NHL announces Canadiens' 2021-22 regular season schedule
The campaign begins on Wednesday, October 13 against the Maple Leafs in Toronto
© Francois Lacasse/Getty Images
The Canadiens will start the 82-game campaign on Wednesday, October 13 against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena.
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to view the Habs' full schedule. Start times and broadcast details for all games will be announced when available.
Here are a few notable contests to circle on your calendar:
Wednesday, October 13 - @ Toronto Maple Leafs
The Canadiens open the season with a classic Original Six matchup on road ice against the Maple Leafs. Back in May, Montreal eliminated Toronto in the first round of the playoffs by rallying from a 3-1 series deficit, which jump started their remarkable run to the Stanley Cup Final, so this promises to be an entertaining affair.
Saturday, October 16 - vs. New York Rangers
The home opener is always a special occasion, and the Bell Centre will be rocking as fans are officially introduced to the 2021-22 edition of the squad. It's the first of four straight games head coach Dominique Ducharme's contingent will be playing in Montreal, as the San Jose Sharks (October 19), Carolina Hurricanes (October 21) and Detroit Red Wings (October 23) come to town the following week.
Tuesday, October 26 - @ Seattle Kraken
Ducharme and company make their first-ever visit to Climate Pledge Arena to battle the NHL's 32nd franchise, the Seattle Kraken. This marks the start of a four-game West Coast road trip that also includes stops in San Jose (October 28), Los Angeles (October 30) and finally Anaheim (October 31) on Halloween night.
Saturday, November 6 - vs. Vegas Golden Knights
The first matchup between the two clubs since the Canadiens bounced the Golden Knights from the playoffs should be interesting. Former Habs captain Max Pacioretty returns to his old stomping grounds, and he'll be hungry to deliver after being stymied by Montreal's outstanding defensive effort in the Semifinals.
Saturday, November 13 - @ Detroit Red Wings
The Canadiens begin a three-game Original Six road trip with a matchup at Little Caesars Arena. Then, it's off to Boston to battle the Bruins at TD Garden (November 14) before another encounter with 2020 first-overall selection, Alexis Lafrenière, and the Rangers at Madison Square Garden (November 16). Expect all three rinks to host a sizable amount of Habs fans.
Tuesday, December 7 - vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
This will undoubtedly be a hot ticket as the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions come to town. The Canadiens will be extra fired up for the tilt after falling to their opponents from the Sunshine State in a hard-fought Final that lasted five games.
Monday, December 20 - @ New York Islanders
The Canadiens play the first of six consecutive road games to close out 2021. After going head-to-head with the Islanders at the brand new UBS Arena, matchups with the Rangers (December 22) and New Jersey Devils (December 23) are in store before a short Christmas break, followed by games against the Lightning (December 28), Hurricanes (December 30) and Florida Panthers on New Year's Day.
Tuesday, January 4 - vs. Washington Capitals
After a significant absence from the Bell Centre, the Canadiens will enjoy the friendly confines of their own barn again as they start a five-game homestand against Longueuil native Anthony Mantha and company. Contests against the Maple Leafs (January 6), Buffalo Sabres (January 8), Columbus Blue Jackets (January 10) and the Bruins (January 12) are on the schedule as well.
Monday, January 17 - @ Arizona Coyotes
A set of five games in eight days begins with a matchup against newly installed head coach André Tourigny and the Coyotes at Gila River Arena. Then, the Canadiens visit the Dallas Stars (January 18), Golden Knights (January 20), Colorado Avalanche (January 22) and the Minnesota Wild (January 24) to wrap up a lengthy trek.
Tuesday, February 1 - vs. St. Louis Blues
This will be the Canadiens' last outing ahead of the Olympic break. No final agreement or decision has been made to this point regarding the possible participation of NHL players in the 2022 Beijing Games, however. Talks remain ongoing.
Saturday, February 26 - @ Ottawa Senators
With the Olympic pause in the rearview mirror, the Habs are back in action in the nation's capital before heading to Western Canada. After battling the Senators, matchups with the Winnipeg Jets (March 1), Calgary Flames (March 3), Edmonton Oilers (March 5) and Vancouver Canucks (March 9) are on tap, too.
Saturday, March 12 - vs. Seattle Kraken
The Kraken invade the Bell Centre for the very first time. It'll be interesting to see where Dave Hakstol's squad ranks in the standings by then after constructing a roster via the Expansion Draft under the watchful eye of general manager Ron Francis and his staff. The Golden Knights certainly had success in their inaugural season. Will Seattle follow suit?
Friday, April 29 - vs. Florida Panthers
The Canadiens close out the regular season on home turf against Jonathan Huberdeau, Anthony Duclair and the rest of the Panthers before the playoffs get underway.
