The Vancouver Canucks' 2014-15 Schedule

The NHL released the regular season schedule for all teams today. Here is a look at what lies ahead for the Canucks beginning October 8, 2014 in Calgary vs the Flames:

The official fancy schedule of the sked can be seen here at Canucks.com.

Some highlights of the schedule:

• 11 back-to-back games
• 4 games that start early (Pacific Time Zone; between 11 AM - 1 PM)
• 5 games vs the Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings, with the first tilt happening on Saturday, November 8.
• 5 games vs the Ducks. Why am I only counting 4 against the Sharks? See below.
  
• The Canucks play Duncan Keith and the Blackhawks 3 times.
• Roberto Luongo makes his return to Vancouver on January 8.
• All-Star Break: Thursday, Jan. 22 – Monday, Jan. 26 in Columbus.
  
• The Canuck play the Bastard Bruins twice: in Vancouver on February 13 and in Boston on February 24.
• The Leafs will play at the Rog on Saturday, March 14. By that time the Leafs will hold a playoff spot and the Canucks will be shining up their golf clubs. /runs
• Vancouver play a big 7-game road stand against Eastern teams from November 28 - December 9. 9 of their next 11 games after that trip are at Rogers Arena. Then they go back on the road for 5 straight games. Right after that: 6 straight home games.

A little big note from NHL Public Relations:

Reminder: Scheduling Matrix

The scheduling matrix, effective as of last season, ensures that all 30 teams play in all 30 arenas at least once a season:

Eastern Conference (8-Team Divisions)

Within Conference (Division): 30 games
* 5 games vs. two teams (3 Home/2 Away vs. one team, 2 Home/3 Away vs. one team) AND 4 games vs. five teams (2 Home/2 Away). Teams rotated on a yearly basis.
* 5 x 2 =10 games
* 4 x 5 = 20 games

Within Conference (Non-Division): 24 games
* 3 games vs. each team (2 Home/1 Away vs. four teams, 1 Home/2 Away vs. four teams). Teams rotated on a yearly basis.
* 3 x 8 = 24 games

Non-Conference: 28 games
* 2 games vs. each team (1 Home/1 Away)
* 2 x 14 = 28 games

Western Conference (7-Team Divisions)

Within Conference (Division): 29 games
* 5 games vs. five teams (3 Home/2 Away vs. two teams, 2 Home/3 Away vs. three teams) AND 4 games vs. one team (2 Home/2 Away). Teams rotated on a yearly basis.
* 5 x 5 =25 games
* 1 x 4 = 4 games

Within Conference (Non-Division): 21 games
* 3 games vs. each team (2 Home/1 Away vs. four teams, 1 Home/2 Away vs. three teams). Teams rotated on a yearly basis.
* 3 x 7 = 21 games

Non-Conference: 32 games
* 2 games vs. each team (1 Home/1 Away)
* 2 x 16 = 32 games

Exception: One team from each division plays one less game inside division and one more game inside conference outside division.

Training Camp will be held September 19-22 in beautiful Whistler, BC.

Preseason begins September 23 against the Sharks. The Canucks will play 7 preseason games.

Lots more to see there. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section! Then go back outside and enjoy your summer!