The NHL season is here!
Like any season, there are some games that stand out more than others, with home openers, rivalry games, outdoor contests and games in far-flung locales grabbing headlines. It's a long slate consisting of 1,271 games, but there's a few that will be quite intriguing over the course of the next 6-plus months of the regular season.
Key dates in the 2019-20 season
Here are some of the key dates to look forward to in the upcoming season:
Oct. 2: Washington Capitals at St. Louis Blues
You can be sure "Gloria" will be played when the Blues host the Capitals on opening night. A banner-raising ceremony before taking on the previous Stanley Cup champs? The Blues know how to kick off a season.
MORE: St. Louis Blues give superfan Laila Anderson a Stanley Cup championship ring
Oct. 4: Chicago Blackhawks at Philadelphia Flyers
While technically a Philadelphia home game, this one will be played far away from the City of Brotherly Love. As part of the NHL Global Series, the Blackhawks and Flyers will face off in Prague, Czech Republic, for the first of three NHL games in Europe during the 2019-20 campaign.
Oct. 17: New York Rangers at New Jersey Devils
The never-ending Jack Hughes vs. Kaapo Kakko debate could finally find some resolution on an NHL rink as the top two draft picks in the 2019 draft are scheduled to meet for the first time in the big leagues.
MORE: With expectations high, Devils' Jack Hughes up to the task: 'It's a moving art'
Oct. 26: Calgary Flames vs. Winnipeg Jets
The latest edition of the Heritage Classic sees the Flames and Jets square off in Regina at Mosaic Stadium. If you're thinking late October is too early in the year to host an outdoor game, you've never been to Saskatchewan.
Oct. 26: St. Louis Blues at Boston Bruins
It's the Stanley Cup rematch no one could have predicted a few months ago. The Bruins will certainly be eager to grab a victory at home against the Blues in the first meeting of the season between these two teams.
NHL predictions 2019-20: Final standings, playoff projections, Stanley Cup picks
Nov. 8: Tampa Bay Lightning at Buffalo Sabres
The second game in the NHL Global Series, this one takes place in Stockholm, Sweden. Buffalo is the home team for this contest, with the Lightning taking the mantle as hosts a day later in the same venue.
Nov. 13: Toronto Maple Leafs at New York Islanders
We saw what happened when the Leafs visited the Islanders last season with John Tavares in tow. Isles fans took every opportunity to make their former star player uncomfortable, and we can only assume the vitriol has not died down just yet.
Dec. 7: New Jersey Devils at Nashville Predators
P.K. Subban is set to return to Nashville as a member of the Devils after his trade to New Jersey. What kind of reception will Subban receive from the Predators' faithful?
MORE: Devils' P.K. Subban's top five quotes: 'I don’t play for New York'
Jan. 1: Nashville Predators at Dallas Stars
The annual NHL Winter Classic will take place at Dallas' famed Cotton Bowl.
Jan. 26: All-Star Game
As if St. Louis hasn't hosted enough hockey parties, the Enterprise Center will be the venue for the 2020 NHL All-Star Weekend.
Feb. 15: Los Angeles Kings at Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche head outside of Denver to host this NHL Stadium Series game, with the Kings visiting Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs.
Apr. 4: Last day of the regular season
There's always some drama heading into the playoffs. Will this season provide more?