The NHL schedule was released in late June and, as always, it was full of intrigue for the New Jersey Devils. Here’s are some of the notable aspects of this season’s slate.

Sink Or Swim

The New Jersey Devils schedule might be appropriately compared to Stage 9 of the Tour de France, the day featuring the daunting climb of Port de la Bonaigua right out of the box. Before Thanksgiving, the club will make both trips to Florida as well as the always tough three game tour of California. November sees the Devils facing off ten times in enemy territory vis-a-vis a mere four games in the friendly confines of the Rock. The club will need to hit the ground running to be in a playoff position after the first twenty games.

Star Studded Festive Period

Visits by Sid The Kid and the Great 8 make holiday trips to the Prudential Center all the more enticing.

Three difficult road trips and a paucity of November home games will require the Devils to be road warriors to stay in the playoff race.

Old Friends Weekend

The family friendly New Year’s Eve 1PM start is a nice touch also, one of three early afternoon games offered by the club this term.

On Friday January 6th, the Devils host the Lou Lamoriello-led Toronto Leafs. Taylor Hall’s former club, the Edmonton Oilers, featuring the return of Adam Larsson, are the Devils’ opponents at the Rock the following evening. Then, on January 9th, the former Devil Jaromír Jágr and the Florida Panthers come-a-calling. That’s always entertaining!

Rivalry Games

For those who enjoy the visits of the New York teams and their spirited fans to the Newark area, I hope you are a patient lot. Nothing happening on that front until Saturday February 18th, which is the first of two visits by the Islanders.

The Shortest Month

February may be the shortest month of the year, but for the Devils, it contains a season high number of nine home games. All you season tickets holders best buy your honey a super terrific Valentine’s Day gift, for you’ll be heading to the Rock every other day that week to view matches on the 12th, 14th, 16th and 18th. Or, better yet, consider bringing the love of your life with you to catch the Avs on the 14th. You never know, maybe you’ll be one of the lucky couples to be a subject of the “Kiss Cam” on the scoreboard that evening. It’s worth a shot!

Closing With A Bang

Should the Devils be fortunate enough to be in the playoff hunt this season, the final six games of the season, while challenging, will afford the team ample opportunity to hold or improve their playoff position. Each tilt is against a 2015-16 Eastern Conference playoff squad, five of those clashes taking place against Metropolitan Division foes.