Looking Forward to the 2021 NHL Season
As the 2021 NHL season began on October 12 after preseason began on September 25, things are really ramping up for hockey fans. Find out everything we know about the upcoming season, including the 2021-22 NHL Schedule, key dates, where to watch the games, and more. After an interesting year of sports, we’re excited to be back for some hockey while we cheer on the Vegas Golden Knights all season long!
2021 NHL Season Schedule
Throughout the 2021-22 NHL season, we’re sure to see some exciting games and events. From preseason kickoff on September 25, 2021 to the end of the regular season on April 29, 2022, we’re looking forward to seeing some incredible match-ups throughout the 1,312-game schedule with 82 games for each team. This year, the NHL will return to its previous schedule format after making temporary changes due to COVID restrictions last year, with each team playing all the others at least twice. The NHL is also returning to its previous divisional alignment, with the Metropolitan Division and Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference and the Central Division and Pacific Division in the Western Conference.
The 2021 NHL Season officially starts Tuesday, October 12, 2021. On the first day of the season, the Tampa Bay Lightning will raise their 2021 Stanley Cup banner at Amalie Arena before hosting the Pittsburgh Penguins. That game will be followed by the first official NHL game to include the Seattle Kraken, who take on our very own Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena right here in Vegas.
If you’re wanting to catch a VGK game yourself this season, be sure to check out the Vegas Golden Knights 2021-22 season home schedule to catch a game at T-Mobile Arena for both preseason and regular season games. Or if you want to cheer them on at an away game, check out their full 2021-22 schedule here.
You can find more details on the 2021 NHL schedule here.
Key 2021-22 NHL Season Dates
- NHL Winter Classic: Jan. 1, 2022 at Target Field in Minneapolis, MN (Wild vs. Blues)
- NHL All-Star Game: Date TBD, hosted by the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena
- Winter Olympic Break: Feb. 7-22, 2022 pending NHL player involvement
- NHL Stadium Series Game: Feb. 26, 2002 at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN
- Final Day of Regular Season: April 29, 2022
- NHL Draft: June 24-25, 2022
NHL All-Star Game in Vegas
This season, Las Vegas and the Vegas Golden Knights will host the NHL All-Star Game, which is sure to be one of the best hockey events to date. On February 4-5, the 2022 NHL All-Star Weekend will take place in Las Vegas at the home of the Vegas Golden Knights, T-Mobile Arena. On top of some Vegas flair and hospitality, this weekend will include the 2022 NHL All-Star Skills™ on February 4, and the 2022 NHL All-Star Game on February 5. The All-Star Weekend will be the first in-season NHL event hosted by Las Vegas and the VGK since their inaugural season of 2017-18, which means we’re going to go all out in the city. Expect various hockey-themed events, entertainment, and activities that celebrate the true spirit of hockey.
2021-22 NHL Season on TV
This year, the NHL has some new TV deals after years of discussion. For the first time in 16 years, NBC Sports will not be airing NHL games with ESPN and WarnerMedia taking over the hockey airtime. ESPN and the NHL agreed to a seven-year deal that will include 25 regular-season games on ESPN or ABC, early-round playoff series and one conference final each year, four Stanley Cup Final series on ABC, and more than 1,000 games per season streaming on ESPN+ and Hulu.
In the new WarnerMedia deal, TNT will air three of the seven Stanley Cup Finals series during the term of the deal. Turner Sports will also have half of the Stanley Cup playoffs each season along with a regular season slate of up to 72 games, including the annual Winter Classic. The deal also includes live streaming and simulcast rights for HBO Max, marking its first entry into live sports.
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 | Sports 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. Barry’s sponsorship of the Vegas Golden Knights includes a $1,000 Chef’s Table experience giveaway during 21 regular-season home games where the lucky winner will receive an all-expenses paid dinner for up to 12 guests in a private dining area. Dare we say it’s a pretty golden opportunity for any VGK fan?
How to Bet on Hockey in Vegas
Now that the 2021-22 NHL season is starting up, 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.
