Quick Look: 2013 Blackhawks Schedule

By Rob Winn in News on Jan 13, 2013 7:00PM

Turns out, the Chicago Blackhawks actually want to play hockey this year. The players finally ratified the new collective bargaining agreement on Saturday, which leads the way for teams to start training camp today. The NHL finally released the shortened schedule late Saturday and it features a primetime opener with the Hawks facing the Stanley Cup champion L.A. Kings.

The Hawks will open January 19 on the road with only two home games before a long homestand throughout the middle of February. Other notable games include a matchup with the Red Wings on January 27 and a visit to the hated Canucks on February 1. Bloodthirsty Hawks fans will notice an away game February 7 against the Coyotes, which occurs after Raffi Torres has served his full suspension. Expect Brandon Bollig to be in the lineup that night.

The season will be a race to the finish with only 48 in-conference games, but the Hawks are specially equipped for this type of season with a powerful offense and solid coaching. After all, the NHL shouldn't really be playing more than 50 games anyway.