NHL previews expanded season, with outlets varying in focus
Outlets previewing the new NHL season differ in focus, from schedule changes to team rankings and storylines to watch.
What happened
The NHL season has started, with the league having expanded its schedule by two games to balance the number of divisional matchups.1
Season previews cover team rankings and Stanley Cup contenders, including discussion of whether Carolina can win the title again.2
Other coverage frames the season around storylines to watch as it gets underway.3
What's agreed
Reported consistently by outlets in more than one region.
How it's framed
What each perspective puts first, based on headlines and summaries.
| Perspective | How it reads | What it puts first |
|---|---|---|
| East Asian sports pressEast Asia | The Japan Times focuses on the structural change to the season, highlighting the schedule expansion and its effect on the length of the road to the Stanley Cup Final.1 | Season expanded by two games, Divisional matchup balance, Longer road to Stanley Cup Final |
| US sports mediaNorth America | ESPN emphasizes team-by-team analysis and championship contention, ranking all 32 teams and discussing prospects such as Carolina's chances of repeating as champion.2 | Team rankings 1-32, Stanley Cup contenders, Carolina's championship prospects |
| Southeast Asian state mediaSoutheast Asia | CNA, a state-controlled outlet, frames its preview around narrative storylines to follow through the season rather than schedule or rankings.3 | Storylines to watch, Season kickoff |
What the coverage leaves out
- None of the outlets reviewed provided details on Ovechkin's specific role or storyline for the season, despite the working label referencing him.
- None of the outlets reviewed identified the young stars mentioned in the working label.
- None of the outlets reviewed explained the reasons behind the schedule expansion beyond balancing divisional matchups.
Why it matters
The NHL season generates coverage worldwide previewing team prospects and format changes ahead of the Stanley Cup playoffs in June.1
What to watch
- The Stanley Cup Final, expected in June, as referenced in schedule coverage.
- How the five storylines identified by CNA develop over the season.
Sources (3)
Every outlet we drew on, grouped by where it is based. Read the originals for the full reporting.
North America
East Asia
- 1The Japan TimesJPPrivate
NHL stars ready to hit ice as league drops puck on expanded 84-game season
Southeast Asia
- 3CNASGState-controlled
NHL-Five storylines to watch as the new season gets underway