The 2015-2016 Toronto Maple Leafs season is a mystery already. What will the opening night roster look like? How big a difference will we see between Randy and Mike? Who will be Captain? Will we just see a bunch of filler while the prospects stay on the Marlies? So many questions we can't answer but what we know now is when this will all be happening.
Dates to remember
Home Opener: Wednesday October 7 vs Montreal Canadiens
The Leafs are 5-1-1 after opening the past 7 season vs Montreal. Last season the Canadiens swept the season series for the first time in those 7 years leading to some anguish for one Leafs fan
The Canadiens swept the Leafs last year. Means they're way ahead of the Leafs now on flag days: 776-618 http://t.co/9NG4EzbbOH
— Adam (@ElSeldo) June 24, 2015
I love opening the season vs Montreal. I hope it never changes.
Mike Babcock's return to Detroit: Friday October 9th
Getting this out of the way early, the Leafs kick off Thanksgiving weekend with their first visit to Detroit and Babcock's homecoming after leaving the RedWings for greener pastures. (The green means money).
First Saturday Night game: Saturday October 10th at home vs Ottawa Senators
Saturday nights mean a lot to hockey fans. Hockey Night in Canada kicks off with the first Leafs/Sens game fo the season at the ACC, and is also the second half of the first of 16 back to backs.
First Game vs Jack Eichel: Wednesday October 21st vs Buffalo Sabres
The Leafs head to Buffalo on a Wednesday night and we'll get our first glimpse of the Sabres consolation prize that they do not appreciate.
First Look at new Coyotes uniforms: Monday October 26th, at home vs Arizona Coyotes
For all the sweater geeks out there, the Coyotes will bring their new look to the ACC for the first time.
Hockey Hall of Fame Game: Friday November 6th vs Detroit Red Wings
The HHoF game is on a Friday this year since the Leafs are in Washington on Saturday the 7th.
Connor McDavid's first trip to the ACC: Monday November 30th vs Edmonton Oilers
I can't wait to see what StubHub looks like for this game.
California Road Trip: Wednesday January 6th - Ducks, Thursday January 7th - Kings, Saturday January 9th - Sharks
Halfway mark: Wednesday January 13th vs Columbus Blue Jackets
Game #41 in the season. Also the game closest to my Birthday (hint). This is only 3 days away from the win over the Jackets last year that began that winless funk. (Jan 10th last season).
All-Star Weekend January 30/31
Flames, Oilers, Canucks trip is Tuesday February 9th, Thursday February 11th, Saturday February 13th (making the Canucks play at 4PM eastern their time because the NHL is conspiring against the Canucks)
Last game (probably) before NHL Trade Deadline (Thursday March 3rd - vs. Minnesota Wild?): Wednesday March 2nd in Washington.
Final Home Game: Wednesday April 6th vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
Final Game: Saturday April 9th at New Jersey Devils
Numbers roundup:
Back-to-backs: 16
Longest Road Trip: February 6 - 15th - 5 Games (@Senators, Oilers, Flames, Canucks, Blackhawks)
Longest Home Stand: March 15 - 26th - 6 Games (vs. Lightning, Panthers, Sabres, Flames, Ducks, Bruins)
October Games: 10 - 4 Home / 6 Road
November Games: 14 - 8 Home / 6 Road
December Games: 12 - 5 Home / 7 Road
January Games: 12 - 5 Home / 7 Road
February Games: 13 - 6 Home / 7 Road
March Games: 16 - 10 Home / 6 Road
April Games: 5 - 3 Home / 2 Road
All I ask is we sweep the Canadiens this year in the season series.
...and a Stanley Cup.
The Full schedule is available on MapleLeafs.com