The top reason to watch every NHL team in the 2024-25 season - ESPN

The NHL Frozen Frenzy on Tuesday is that rare and joyous occasion when all 32 teams are in action on the same day.

It begins with the Washington Capitals at the Philadelphia Flyers (6 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN+) and closes out with the Los Angeles Kings at the Vegas Golden Knights (11 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN+). Games start at 15-minute staggered start times to maximize puck consumption on NHL Power Play on ESPN+ (available to all ESPN+ subscribers), and there's a whip-around show bringing you action from all 16 matchups.

That's a lot of hockey.

Which teams are worth your time and attention, not only during the Frozen Frenzy but during the rest of the 2024-25 season?

It turns out, all of them, for various factors. Here are reasons to watch all 32 teams this season, from superstar players to teams with championship aspirations to controversial storylines to one historic record chase playing out in Washington.

Here we go, and enjoy the frenzy.

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The hulking defense

The Bruins swear that size didn't matter when building their blue line, that they were just targeting the best players who fit their needs. It just so happens that the defense they've built could be the Boston skyline: They signed 6-foot-6 defenseman Nikita Zadorov this offseason to join Brandon Carlo (6-5), Hampus Lindholm (6-4), Mason Lohrei (6-5) and Andrew Peeke (6-3) in the depth chart. Charlie McAvoy, their No. 1 defenseman, finds himself looking up to his teammates at a mere 6-1.

Zdeno Chara is gone, but apparently his spirit lives on with the Bruins.

Can they end the playoff drought?

There's only one team in the «big four» sports leagues that has experienced the kind of postseason drought the Sabres are in: The hapless New