The New Jersey Devils released their 2014-15 schedule today, and it looks more favorable than last year.
By my count they have 18 sets of back-to-backs which is less than last season - they had 22 or 23 if I remember correctly - and their longest road trip is four games. They have two four game road trips including one to start the season, but I think it could benefit them to get that out of the way early when everyone is fresh.
Their longest home stand is six games, and they have three home stands four games or longer throughout the season.
Undoubtedly their toughest stretch of the season will come in November and go into December, as at one point they play 13 of 18 games on the road including seven road games in the span of eight contests.
Overall the second half looks easier than the first scheduling wise, which should benefit them down the stretch if they're still in the playoff hunt.
More highlights from the Devils:
Newark, NJ -- The New Jersey Devils will open their 2014-15 regular-season schedule on Thu., Oct. 9 at Philadelphia and begin the campaign with four straight road games before hosting their home-opener on Sat., Oct. 18 vs. the San Jose Sharks at Prudential Center at 7:00 PM.The Devils’ home schedule shows 22 weekend dates, including 11 games on Fridays, nine Saturday contests and two Sunday matches. The club will play a season-high six-game homestand from Tue., Feb. 17-Fri., Feb. 27. From Wed., Jan. 28 through Sun., Mar. 8, 15 of the team’s 19 games will be played on home ice. All home games are set for 7:00 PM, except for Wed., Jan. 28 vs. Toronto (7:30 PM), Wed., Feb. 25 vs. Calgary (7:30 PM) and Sun., Mar. 8 vs. Philadelphia (5:00 PM).
New Jersey’s season-opening eight-day road trip includes stops Sat., Oct. 11 at Florida, Tue. Oct. 14 at Tampa Bay and Thu., Oct. 16 at Washington. The team will also play a four-game Western Conference road trip from Tue., Nov. 18 through Tue., Nov. 25, visiting Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver.
Under the National Hockey League’s scheduling matrix, the Devils are playing 30 games vs. Metropolitan Division opposition: five games vs. Pittsburgh and Washington; and four vs. Carolina, Columbus, NY Islanders, NY Rangers and Philadelphia. The squad is scheduled to play 24 matches vs. Atlantic Division teams (three games each). New Jersey will also face each of the 14 Western Conference clubs twice, once at home and once on the road.
Devils’ ticket plans for the 2014-15 season are on sale now; please contact a fan experience manager at 973-757-6200.
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