Early road test highlights Coyotes’ 2016-17 schedule

GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Coyotes didn’t get any early breaks from the NHL schedule makers when the league released all 30 teams’ regular season slates for the 2016-17 season on Tuesday.

Arizona will open its 20th season in the Valley on Oct. 15 at Gila River Arena against the Philadelphia Flyers. After that, the Coyotes embark on a six-game road trip through Ottawa, Montreal, the New York Islanders, New York Rangers, New Jersey and Philadelphia.

The Coyotes will face Pacific Division rivals Calgary, Edmonton, Los Angeles, San Jose and Vancouver five times each, while facing Anaheim just four times in the NHL’s unbalanced schedule.

Arizona plays two season-long home stands of five games (Dec.19-29 and Jan. 21-Feb. 2) with the aforementioned six-game East Coast swing representing the longest road trip.

The Coyotes play 13 back-to-back sets. December is the busiest month with 16 games and nine home games.

Conn Smythe Trophy winner Sidney Crosby and the Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins don’t visit until Feb. 11. Among the more popular road teams, Toronto visits Dec. 23, the Rangers visit on Dec. 29, Chicago visits on Feb. 2, Montreal visits Feb. 9 and Detroit visits March 16.

All weekday home games start at 7 p.m. with three exceptions — Nov. 23 against Vancouver (8 p.m.), Dec. 21 against Edmonton (7:30 p.m.) and March 29 against St. Louis (7:30 p.m.). Saturday home games will return to their 6 p.m. time slot that was abandoned last season. The Coyotes will also host two Sunday games with 6:30 start times: Feb. 26 against Buffalo and March 5 against Carolina.

Arizona will take its bye week from Jan. 8-12 when the team has five days in between games. The Coyotes will break for the 2017 NHL All-Star Game from Jan. 27-30. The midseason showcase will be held Jan. 29 at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

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