The 2009-2010 NHL Schedule has been Released

The NHL released their schedule for the 09-10 season today and this unveiling makes the season seem that much closer. In fact it’s only a short 2 and a half months away. The season opens on October 1st 2009, with 4 games. These games include a couple of hot Canadian rivalries with the Canadiens visiting the Maple Leafs and the Flames at home to the Canucks. The other opening games include the Capitals playing the Bruins and the Sharks in Colorado, where the Avalanche will be retiring Sakic’s number.

Then the traditional overseas games will be held on the 2nd and 3rd of October. The Red Wings and Blues will face off for a couple games in Stockholm, Sweden, while the Panthers and the Blackhawks will be playing not far away in Helsinki, Finland.

Then the real fun starts on October 3rd with all 30 teams in action. Look for the Ottawa Senators and the Minnesota “Martin Havlat” Wild to start their seasons off with a bang.

The winter classic game has also been announced. The game will take place on New Years day at Fenway Park in Boston. The Flyers and Bruins will put on the touques, scarves and tar, as well as strap on the skates for some old time hockey in front of a 100,000 fans. I’m hoping to see Bruins forward, Milan Lucic, put Chris Pronger through the glass and over the boards onto the frozen tundra that is Fenway Park field.

It’s going to be a great year for hockey. It’s anyones guess to win the cup and thanks to the parity of the league, everyone has a chance almost every year. The Olympics will also be a great two week break for players to either represent their country with national pride on the line or rest up for the playoff stretch. Hockey Opinions will be covering all of the action with plenty of opinions and biases to be shown. Check back soon for some early Stanley Cup predictions from our panel of hockey experts fans.