Frozen Frenzy: What to Watch for Every NHL Team During the 2024-25 Season
The NHL’s Frozen Frenzy on Tuesday is an exciting, rare event where all 32 teams will take the ice, offering fans a day full of action-packed hockey. It kicks off with the Washington Capitals visiting the Philadelphia Flyers (6 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN+) and wraps up with the Los Angeles Kings facing off against the Vegas Golden Knights (11 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN+). Games are staggered every 15 minutes to maximize the fan experience, and the NHL Power Play on ESPN+ offers a whip-around show to bring all the highlights in one place.
With so much hockey on display, every team brings a unique reason to watch—not just for the Frozen Frenzy but throughout the 2024-25 season. Whether it’s star players, championship contenders, or captivating storylines, here’s why each team deserves your attention.
Atlantic Division
Boston Bruins: The Towering Defense
Boston’s defense lineup looks like a skyscraper collection, featuring newly signed 6-foot-6 Nikita Zadorov, alongside towering teammates like Brandon Carlo (6-5), Hampus Lindholm (6-4), and Mason Lohrei (6-5). Though Zdeno Chara has retired, his legacy of imposing defense lives on in Boston’s defense-first mentality.
Buffalo Sabres: Breaking the Playoff Drought
The Buffalo Sabres haven’t made the playoffs since 2011, marking the longest postseason drought in NHL history. With young stars like Tage Thompson and returning coach Lindy Ruff, Buffalo fans are hopeful this could finally be the year they break the curse.
Detroit Red Wings: Showtime with Patrick Kane
After overcoming major hip surgery, Patrick Kane enjoyed a comeback season in 2023-24 with the Red Wings, tallying 27 points in 50 games. The three-time Stanley Cup winner brings star power to Detroit as he continues his climb up the list of top-scoring American players in NHL history.
Florida Panthers: Defending Champs
Fresh off their first-ever Stanley Cup win, the Panthers are hunting for a repeat. Stars like Matthew Tkachuk return to defend the title, and the team remains a strong contender in the Eastern Conference.
Montreal Canadiens: Lane Hutson, Rookie Sensation
Rookie defenseman Lane Hutson is electrifying fans in Montreal. His offensive flair keeps spectators on the edge of their seats, making him a must-watch first-year player.
Ottawa Senators: Linus Ullmark, Franchise Savior
Former Bruins goalie Linus Ullmark is now Ottawa’s star between the pipes, tasked with turning around the Senators’ fortunes after they struggled with goaltending last season. Can he push them back into the playoffs?
Tampa Bay Lightning: The League’s Top Line?
The addition of Jake Guentzel to Tampa Bay’s top line with Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov has made the Lightning even more dangerous. They’re gunning for another deep playoff run with this lethal trio leading the way.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Marner’s Uncertain Future
Mitch Marner is entering the final year of his contract, and questions surround his future with the Leafs. Known for his regular-season brilliance but postseason struggles, will Toronto re-sign him, or could he be on the move?
Metropolitan Division
Carolina Hurricanes: The Brind’Amour Effect
Under head coach Rod Brind’Amour, the Hurricanes have become a team that excels in every facet of the game—offense, defense, special teams. Carolina is tough to beat and fun to watch.
Columbus Blue Jackets: Playing Through Grief
The loss of star forward Johnny Gaudreau, who tragically passed away in the offseason, has cast a shadow over Columbus. The team is playing with heart and determination in his honor, with young talent like Adam Fantilli leading the way.
New Jersey Devils: High Expectations
The Devils are once again aiming for Stanley Cup contention after an offseason spent retooling the roster. Goaltending improvements and key veteran signings have raised the bar for New Jersey.
New York Islanders: Horvat and Barzal Show
With Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal leading the offense, the Islanders are hopeful for a playoff push. These two stars will need to shoulder a heavy load to get New York back in the postseason mix.
