Detroit Red Wings: NHL Releases 2017-18 Schedule
By Mike Rizzo
The Detroit Red Wings and the NHL released their 2017-18 schedule. The home opener, which was announced yesterday, will be October 5th.
The Detroit Red Wings knew yesterday that the first game at Little Caesars Arena would be on October 5th. Now they know the whole schedule.
After opening up against the Minnesota Wild, the Red Wings head out on a four game road trip which includes their first game against the Vegas Golden Knights in Vegas.
A very important stretch for the Red Wings is from November 11th to December 15th. During that stretch the Red Wings play just two road games. That means 15 of those 17 games will be at Little Caesars Arena. The Red Wings need to take advantage of that stretch.
On New Years Eve, the Red Wings welcome the defending champs Pittsburgh Penguins to Little Caesars Arena for the first time. So for the second time in three years the Red Wings will face the Penguins on New Years Eve. The Penguins were the last New Years Eve opponent at Joe Louis Arena and will be the first New Years Eve opponent at Little Caesars Arena.
The Red Wings play the Chicago Blackhawks twice in January. Chicago’s first trip to Little Caesars Arena will be January 25th. That is also the final game before the All Star break. The NHL All-Star game is on January 28th in Tampa. The Red Wings come back from the break January 31st against the San Jose Sharks.
Remember that important stretch in November to December that has the Red Wings playing 15 of 17 games at home? Well things even out from February 25th to March 26th. During that time the Red Wings play 12 of 15 games on the road. The final six games of the season are kinder to the Red Wings.
Four of the final six games will be at Little Caesars Arena including the season finale on April 7th against the New York Islanders.
The Red Wings only have 12 back to back games this year after having 17 last season. They also won’t play an outdoor game for the first time since 2015.
Next: Tigers deadline selloff appears inevitable
One final note on the NHL schedule. For the first time since 1998 the NHL will not be participating in the Olympics. This wasn’t a total surprise as the NHL never seemed interested in going to the Olympics in 2018.
What games are you looking forward to seeing? How do you feel about the NHL not participating in the Olympics in 2018? Comment below or Tweet us!