Exciting NHL Games to Watch in the 2025-26 Season

On Oct. 11, the New York Rangers will face the Pittsburgh Penguins, marking Mike Sullivan's return to Pittsburgh where he won the Stanley Cup twice during his 10-season tenure. Sullivan, now the Rangers coach, holds the record for coaching wins in the regular season and playoffs with the Penguins. His debut with the Rangers will be on Oct. 7 against the Penguins.

Prime Monday Night Hockey kicks off on Oct. 13 with the Detroit Red Wings visiting the Toronto Maple Leafs and the St. Louis Blues playing against the Vancouver Canucks. The night promises an exciting doubleheader on Canadian Thanksgiving.

On Oct. 21, the Florida Panthers will play the Boston Bruins, with Brad Marchand returning to Boston for the first time since being traded to the Panthers. Marchand, a former Bruins captain, played 16 seasons in Boston and was instrumental in the Panthers' Cup win.

The annual Hall of Fame game on Nov. 8 will feature the Boston Bruins against the Toronto Maple Leafs, coinciding with the Hockey Hall of Fame inductions. Former Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara and forward Joe Thornton will be honored during this event.

In the 2025 NHL Global Series Sweden, the Pittsburgh Penguins will face the Nashville Predators on Nov. 14 and 16 at Avicii Arena in Stockholm. The series will showcase the talents of Swedish players on both teams.

On Nov. 22, the Florida Panthers will host the Edmonton Oilers in a Stanley Cup Final rematch, renewing their rivalry from the past two seasons. The Panthers have had the upper hand in recent matchups.

The New York Rangers will take on the Boston Bruins in the Thanksgiving Showdown on Nov. 28, highlighting a full slate of games post-American Thanksgiving. Both teams will aim to secure playoff berths.

The 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic on Jan. 2 will feature the New York Rangers facing the Florida Panthers in Miami, marking the Panthers' first NHL outdoor game.

According to the source: NHL.com.