New York Rangers: Shesterkin’s Contract Drama
Igor Shesterkin is one of the best goalies in the world, and he knows it. The Rangers couldn’t lock him into a contract extension before the season, so the drama continues. Will he raise his stock or find himself struggling?
Philadelphia Flyers: Michkov Mania
Rookie Matvei Michkov brings excitement and hope to a Flyers team in rebuild mode. His offensive creativity has been compared to the likes of Eric Lindros, making him a player to watch.
Pittsburgh Penguins: The Veteran Quartet
Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, and Erik Karlsson are all pushing to extend Pittsburgh’s championship window. Their leadership and skill keep the Penguins competitive in a tough division.
Washington Capitals: Ovechkin’s Gretzky Chase
Alex Ovechkin is on the verge of breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal record. Every goal brings him closer to this historic achievement, and all eyes are on the Capitals captain.
Central Division
Chicago Blackhawks: The Bedard Show Continues
Connor Bedard, last season’s Calder Trophy winner, returns to build on a stellar rookie campaign. With more talent around him, Bedard is ready to take the Blackhawks to new heights.
Colorado Avalanche: Makar’s 100-Point Pursuit
Cale Makar is on a mission to join the elite 100-point club as a defenseman. His start to the season has been nothing short of spectacular.
Dallas Stars: Cup Contenders
The Stars are determined to win their second Stanley Cup, powered by a mix of veteran experience and emerging stars like Jason Robertson.
Minnesota Wild: Fleury’s Farewell Tour
Marc-Andre Fleury is set for one last NHL ride. While not the Vezina-level goalie he once was, Fleury’s charisma and competitive fire remain strong.
Nashville Predators: The Stamkos and Marchessault Era
New additions Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault bring star power to a Predators team in need of a boost. Can they help Nashville return to the playoffs?
St. Louis Blues: Thomas and Kyrou Magic
The Blues are banking on the chemistry between Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou to lead their offense. When these two click, St. Louis is tough to beat.
Utah Hockey Club: Energized New Team
Formerly the Arizona Coyotes, Utah is now home to a hungry, talented squad ready to capture fans’ hearts in Salt Lake City.
Winnipeg Jets: Real Deal or Mirage?
The Jets have started the season as one of the NHL’s best teams. But can they maintain this level of performance throughout the year?
Pacific Division
Anaheim Ducks: The Carlsson Factor
Leo Carlsson is ready to make his mark after load management limited his rookie season. The young star’s blend of size, skill, and hockey IQ has Ducks fans excited.
Calgary Flames: Retooling on the Fly
Despite losing key players in recent years, Calgary has stayed competitive. Early signs suggest they’re on the right path with a roster capable of making waves in the Pacific.
Edmonton Oilers: Climbing the Championship Mountain
After falling short in the Stanley Cup Final last season, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are more determined than ever to bring a championship to Edmonton.
Los Angeles Kings: Kopitar’s Longevity
Anze Kopitar is still playing at an elite level despite being 37. The Kings captain is leading by example, even with key players like Drew Doughty sidelined.
San Jose Sharks: Celebrini’s Star Turn
Macklin Celebrini, the No. 1 pick in 2024, is ready to shine after recovering from an injury. He’s the key to the Sharks’ rebuild and will be a major storyline this season.
Seattle Kraken: Daccord, the Fan Favorite
Joey Daccord’s strong start has endeared him to Kraken fans. With a .916 save percentage last season, he’s quickly becoming one of Seattle’s key players.
Vancouver Canucks: Pettersson’s Redemption
After a slow start and a drop in points last season, Elias Pettersson is under pressure to deliver in Vancouver. Can he return to his dominant form?
Vegas Golden Knights: Eichel’s Dominance
Jack Eichel has been one of the NHL’s best two-way centers since joining the Golden Knights. His play will be crucial to Vegas’ quest for another Stanley Cup.
No matter which team you follow, the NHL Frozen Frenzy offers something for every hockey fan. From rising stars to record-breaking pursuits, there’s no shortage of excitement this season. Enjoy the frenzy!