Moore Goals: Defenseman John Moore celebrates his second period goal with Ryan McDonagh.
AP Photo/Alex Brandon

Saturday, news leaked out on the beginning of next season. With the league announcing the Blackhawks and Capitals will play in next year’s Winter Classic at Nationals Park Friday, a day later all 30 teams announced their home openers.

The start of 2014-15 will begin on Wednesday, October 8. Two games will be played featuring four Canadian teams. Appropriately, the Leafs will host the Canadiens renewing one of sports best rivalries. The Flames also will host the Canucks.

As for the area locals, the Rangers will play their home opener against those Leafs on Sunday, October 12. An odd day to say the least. I can’t recall them ever starting at MSG on a football Sunday. A day earlier, the Islanders will host the Hurricanes to begin their final season at Nassau Coliseum. They relocate to Barclays Center in 2015-16.

The Sabres first home game will be played on Thursday, October 9 against the Blue Jackets. For the most part, home fans will get to see their teams early. There’s one exception with the Devils not playing their first game in Newark until Saturday, October 18 against the Sharks. Of all 30 teams, their home opener is the latest with the Ducks and Jets hosting theirs a day before.

At least we have an idea of what’s ahead. So much will happen in between. With awards still to be handed out next week in Vegas, the NHL Draft and then free agency, every roster will have a different look. Happy Summer!