The defending Stanley Cup champion (wow, that still feels weird to say) Kings released their 2012-13 schedule on Thursday, and for those wanting to attend the home opener to see the raising of the Stanley Cup banner, mark down Oct. 12 on your calendar.
That is when the Kings are set to open the season, with the New York Rangers as their opponent. The Kings are also scheduled to face the New Jersey Devils in a Stanley Cup Finals rematch on Feb. 9 in New Jersey.
As usual, the Kings are set to play each Pacific Division opponent six times each, the other Western Conference opponents four times each and 18 games against the Eastern Conference, split evenly, home and away.
The Kings are to close the season on April 13 against the Ducks.
But highlights of the season are often when Eastern Conference opponents come to town -- because they don't come to town that often these days. A look at which teams from the East will be coming to L.A., and which Eastern teams the Kings will be visiting:
HOME GAMES VS. EASTERN CONFERENCE
New York Rangers (Oct. 12), Carolina Hurricanes (Oct. 18), New York Islanders (Nov. 6), Tampa Bay Lightning (Nov. 17), Florida Panthers (Dec. 6), Philadelphia Flyers (Jan. 3), Washington Capitals (Feb. 15), Winnipeg Jets (Feb. 23), Toronto Maple Leafs (March 4).
ROAD GAMES VS. EASTERN CONFERENCE
Montreal Canadiens (Dec. 13), Ottawa Senators (Dec. 15), Boston Bruins (Dec. 17), Washington Capitals (Feb. 3), Buffalo Sabres (Feb. 5), New York Rangers (Feb. 7), New Jersey Devils (Feb. 9), Pittsburgh Penguins (Feb. 10), Florida Panthers (March 30).
--Houston Mitchell
