The full NHL schedule is not expected to be released until tomorrow, but Aaron Portzline has tweeted that the Jackets will open the 2011-2012 season at home against the Nashville Predators on October 7th. This marks the third time in the past three seasons that the home opener at Nationwide Arena has been against a Central Division club. (Nashville in 2008, Chicago last season)
Nashville is expected to have some new duds for the occasion. I hope they bring the Preds as much luck as our new jerseys did last year. The Jackets beat the Preds in the 2008 opener by a score of 5-3, the start of what eventually became the club’s only playoff appearance. Perhaps the Jackets getting a win might be a good omen?
The remainder of the NHL schedule, including the official announcement of the Winter Classic, is expected to take place tomorrow at 2pm. We’ll take a look and give you our reaction once the full schedule is available, and any other breaking news as it comes.