Well, after the NHL Awards last night the 2012 NHL season is over. It's officially time to start looking forward to next season. Today, the NHL has officially announced the schedule for next season. The Colorado Avalanche schedule can be found here.
Important dates to note
Season opener: October 11, 2012 vs. St. Louis Blues, home
Last game of the regular season: (Ready for this?) April 13, 2012 vs. detroit red wings, HOME
Last game before the All Star break: January 23, 2012 vs. Dallas Stars, away
First official meeting with the Stanley Cup Champs: December 2, 2012, home (of course, the two teams will meet multiple times in the pre-season)
Back-to-Backs:
October 24 (SJ) & 25 (STL)
November 23 & 24, home-and-home with PHX
December 22 (MIN) & 23 (BUF)
January 8 (VAN) & 9 (CGY)
January 16 (EDM) & 17 (DAL)
January 22 (CBS) & 23 (DAL)
February 15 (DET) & 16 (NYI)
March 11 (LOS) & 12 (SJS)
Marcy 27 (CGY) & 28 (EDM)
April 10 (ANA) & 11 (LOS)
Extended Road Trips:
December 4-13, 5 games
Extended Home Stands:
November 24-December 2, 4 games
March 14-24, 5 games