NHL: Oilers Open the Season with the Flames

The 2009-2010 NHL schedule was released today and the Edmonton Oilers will open their season at home against the Calgary Flames on October 3.

The second half of the sure to be CBC Hockey Night in Canada double header will be the first chance for Pat Quinn and Tom Renney to set their stamp on the team.

At a glance, one of the first things noticed is that the longest road stretch starts on November 28 going for six games.  Those games go to December 11. 

The Oilers once again play a number of back-to-back games as they play five road back to backs.  As well as three home-and-home back-to-back games.  While these games are not the killers they might seem, down the stretch they seemed to wear out Dwayne Roloson who played a number of them.

As well the Oilers close the season playing six of the last eight on the road.  With the final game of the season coming April 11 in Anaheim.

Possible Big Games on the Schedule:

In October, a couple of early tests come on the road as the Oilers will play Chicago and Boston on the road.  It will be, along with the game at home against Detroit, a good measuring stick as to how well the Oilers can play against some of the big teams from last season.

If Dany Heatley ever does become an Oiler, then November 10 will be a big date as the Oilers play their only game in Ottawa.  Otherwise it is just a blip on the schedule.

The Oilers also play Washington and Pittsburgh at home this season so both Alexander Ovechkin and Sydney Crosby will be visiting Rexall Place this season. 

The final home game of the season has the Colorado Avalanche in town on April 7.

While the schedule does not have a lot of big pit falls this season, like the road trip from hell last season, it does seem to have two important markers. 

First is the six game road trip in early December, at the point where the Oilers typically start to tail off.  Second, the four game road trip to end the season against non divisional opponents.

Bizarre Scheduling Facts:

The Oilers will finish their season series with the Calgary Flames on January 13 in Calgary.  The Flames in fact do not visit Rexall Place at all in 2010.

Since the lock-out, the Oilers have played the Flames in April every season until this year.

The Oilers have not had their last scheduled game at home since 2005-2006.