Things to Expect in the 2024-25 NHL Season
Last year, the Florida Panthers captured their first-ever Stanley Cup. This season, in 2024, they are looking for a repeat bid. Another time lifting the chalice would make them the first team to repeat since the Tampa Bay Lightning did in 2020 and 2021.
Though the Panthers have a good chance to do so, there are plenty of other teams that could stand in the way. The NHL season start is off to a thrilling beginning, and the NHL 2024 schedule is sure to toss up some exciting games. In this guide, we’ll break down the top teams and top players and what to expect in the 2024 NHL season.
Key 2024-25 NHL Season Dates
- 2024 Stanley Cup Final rematch: December 16 in Rogers Place, Edmonton (Panthers vs. Oilers)
- 2025 NHL Stadium Series™: March 1 in Columbus, OH (Red Wings vs. Blue Jackets)
- Last Day of 2024-25 NHL Regular Season: April 17
- Stanley Cup Playoffs Begin: April 19
- 2025 NHL Draft: June TBD
2024 NHL Season So Far
The Panthers kicked off their quest to defend their Stanley Cup with a fine start, going 12-5-1 in their first 18 games. Their typical stars are off to good starts, including Sam Reinhart, with 28 points in 18 games, and captain Aleksander Barkov, who has 17 points in 10 games after missing a few matches due to injury.
A team that has taken the league by surprise is the Winnipeg Jets. They got off to a staggering 15-3 start, including winning their first eight to start the season. Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has a 2.14 goals-against average in his first 14 games, including three shutouts. He’s an early contender to win the Vezina trophy as the best goaltender in the league.
Another surprising team is the Washington Capitals. Every hockey fan is actively awaiting Alex Ovechkin to catch Wayne Gretzky to become the all-time goals-scored leader. He’s on pace after getting off to a great start, and the team itself is off to a strong start, making themselves early contenders.
On the flip side, some teams have gotten off to surprisingly bad starts. The Edmonton Oilers are just 9-7-2 through the first 18 games. That shouldn’t be a huge concern, as they started last season 7-3-1 before reaching the seventh game of the Stanley Cup Final.
Another team off to a slow start is the Boston Bruins. They are at just 8-8-3 in their first 19 games. Despite signing a large contract at the start of the season, goalie Jeremy Swayman has struggled, with an elevated 3.35 goals-against average through 13 games.
You can find more details on the 2024 NHL schedule here.
NHL Player Performance So Far
There are some players off to outstanding starts. Nathan MacKinnon, the reigning Hart Trophy winner as the league’s MVP, could be on track to repeat. The Colorado Avalanche center has an insane 33 points in 18 games. Following him close behind is Kirill Kaprizov from Minnesota, who has 31 points in 17 games.
Some players have surprised many with their productivity. Martin Necas, a typically solid player from the Carolina Hurricanes, has exploded with 30 points in 17 games. Dylan Strome, from Washington, has scored 26 points in 17 games.
In net, key players like Jake Oettinger from Dallas and Andrei Vasilevskiy from Tampa are off to their typical good starts. More surprising is Minnesota’s Filip Gustavsson, who has a sparkling 2.08 goals-against average in 13 games.
Some goalies, however, have struggled, and all of them are former Stanley Cup Champions. Sergei Bobrovsky, from Florida, is off to a shaky start, with a 2.89 goals-against average in 13 games. Vegas’ Adin Hill has a 3.16 goals-against average, and Jordan Binnington, from St. Louis, has an unsightly 3.20 goals-against average.
Where to Watch Hockey in Vegas
Vegas is the ultimate destination for hockey. Of course, catching a game at T-Mobile Arena is the prime place to really immerse yourself in the game, especially when there is some serious love for our Vegas Golden Knights. If you can’t make it to the game or are looking for a different setting, you have plenty of options.
The Circa Sportsbook is the largest in the world with three stories of sports betting greatness. Not only will you be able to see all the action on the 78M pixel screen, you’ll also be surrounded by some of the best and most enthusiastic hockey fans and bettors. You can even take your NHL watching to a new level by lounging by the pool at Stadium Swim® where you can place bets and watch hockey in the most Vegas way possible – there are even dedicated VGK watch parties at the pool once the NHL regular season starts.
If you want to grab some drinks while watching the game, be sure to stop by Overhang Bar where you can catch the game while overlooking the giant screens at the Circa Sportsbook. Or, go where hockey is truly celebrated at the D’s BarCanada®, where true Canadian energy gives hockey games that extra little kick.
And while it might not be watching a game, did you know that you can dine like a Vegas Golden Knight? Barry’s Downtown Prime is the Official Steakhouse of the Vegas Golden Knights.
How to Bet on Hockey in Vegas
Now that the 2024-25 NHL season is in play, it’s time to place your bets. Circa Sports is the ultimate sportsbook in Las Vegas for hockey sports betting. Stop by Circa Resort, the D, or one of the other Circa Sports locations in Las Vegas to place your bets in person. Can’t make it into the sportsbook? Download the Circa Sports app on iOS or Android to have your bookie right in your pocket.
Whether in person or on the app, join Circa Sports for your premier place to bet on hockey in Vegas.