NHL schedule 2013-14: League releases regular season slate

The NHL released the schedule for the 2013-14 regular season.

Jul 19, 2013, 5:39 PM UTC

Jonathan Daniel

Shortly after confirming that the NHL Players’ Association was going to the 2014 Sochi Olympics, the NHL released the 2013-14 regular season schedule.

Following the 2012 lockout, the NHL only played 48 games in 2013. Obviously, 2013-14 will see the league resume a complete 82-game campaign. However, the year will feature a break from Feb. 9- Feb. 25 so that players can travel to Russia to participate in the Olympics.

The season will officially begin on Tuesday, Oct. 1 with a three-game schedule. The Montreal Canadiens will host the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first game of the season, followed by the Washington Capitals challenging the defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks. That contest will be nationally televised in the United States on NBC Sports Network and will include coverage of the championship banner ceremony. The Edmonton Oilers will close out opening night by hosting the Winnipeg Jets.

The final day of the regular season will come on Sunday, April 13 and will feature a 10-game slate. The Dallas Stars and Phoenix Coyotes are scheduled to play the final game of the year in Glendale on that day.

For a complete look at the 2013-14 schedule, click here.

Here’s a look at some games of note:

* Tuesday, Nov. 5: Tyler Seguin returns to Boston
* Wednesday, Nov. 27: Vincent Lecavalier returns to Tampa Bay
* Sunday, Dec. 1: Daniel Alfredsson returns to Ottawa for the first time as a member of the Detroit Red Wings
* Tuesday, Dec. 10: Jarome Iginla returns to Calgary for the first time since being traded
* Thursday, Dec. 12: Danny Briere returns to Philadelphia
* Thursday, March 20: Zach Parise returns to New Jersey for the first time as a member of the Minnesota Wild

* Wednesday, Jan. 1: Winter Classic between the Maple Leafs and Red Wings
* Saturday, Jan. 25: Stadium Series begins with the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings
* Sunday, Jan. 26: Stadium Series continues with the New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers
* Wednesday, Jan. 29: Stadium Series between the Rangers and New York Islanders
* Saturday, March 1: Stadium Series between Pittsburgh Penguins and Blackhawks
* Sunday, March 2: Heritage Classic between Ottawa Senators and Vancouver Canucks