Division Names And Schedule Is Official

The NHL has finally given us, not only the names for the new divisions, but the entire schedule for next season. The new division names will be the Central (Blackhawks, Avalanche, Stars, Wild, Predators, Blues, Jets) Pacific ( Ducks, Flames, Oilers, Coyotes, Kings, Sharks, Canucks), Metropolitan (Hurricanes, Blue Jackets, Devils, Rangers, Islanders, Flyers, Penguins, Capitals) and the Atlantic (Bruins, Sabres, Red Wings, Panthers, Canadiens, Lightning, Senators, Maple Leafs).

The most noticeable change for the 2013-14 season is a new 7 pm start time for the majority of home games, replacing the traditional 7:30 pm start. I think this is a fantastic move! The season will begin on Tues Oct 1st with a home game against the Washington Capitals. Dave Bolland will make his return, with Toronto, on Oct 19th. The traditional November circus trip runs from the 19th to the 30th with games in Colorado, Winnipeg, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Phoenix and Dallas. Ray Emery and the Flyers will be in town on Dec 11th. The Bruins return to Chicago on Jan 19th and the Red Wings make their only appearance at the United Center on Mar 16th.