If nothing else, the 2006-07 schedule gives the Blackhawks a chance to be sniffing around a playoff spot after 30 games, with 14 home games in that span. Last season the Hawks played 20 of their first 30 on the road and were buried before Christmas.
October and November are the most important months in the NHL, so if a team drops far behind, it’s harder than ever to make up ground.
The schedule the NHL released Wednesday also sees a return to the United Center by the Toronto Maple Leafs for the first time since 2002-03 and the Montreal Canadiens for the first time since 2001-02.
The Hawks will play many more Friday, Saturday and Sunday games at home. In all, the Hawks play 10 Friday home games, three on Saturday in October and 10 on Sunday, six of which will be in the afternoon.
Mark Bell will return to Chicago with the San Jose Sharks on Feb. 22 and the Detroit Red Wings will make their first of four appearances Nov. 2.
