The Avalanche will play its first three games of the 2015-16 season at the Pepsi Center, take a seven-game road trip in November and play a New Year’s Eve home game against the defending NHL champion Chicago Blackhawks.
As previously announced, the Avs will open Oct. 8 in Denver against the Minnesota Wild and play the Detroit Red Wings on Feb. 27 in a Stadium Series game at Coors Field.
After playing the Wild to kick off their 20th season, the Avs will continue a three-game homestand Oct. 10 against the Dallas Stars and Oct. 14 against the Boston Bruins.
The seven-game road trip Nov. 10-23 matches Colorado’s longest; the Avalanche also had a seven-city journey Oct. 8-21, 2009.
“A seven-game road trip is no big deal. The team might even enjoy it,” said former Avalanche forward Mark Rycroft, a University of Denver product who is an in-studio analyst for Avalanche games. “I don’t think being away from home like that is a bad thing. I think it’s exciting for the players.
“And having the first three games at home — that’s crucial for the Avalanche; they want to get the season started off on the right foot. Three wins would be a great way to start.”
The Avs played 12 back-to-back games last season, but will have only nine in the 2015-16 season.
