The NHL has officially announced its full 2016-17 regular season schedule that will feature four outdoor hockey games.
With free agency looming very shortly, it’s hard to keep in mind just how short the NHL offseason is. The league has announced its full regular season schedule for the 2016-17 season. It will feature four outdoor games and the first games will be held on October 12 due to the World Cup of Hockey.
Opening night on October 12 will feature some rivalries as the San Jose Sharks will host the Los Angeles Kings at the SAP Center in San Jose. The Edmonton Oilers will open their new arena against the Calgary Flames. A first round rematch will be happening as the St. Louis Blues travel to the United Center to take on the Chicago Blackhawks. Finally, the Toronto Maple Leafs will travel to Ottawa to take on the Ottawa Senators.
Eastern Conference teams will play 30 games against divisional opponents during the 2016-17 season while Western Conference teams will play 29 games against divisional opponents. There will be four outdoor hockey games. The Tim Horton’s Heritage Classic between the Edmonton Oilers and Winnipeg Jets will take place on October 23. On New Years Day in 2017, the Detroit Red Wings will take on the Toronto Maple Leafs in the Centennial Classic. The NHL Winter Classic between the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues will be held on January 2. Finally, the Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins will square off on Feb 18 in the Stadium Series.
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