To some, October means pumpkin patches and Halloween, but, to others, it means the start of hockey. People start to yell at their TVs, words are spoken that should truly never be said, people stay up for hours to see the end of a game. Most importantly, hockey is finally back and it's acceptable to talk trash about teams you hate.
The 2017-18 season looks completely different than it has in years past. The league has expanded to Las Vegas; the last expansion was in 2000. The NHL now has 31 teams. An expansion at this time will definitely bring in new fans, especially in the western United States.
This season holds new challenges, specifically for the Vegas Golden Knights. Sure, some of those players have played together before but playing on a first-year team can be challenging. A team with players from all across the league can also be beneficial. You have different ideas for plays or how the team should truly be playing. Yes, the intention is to win games. Are you going to be the team that no one likes because you play dirty or the team that is challenging?
The NHL also has 3 new rule changes for the 2017-18 season. The first one deals with timeouts. The defensive team can no longer call a timeout following an icing. Another rule is high sticking. A team will no longer have the puck change sides for another play. The last one is stopping the game for a coach's challenge. If the team loses the challenge they will be penalized for stoppage of game.
We must keep in mind that with new rule changes comes a new way of playing the game. Players will have to keep in mind that they may not be able to play the way they have in years prior. Teams will have to come up with new strategies and learn how to communicate even more on the ice. Even though these rule changes aren't too drastic, the game is still going to be the same exciting sport that draws so many people in.
Unsurprisingly, the team that a lot of people are not too fond of (if they don't cheer for them), the Blackhawks are looking to be a strong contender. After being knocked out of the playoffs early on, they are looking to play in that final round of the Stanley Cup Finals. They could and quite possibly reach that. Their coach, Joel Quenneville, coaches his team well. and with additions from past Cup wins they will be tough to beat. The Blackhawks could be the team to beat this year.
A few key players to watch for this year would be-
Connor McDavid- McDavid is a young player, only 20 years old. Within his first two years, he already has 148 points. He is looking to be even stronger this season.
Sidney Crosby- No surprise here. Crosby has been a top competitor since he was drafted in 2005. He has won two Stanley Cups two years in a row. With his linemates, he could have yet another ring on his finger.
Erik Karlsson- He is looking to reach more points than what is usually expected of defensemen. He is a great asset to Ottawa.
Patrick Kane- Kane is coming into the season as a Hart Trophy candidate. He is playing a fast game. Kane, like many players, is not holding back. In the season opener, he and his team scored 10 goals against the Penguins. He had 1 goal and 4 assists.
To conclude, the NHL will look different this season. The teams have changed quite a bit, which isn't that uncommon. Some of the rules have changed. There is a new team. The teams will bring new or different challenges to each and every game. Even with all of this in mind, it will be a great season. It is time to cheer our teams to victory and hope they hoist The Cup at the end. Hockey is finally back, everybody.
It is time to grab the remote or head to nhl.com to listen to the games. Pull that sweater out, get ready for the crazy superstitions and prepare yourself for the 2017-18 season. Smack talk starts now.
