Penguins 2006-07 schedule released

The Penguins released their schedule for the 06-07 season yesterday. Here is a link to the entire schedule. Here is a Post-Gazette article highlighting what they think are the important points, and here is the writeup from the Penguins site.

Basic facts:

• Eight games against each member of the Atlantic division (Islanders, Devils, Rangers and Flyers).
• Four games against the other teams in the Eastern Conference.
• 10 games against the West - Five at home against the Central division (Red Wings, Blue Jackets, Blackhawks, Blues and Predators) and five on the road against the Pacific (Ducks, Stars, Kings, Coyotes and Sharks)

Here are some quick thoughts on the schedule:

• I like that they open with 6 of the first 8 at home, in direct contrast to what I remember last year.
• I liked last year when the games against the West were all together in the schedule - this year they're sprinkled throughout the season.
• The Pens open with a tough stretch out of the chute - Philly, Detroit, NY Rangers and Carolina. Welcome to the NHL, Mr Malkin!
• 20 of the 41 home games are on weekend nights. Nice.

The regular season starts October 5th at home against Philly. Looking forward to it.

Let's go Pens!