If you're like me, then you're impatiently waiting for the NHL to release the 2008-2009 schedule. It was due out today, but apparently has been pushed back until tomorrow because of schedule conflicts (a Dallas Stars game vs. a Dallas Cowboys game? Oh no!) and maybe other things. One would think the NHL would have finalized everything before today, but maybe they are a bunch of procrastinators (like me).
Teams were given permission to release information about their home openers and some key game dates (mostly seeing the three wildcard home-and-away series between East and West teams). The Bruins have yet to do this, but a number of other teams have. I'm trying to find out any of the teams that will have a home-and-away with the Bruins, but am coming up short right now.
The NHL did announce the Winter Classic will take place in Chicago on New Year's Day between the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings. There will be a press conference on July 22nd in the third base dugout of Wrigley Field.
Bruins fans are still holding out hope that we'll see an outdoor game at Fenway in the next couple of years.
The other announcement that came from the NHL is next year's draft will be hosted by the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre. The 2009 NHL draft will take place June 26th and 27th.
More information will be posted when I discover the Bruins' home opener and wildcard games.
3:58 p.m. It appears the Bruins will start the season with yet another road trip. The Bruins' home opener is October 20th against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The wildcard teams are the St. Louis Blues, Chicago Blackhawks and Minnesota Wild.
4:55 p.m. The Bruins will open play their second game of the 2008-2009 season in Minnesota on October 11th.
5:40 p.m. According to the Globe blog, the game against Minnesota is the second game of the season. I don't get the concept of not announcing the regular season opener on the day allowed, but maybe it can be figured out by process of elimination.
