NHL 2024-25 Season Kicks Off with Historic Tripleheader

The 2024-25 NHL season commences with much fanfare, as the North American portion begins with a much-anticipated tripleheader on Tuesday. ESPN and Sportsnet will be broadcasting live across the continent in what promises to be a thrilling opening night for hockey fans.

The inaugural action begins in Seattle, where the Kraken are set to face off against the St. Louis Blues at Climate Pledge Arena. This matchup is particularly historic as Jessica Campbell will make her debut as the first woman to serve in a behind-the-bench coaching role in NHL history, joining the Seattle coaching staff under head coach Dan Bylsma. Bylsma, who has a Stanley Cup victory under his belt from his rookie coaching season with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009, spearheads a new direction for the Kraken.

Later in the evening, the Florida Panthers will wind down celebrations of their 2024 Stanley Cup triumph by raising their championship banner before hosting the Boston Bruins at Amerant Bank Arena. The Bruins, defeated by the Panthers in the Eastern Conference Second Round last season, will be eager to exact some measure of revenge as they begin their new campaign.

Rounding off the tripleheader, the new Utah Hockey Club will make its NHL debut in a historic home game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Delta Center. The state of Utah is buzzing with excitement, with expectations of a strong performance from the new team as it aims to establish itself in the league.

NHL.com panelists expressed their anticipation for various aspects of the season opener. Amalie Benjamin, staff writer, is eager to see Utah’s debut, highlighting the whirlwind journey of the franchise from acquiring the former Arizona Coyotes to making major team trades and settling into their new home.

Adam Kimelman, deputy managing editor, noted the potential of Seattle under Bylsma, especially with young talents like the 20-year-old forward joining the team. There is interest in seeing whether Bylsma can revive the team’s goal-scoring fortunes that dwindled last season.

Florida reporter Tom Gulitti pointed out the emotional significance of the banner-raising ceremony for the Panthers, marking the pinnacle achievement of their hard-fought journey to Stanley Cup glory.

Discussion also centered on the encounter between the Blackhawks and Utah, with prominent focus on the two American-born captains leading their teams for the first time, as noted by senior draft writer Mike G. Morreale.

Additionally, the appointment of Campbell as a coaching assistant highlights the NHL’s continuing strides towards inclusivity in professional sports. Staff writer Tracey Myers emphasizes the significance of this milestone for women in hockey.