The new NHL realignment offers a new dynamic in assessing the Bruins schedule next season. Instead of the 6 divisions with 5 teams, there are not 4 divisions with 7 or 8 teams in them. This will give teams a chance to play other teams more often and see some teams they normally wouldn't see too much during the regular season. It also changes the way the playoffs will work, but that's a blog for another day.
The Bruins new division, the Atlantic Division, includes the Sabres, Red Wings, Panthers, Canadiens, Senators, Lightning, and Maple Leafs. Simply put, Detroit, Florida, and Tampa will join what was the North East Division. As I look at the schedule, a few things jump out at me.
The Bruins open up with a home game against Tampa Bay on October 3rd. It's always good to start a season at home in front of your home fans, especially since the Bruins made it to the Cup Finals last season.
We play the Red Wings at home twice in the first 5 games, on October 5 and 14. I'm so excited to see this team on a regular basis and see guys like Datsyuk and Zetterberg play before they get older. If only Lidstrom was still playing...Game 14 on November 5 is against Dallas at home. First time to see Seguin in another uniform. Though this is still early in the season, it will be time enough to see if he's developed any chemistry with his new teammates and if he's elevated his game to the next level. Hard to say what the crowd reaction will be in Boston.
December 12 against Edmonton. I've got this game circled because they're my second favorite team and I've been looking forward to watching the Seguin/Hall matchup. Of course we won't get to see that anymore, but it should still be a lot of fun to watch such a young and talented team. Guys like Hall, Eberle, Nugent-Hopkins, Yakupov, and Schultz make this an exciting team.
January 9th at Los Angeles. This was almost our Cup opponent and it would have made for an interesting one. The teams are so similar in roster makeup, talent, and playing style that it would be a fun game to watch for sure.
January 19th at Chicago. Stanley Cup rematch. Need I say more?
March 17 against Minnesota. Playing a team in green on St. Paddy's day. I like Minnesota as a team and they've got some good players that we haven't gotten to see in a while like Parise, Koivu, Heatley, and Suter.
I like this schedule overall and there are a few times where we have home stretches for 3, 4, or 5 games which will be key in what is sure to be a tight divisional race. Is it October yet?
For the full schedule, check out: http://www.nhl.com/ice/schedulebyseason.htm?team=bos
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