Penguins 2009-2010 Schedule

The NHL released the 2009-2010 schedule today, which means it is time to stop celebrating winning The Cup and start defending it. The players are set and Mellon Arena is begging to go out on top. Now, the path has been set in front of the Penguins. Time to go to work.

The entire schedule can be seen here, but here are some notable games:

• October 2 vs. Rangers - Home opener and banner raising ceremony. The roof of Mellon arena doesn't open anymore, but this night just might blow the roof off of the place.


• October 3 vs. Islanders - Off to Long Island where Crosby gets to go head to head with the next young phenom.


• November 5 vs. Kings - Pens travel to la-la land to face "The Piece". Even though he'll be playing for the enemy, everyone in Pittsburgh will be cheering for him.


• December 5 vs. Blackhawks - Pens host Chicago and Marion Hossa as he tries to lose in the Finals for a third year in a row.


• January 31 vs. Red Wings - Pens host Detroit in a rematch of the Stanley Cup Finals. Seems like they do this every year.


• March 22 vs. Red Wings - Back to the Joe to visit the ice where the Pens skated the cup. There should be a lot of Booing that night.


• March 27 to April 8 - Penguins enjoy a six game home stand against teams like Toronto, Tampa Bay, Atlanta, and the Islanders. Sounds like momentum for playoffs.


• April 10 & 11 - Pens close the season on the road against the Thrashers and the Islanders. Let's see if Tavares is still big news by then.