NHL 2016-17 home openers announced, Penguins to host Capitals
Just eight days after the Pittsburgh Penguins captured the Stanley Cup, the NHL announced they will raise their fourth championship banner to the rafters Oct. 13 when Sidney Crosby will host Alex Ovechkin and the rival Washington Capitals.
The season will start a week later than usual with the World Cup of Hockey wrapping up Oct. 1.
The regular season's opening night will take place Oct. 12, and will feature the opening of Rogers Place as the Edmonton Oilers host their Alberta rivals, the Calgary Flames. The night will also feature a battle of Ontario as the Toronto Maple Leafs visit the Ottawa Senators.
Meanwhile, south of the border, the Western Conference champion San Jose Sharks will begin their season against the division rival Los Angeles Kings, and the Chicago Blackhawks will look to avenge their first-round playoff series loss, hosting the St. Louis Blues.
Here is the full list of home openers:
| Host | Opponent | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Anaheim Ducks | Canucks | Oct. 23 |
| Arizona Coyotes | Flyers | Oct. 15 |
| Boston Bruins | Devils | Oct. 20 |
| Buffalo Sabres | Canadiens | Oct. 13 |
| Calgary Flames | Oilers | Oct. 14 |
| Carolina Hurricanes | Rangers | Oct. 28 |
| Chicago Blackhawks | Blues | Oct. 12 |
| Colorado Avalanche | Stars | Oct. 15 |
| Columbus Blue Jackets | Bruins | Oct. 13 |
| Dallas Stars | Ducks | Oct. 13 |
| Detroit Red Wings | Senators | Oct. 17 |
| Edmonton Oilers | Flames | Oct. 12 |
| Florida Panthers | Devils | Oct. 13 |
| Los Angeles Kings | Flyers | Oct. 14 |
| Minnesota Wild | Blues | Oct. 13 |
| Montreal Canadiens | Penguins | Oct. 18 |
| Nashville Predators | Blackhawks | Oct. 14 |
| New Jersey Devils | Ducks | Oct. 18 |
| New York Islanders | Ducks | Oct. 16 |
| New York Rangers | Islanders | Oct. 13 |
| Ottawa Senators | Maple Leafs | Oct. 12 |
| Philadelphia Flyers | Ducks | Oct. 20 |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | Capitals | Oct. 13 |
| St. Louis Blues | Wild | Oct. 13 |
| San Jose Sharks | Kings | Oct. 12 |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | Red Wings | Oct. 13 |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | Bruins | Oct. 15 |
| Vancouver Canucks | Flames | Oct. 15 |
| Washington Capitals | Islanders | Oct. 15 |
| Winnipeg Jets | Hurricanes | Oct. 13 |
The full 2016-17 regular-season schedule will be released Tuesday.
HEADLINES
- Hellebuyck tired of fight for goalie interference clarity: 'I've tried my best'
- Slafkovsky feeling fine but irked by Acciari hit: 'I got KO'd'
- NHL Power Rankings: Each team's biggest cause for concern
- Bruins sign Tyler Johnson to 1-year, $775K deal
- Nichuchskin to make season debut Nov. 15 after 6-month ban