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NHL schedule winners, losers: Chicago Blackhawks get no favors
By MIKE BREHM USA Today at Waco Tribune-Herald
· July 18, 2026
· 1 min read
There will be 84 games, not 82, to create a balanced division schedule, and the season will start on Sept. 29 instead of early October. There will be fewer preseason games, always a plus.
Key takeaway There will be fewer preseason games, always a plus.
Why this matters in The Waco
The revised NHL schedule, with its earlier start date and balanced division setup, may have significant implications for local hockey fans in Waco . Although the Chicago Blackhawks' unfavorable schedule is the main focus, Waco residents may be more interested in how this change affects the Dallas Stars, the closest NHL team to the area. With 84 games on the schedule, the Stars will have more opportunities to face off against division rivals, potentially leading to increased excitement and competition in the region. The reduced number of preseason games could also lead to a more focused and intense regular season, which may appeal to fans in Waco who often travel to Dallas to catch a game. As the NHL season approaches, local fans will be watching to see how the new schedule impacts the Stars' performance and their chances of making a deep playoff run.
About this story
Original reporting by Waco Tribune-Herald . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Waco Tribune-Herald . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 18, 2026 ·
Source: Waco Tribune-Herald ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? There will be 84 games, not 82, to create a balanced division schedule, and the season will start on Sept. 29 instead of early October. There will be fewer preseason games, always a plus.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 18, 2026 by Waco Tribune-Herald and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by MIKE BREHM USA Today at Waco Tribune-Herald. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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