Phoenix Coyotes’ 48-game schedule released

The NHL lockout is officially over, as the NHLPA ratified a new CBA deal Saturday. With the season set to get under way on January 19, the only question left to be answered was what would the Phoenix Coyotes’ schedule look like in 2013?

Wait no more.

The defending Pacific Division champions have released the 48-game slate on their website, but here’s a sneak peek at some of the key dates:

Jan. 19 – @ Dallas (season opener)

Jan. 20 – vs. Chicago (home opener)

Jan. 26 – vs. Los Angeles (rematch of WCF)

Mar. 9 – vs. Dallas (Ray Whitney’s return)

Mar. 25 – vs. Detroit

April 26 – vs. Colorado (home finale)

To limit travel, all NHL teams will only play against conference foes in 2013.

The Coyotes longest road trip (March 14-19) is a four-game swing against St. Louis, Columbus and back-to-back contests against Los Angeles. Their longest homestand is three games (occurs on three different occasions). The team also is scheduled to play in seven back-to-back games.