2017 NHL Season: A Comprehensive Overview

The 2017 NHL season was a thrilling chapter in the history of professional ice hockey, bringing excitement and drama to fans across North America and beyond. As franchises battled it out on the ice, the season was filled with remarkable performances, surprising upsets, and unforgettable moments. This article will provide an in-depth look at the 2017 NHL season, examining key events, statistics, and player highlights that defined the year.

In this comprehensive review, we will explore the regular season standings, playoff outcomes, notable player achievements, and the impact of the expansion team, the Vegas Golden Knights. Additionally, we will provide insights into how the 2017 season influenced the future of the NHL.

With a focus on expertise, authority, and trustworthiness, this article aims to serve as a definitive resource for fans and newcomers alike, ensuring that every reader leaves with a deeper understanding of the 2017 NHL season.

Table of Contents

• Overview of the 2017 NHL Season
• Regular Season Highlights
• Playoffs Breakdown
• Stanley Cup Finals
• Top Players of the Season
• The Vegas Golden Knights
• Key Statistics and Records
• Impact on the Future of the NHL

Overview of the 2017 NHL Season

The 2017 NHL season marked the 100th anniversary of the league, celebrating a century of hockey excellence. The season began on October 4, 2016, and concluded with the Stanley Cup Finals in June 2017. A total of 30 teams competed in the regular season, culminating in an exhilarating playoff series.

This season was particularly notable for the introduction of the Vegas Golden Knights, an expansion team that made a significant impact in its inaugural year. The Golden Knights not only participated in the playoffs but also advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals, setting a new precedent for expansion franchises.

Regular Season Highlights

The regular season was filled with competitive matchups and outstanding individual performances. Here are some key highlights:

• Washington Capitals finished first in the Metropolitan Division and secured the President's Trophy with 118 points.
• Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins led the league in goals, finishing with 44 goals.
• Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers emerged as a rising star, leading the league in points with 100.

Standings Overview

The final standings of the 2017 NHL regular season were as follows:

Playoffs Breakdown

The 2017 NHL playoffs were filled with intense competition and unexpected twists. The playoffs began on April 12, 2017, and featured several thrilling series. Here are some highlights:

• The Pittsburgh Penguins aimed to defend their title, having won the Stanley Cup in 2016.
• The Ottawa Senators made a surprising run to the Eastern Conference Finals, defeating the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers along the way.
• The Nashville Predators reached the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in franchise history.

Stanley Cup Finals

The Stanley Cup Finals showcased a fierce battle between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Nashville Predators. The series was marked by outstanding performances from both teams, with the Penguins ultimately emerging as champions.

Pittsburgh won the series 4-2, securing their second consecutive Stanley Cup title and the fifth in franchise history. Sidney Crosby was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the playoffs.

Top Players of the Season

Several players made significant contributions during the 2017 NHL season. Here are some of the top performers:

• Connor McDavid - Edmonton Oilers: Led the league with 100 points.
• Sidney Crosby - Pittsburgh Penguins: Finished as the top goal scorer with 44 goals.
• Brent Burns - San Jose Sharks: Dominated on defense and contributed 67 points.

The Vegas Golden Knights

One of the most remarkable stories of the 2017 season was the debut of the Vegas Golden Knights. As the first NHL franchise based in Las Vegas, the Golden Knights exceeded all expectations:

• Finished the regular season with a record of 51-24-7, earning 109 points.
• Advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals, becoming the first expansion team to do so in its inaugural season.
• Marc-André Fleury played a crucial role in the team's success, showcasing his goaltending skills.

Key Statistics and Records

The 2017 NHL season was not only memorable for its on-ice action but also for the numerous records and statistics that emerged:

• Connor McDavid became the youngest player to reach 100 points in a season since Sidney Crosby in 2006.
• The Penguins became the first team to win back-to-back championships since the Detroit Red Wings in 1997 and 1998.
• The Golden Knights set a record for the most wins by an expansion team in its inaugural season.

Impact on the Future of the NHL

The 2017 NHL season had a lasting impact on the league's future, influencing various aspects:

• The success of the Golden Knights raised interest in expansion teams, prompting discussions about future franchises.
• The performance of young stars like McDavid and Auston Matthews highlighted the importance of developing talent in the league.
• The league's emphasis on player safety and concussion protocols continued to evolve following various incidents during the season.

Conclusion

In summary, the 2017 NHL season was a landmark year for the league, full of excitement, surprises, and remarkable achievements. From the historic performance of the Vegas Golden Knights to the dominant play of stars like Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby, fans were treated to a memorable season of hockey.

As we look ahead to future seasons, the lessons learned and the stories created during the 2017 season will undoubtedly resonate within the NHL for years to come. We invite you to share your thoughts on the season in the comments section below and explore more articles on our site.

Closing Thoughts

Thank you for taking the time to read our comprehensive overview of the 2017 NHL season. We hope you found this article informative and engaging. Be sure to check back for more insights and updates on the world of hockey!