The National Hockey League released its full 2016-17 schedule on Tuesday, and the Colorado Avalanche will play some can’t-miss games during the year.
Home Opener:
Saturday, October 15 vs. the Dallas Stars
Because of the return of the World Cup of Hockey, this marks the Avs’ latest home opener since their move from Quebec in 1995. Colorado also opened their home schedule against Dallas in 1997, 2002, and 2006.
Additionally, it could be Avalanche fans’ first glimpse at newcomers Anton Lindholm and Sergei Boikov, who signed with Colorado in late May. Since Dallas won the Central Division last season, this game, as early as it is, could set the tone for the Avs’ season.
Games to watch
Monday, October 17 at Pittsburgh
The Avalanche will have their first crack at the defending Stanley Cup champions when they travel east to face the Penguins in game two of the regular season. Pittsburgh won both games last season against the Avalanche, but Matt Duchene scored three of his 30 goals against the Pens.
Friday, January 6 vs. Islanders
The Avalanche acquired forward Taylor Beck from New York’s upstate team, and Colorado’s tilt in January with the Isles will be Beck’s first game against his old team.
Sunday, March 19 vs. Blackhawks
The Avalanche ranked 24th in penalty kill percentage last season (80.2), but here face off with one of the best powerplays in the NHL in Chicago (22.6 percent). This late in the season, Colorado may be pushing for a playoff spot, and this would be a great test for them, should they make the postseason.
Sunday, April 2 at Wild; Thursday, April 6 vs. Wild
Facing the Wild will mean a lot this season.
Colorado managed just one win in five chances against Minnesota last season and finished just five points behind the Wild, who claimed the Central Division’s final playoff spot.
Colorado ranked 8th in the league last season with 266 power play opportunities, while Minnesota had the third-worst penalty kill at 77.9 percent.
The two teams face each other five times during the course of the season, but two games in a week that are this late in the year could decide a playoff spot, given how close they were last year
When the Avalanche lost 4-3 to Nashville on April 5, it knocked the Avs out of the postseason while giving Minnesota the second wild-card spot.
Thursday is also Colorado’s final home game of the season, which is the annual Fan Appreciation Night.