 11, 2021.
  261. ^ ᴀʀᴅᴀ 🎃ᴄᴀʟ 🏒 [@Arda] (September 16, 2021). "Now that the schedule is out, I can finally announce that I'm beyond thrilled to join the NHL on @ESPN Family this season! I'll be in the mix hosting game broadcasts & much more. LETS. GO! This is a dream come true & I'm extremely grateful to be joining such an amazing cast! https://t.co/A5vwLQUM4b" (Tweet). Archived from the original on September 17, 2021. Retrieved October 30, 2021 – via Twitter.
  262. ^ ESPN PR [@ESPNPR] (October 1, 2021). "Dave Jackson joins ESPN's roster of #NHL analysts presenting coverage this season across ESPN, @ABCNetwork, @ESPNPlus & @hulu https://t.co/axzNSCTvn0" (Tweet). Archived from the original on October 19, 2021. Retrieved October 30, 2021 – via Twitter.
  263. ^ Pergament, Alan (April 10, 2020). "Rick Jeanneret has 'a feeling' next Sabres season will be his last hurrah". buffalonews.com. The Buffalo News. Retrieved December 16, 2020.
  264. ^ Pergament, Alan (May 7, 2021). "Rick Jeanneret to call Saturday's Sabres finale. Will it also be his?". The Buffalo News. Retrieved May 9, 2021.
  265. ^ "Rick Jeanneret to retire after 2021-22 Buffalo Sabres season". WGRZ. August 20, 2021. Retrieved August 20, 2021.
  266. ^ "Sabres announce Rick Jeanneret's final 20 regular-season games". Buffalo Sabres. October 13, 2021.
  267. ^ "RELEASE: Pat Foley to Call Final Season of Blackhawks Hockey in 2021-22" (Press release). Chicago Blackhawks. June 23, 2021.
  268. ^ "RELEASE: Blackhawks Announce Broadcast and Content Team for 2021-22" (Press release). Chicago Blackhawks. September 30, 2021.
  269. ^ "RELEASE: Chris Vosters Named Voice of the Blackhawks" (Press release). Chicago Blackhawks. April 3, 2022.
  270. ^ "Olczyk leaving Blackhawks broadcast booth after 15 seasons". National Hockey League. July 18, 2022.
  271. ^ "Steve Cangialosi Stepping Down as Devils Broadcaster – BLOG". New Jersey Devils. May 17, 2022.
  272. ^ Wyshynski, Greg (June 21, 2021). "Brown to retire, join Kraken as television analyst". ESPN.com.
  273. ^ Johnston, Patrick (October 23, 2021). "From the Canucks to the Kraken: Dave Tomlinson jumps back into radio". The Province.
  274. ^ William Douglas (February 10, 2022). "Kraken to feature first all-Black television broadcast crew". National Hockey League.
  275. ^ "Strong gains for TNT on cable help NHL to TV viewership uptick". Sports Business Journal. April 27, 2022. Retrieved April 29, 2022.
  276. ^ "NHL regular-season TV ratings highest in five years". Awful Announcing. April 27, 2022. Retrieved April 29, 2022.