<P> The 2018 -- 19 NHL season is the 102nd season of operation ( 101st season of play ) of the National Hockey League . 31 teams are competing in an 82 - game regular season . The regular season began on October 3 , 2018 , and will end on April 6 , 2019 . The 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs will begin a few days afterwards , with the Stanley Cup Finals held in late May to early June . </P>
<P> The 2018 -- 19 NHL season is the 102nd season of operation ( 101st season of play ) of the National Hockey League . 31 teams are competing in an 82 - game regular season . The regular season began on October 3 , 2018 , and will end on April 6 , 2019 . The 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs will begin a few days afterwards , with the Stanley Cup Finals held in late May to early June . </P>
when does the regular season of nhl start
when does the regular season of nhl start
on October 3 , 2018
on October 3 , 2018