This Week in the NHL: Frozen Frenzy returns with all 32 teams playing on same day

Credit: Apr 16, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Nick Seeler (24) and Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) battle for position during the first period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

With 32 teams and seemingly infinite storylines, it’s hard to keep track of all the weekly goings on during the NHL season. That’s why I’m here to help. Every Monday from October to April, I’ll preview the key events, games, narratives and milestones in play for the week.

So what’s on tap for Oct. 21-27?

Oct. 22: All 32 teams in action

Why on a Tuesday? Why dubbed Frozen Frenzy? The NHL works in mysterious ways, but we’ll take a 32-team night of hockey for the only time all season. Most of the start times are staggered by 15 minutes each, beginning with the Philadelphia Flyers hosting the Washington Capitals at 6:00 p.m. ET and wrapping with the Los Angeles Kings visiting the Vegas Golden Knights at 11:00 p.m. ET.

Oct. 23: NHL Central Scouting preliminary Players to Watch list

If you’re a prospect nut, make sure you have Wednesday circled on the calendar. Per annual tradition, Central Scouting will publish its first ‘Players to Watch’ list of the 2025 NHL Draft season, tabbing prospects with labels of A, B, C, W or LV. An ‘A’ is a first-round candidate, B is second or third round, C is fourth or fifth round, W is sixth or seventh round and LV is designated for “injured players who have not had sufficient viewings to be categorized.” You can bet on top prospects James Hagens and Porter Martone earning their ‘A’ badges.

Oct. 25: Crosby visits McDavid

Pittsburgh Penguins @ Edmonton Oilers, 9:00 p.m. ET

With Sidney Crosby now in season 20 of his storied career, we only have so many meetings between him and Connor McDavid left to cherish. Historically, McDavid steps up with a spectacular effort whenever he clashes with the Penguins, having racked up nine goals and 27 points in 14 career games against them.

Sergei Bobrovsky’s 400^th win

It feels like ‘Bad Contract Bobrovsky’ is a distant memory now. He’s a two-time Vezina Trophy winner, a Stanley Cup champion and, if there’s any remaining doubt he’s a surefire Hall of Famer, he’ll erase it when he becomes just the 14^th goalie to win 400 games. He’s just one victory away. His Florida Panthers play three times this week, with no back to backs, so it’s possible Bobrovsky gets up three cracks at the milestone if he needs that many.

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