Well, even though it feels like just last week that the NHL season ended, yesterday saw the release of next year's schedule.
The release of the schedule squashes rumours that training camp was supposed to start the day after the draft and that there would be an additional three rounds of playoffs designed to keep the NHL going constantly, like golf.
In reality, the Coyotes kick off the pre-season vs. the Kings on September 22, and begin the regular season with a four game home-stand against the Jets on October 9th. They end the season April 11th at home, against Anaheim.
Here's a handy link to the full schedule: http://coyotes.nhl.com/club/schedule.htm
As usual, the Coyotes do not get a very good schedule, in terms of travel.
Last year, the Coyotes lead the NHL with over 52 000 miles traveled, and next year they will travel "only" 49 818 miles, but it's still tops in the league. Dallas travels almost as much, but the Stars and Coyotes travel almost 3 000 miles more than the third ranked team, the Ducks. The Flyers, who travel the least, will go only 31 000 miles, or just over half of what the Coyotes will do. (Data from yahoo.com)
The Coyotes are in the middle of the pack as far as back-to-back games go, having to do so 13 times. What's strange about this is that it's actually 1 more time than they did this past year when the Olympics forced a tighter schedule and the same amount as in the even more compacted lock-out year. The Sabres, however, will play back-to-back 19 times, so I shouldn't complain about the Coyote's Schedule. (Imagine the conspiracy theories if the Penguins had a shot at Connor McDavid and got that schedule!)
In January, the city of Phoenix will be hosting the Super Bowl, so the Coyotes will play a six game home-stand and then hit the road for eight games straight while that's going on.
Interestingly, the Coyotes owner Anthony Leblanc mentioned last month that during the Super Bowl, the NFL rented out the Coyotes arena to make sure there wouldn't be any conflicting events going on. It almost seems like a condescending pat on the head by the NFL, since it's highly unlikely that hockey in Phoenix is going to usurp any interest in the Super Bowl, no matter who the Coyotes played, or where, during that week.
Even though I made fun of the NHL for having a never ending season, I wouldn't want it any other way. The release of the new schedule, and the upcoming draft have fully recovered me from watching two months of Coyotes-less Playoffs, and my optimism for next year is ramping up like crazy.
Even though the Coyotes missed the Playoffs, we have to remember that it was by a thread, and that they have Mikael Boedker, who has a chance to be something very special, Max Domi who might also be a gift at 11th overall, and OEL, the best kept secret in hockey who plays on one of the best young groups of defenseman, potentially, ever. This team has a lot to be excited about + plus the built in excuse of being poor and cheap - you literally can't lose when you're a Coyotes fan! I can't wait until October.
Thanks for reading.