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Blackhawks Fri Jul 19 2013
Blackhawks 2013-14 Schedule Announced
It seems like only yesterday Dave Bolland scored the Cup-winning goal to beat the Boston Bruins in Game 6. That was 25 days ago. Since then, the team has whisked the Cup all over town, Bolland was shipped to Toronto, the NHL draft happened, with Stan Bowman wheeling and dealing the afternoon away, and free agency kicking in.
And now, just earlier today, the Blackhawks officially posted its 2013-14 schedule, with the first preseason game on Tuesday, September 17, against the Red Wings at the United Center.
Save your pennies for the season opener at home on Tuesday, October 1, which will include a certain banner-raising ceremony with the Capitals in town. Other notable dates include:
-Saturday, October 19: Maple Leafs at Blackhawks -- Dave Bolland returns as a Maple Leaf.
-This year's "Circus Trip" has the Hawks away from Tuesday, November 19, until Saturday, November 30.
-The Hawks and Red Wings only play twice in the regular season from here on out, with the Red Wings heading over to the Eastern Conference. The first game is in Detroit and will be televised on NBC SportsNet on Wednesday, January 22. The return game at the UC will be on Sunday, March 16.
-The Hawks and Bruins also play two games, with the first being in Chicago on Sunday, January 19, and the other in Beantown on Thursday, March 27.
One item to note for this year's NHL schedule, much like in 2010, is the Winter Olympics will play a factor. The NHL announced today that players in the NHL will be able participate in the Games in Sochi. This means a total of five games for the Blackhawks in the month of February, at least for those not representing their respective country.
The preliminary hockey round in the Olympics is scheduled to begin Wednesday, February 12, with the Gold Medal game on Sunday, February 23. The teams competing include:
GROUP A
Russia
Slovenia
Slovakia
United States
GROUP B
Austria
Canada
Finland
Norway
GROUP C
Czech Republic
Latvia
Switzerland
Sweden
If these Games are anything like those from 2010, hockey fans from all over the world will be in for a treat. Meanwhile, general managers and owners everywhere will watch on the edge of their collective seats, holding their breath so as no one will turn an ankle.
Nevertheless, this city is still in a daze from the thrill ride the Blackhawks gave everyone some 25 days ago. We can plan ahead for it all to start again a mere 60 days from now...and counting.