Dallas Stars’ Jamie Benn (14) is stopped by Vegas Golden Knights goalie Robin Lehner (90) as Golden Knights’ Ryan Reaves (75) defends during second-period NHL Western Conference final playoff game action in Edmonton, Alberta, Monday, Sept. 14, 2020.
Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020 | 12:38 p.m.
The Golden Knights will start the season Jan. 14 against the Anaheim Ducks.
The NHL today released the schedule for the truncated 2020-21 season, which starts for Vegas with two home games against Anaheim on Jan. 14 and Jan. 16.
The 56-game regular season will conclude with a back-to-back at home against the Blues on May 7-8.
The pandemic forced not only a shortened season but a reconfigured schedule and divisional lineup as well.
The strict border policies between the U.S. and Canada necessitated the seven Canadian teams forming their own division, which in turn caused realignment for the remaining 24 U.S. teams.
The Golden Knights will play in the newly formed West Division, along with traditional Pacific foes Anaheim, Arizona, Los Angeles and San Jose, along with Colorado, Minnesota and St. Louis from the traditional Central.
“There’s a lot of things that are going to be new and unique about this season, and that’s a reflection of the times we are in,” Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon said. “You’re going to have to beat some really good teams to come out of the West Division.”
Teams will play eight games each against the seven opponents in the division. Games will be clustered into a baseball-like series, where Vegas will play two games at a time against each opponent.
The Golden Knights’ longest homestand and road trip will be six games each. There are eight sets of back-to-back games, with the first coming Feb. 26-27 in Anaheim.
Former Blues captain Alex Pietrangelo’s first game against his old club will be Jan. 26 at home. His return to St. Louis is not until March 12.
