Canucks open 2017-18 NHL campaign with four at home

SCHEDULE: McDavid and Oilers visit Rogers Arena for home-opener; Cup-champion Penguins are in town Nov. 4

The Vancouver Canucks will open up the 2017-18 NHL campaign with a four-game homestand against four different Canadian rivals.

The season schedule, released on Thursday, begins on Oct. 7 with a visit from league MVP and scoring champion Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers.

It’s the first time the Canucks have started the regular season against the Oilers since the 1992-93 season and only the third time in history.

The Canucks welcome Ottawa (Oct. 10), Winnipeg (Oct. 12) and Calgary (Oct. 14) before heading out on their first road trip — a fivegame swing that starts in Ottawa on Oct. 17 and ends in Minnesota on Oct. 24.

Highlights

Champs in town: The defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins visit Rogers Arena on Nov. 4.

First look at Knights: The expansion Vegas Golden Knights make their first visit to Vancouver Nov. 16.

The game could mark the return of former Canucks defenceman Luca Sbisa, who was claimed by the Knights on Wednesday.

Keep Tuesdays free: The busiest day for the Canucks this season will be Tuesday with 18 games followed by Thursday with 16 and Saturday with 16.

Saturday is the busiest day at home with 11 games while Sunday features a high of nine road games.

Canucks got less back: Canucks have 10 back-to-back games this season, with eight series taking place on the road.

It’s the fewest number of back-to-backs the Canucks have had since playing seven in 2012-13.

As the dial turns: You’ll have to reprogram your AM station presets on the your car stereo as Canucks broadcasts have moved to Sportsnet 650, after 11 seasons on TSN 1040. Rogers outbid TSN for the radio broadcast rights.

A full Sportsnet TV broadcast schedule will be announced at a later date.

See page 54 for the full schedule.