The Los Angeles Kings are reportedly set to host the Chicago Blackhawks on opening night -- Jan. 19 -- in a game that’ll feature the Stanley Cup banner and ring ceremony.
The news, first passed along by Sportsnet’s John Shannon, is the latest in a opening night picture that’s slowly coming into focus.
Yesterday, reports surfaced about a number of games already set for Jan. 19:
-- Montreal to host Toronto in an Original Six battle,
-- Ottawa traveling to Winnipeg for another all-Canadian matchup
-- The new-look Minnesota Wild going to Colorado to take on their Northwest Division rivals.
Today, another one made the news: Detroit vs. St. Louis at the Scottrade Center in a long-standing Central Division feud.
The Kings-Blackhawks game should garner plenty of national attention, pitting two of the last three Stanley Cup champions against each other.
LA won the season series a year ago by going 2-1-1, winning both games at the Staples Center.
Update: To add to the fun, Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register says the Ducks were rumored to be the banner-raising opponent for the Kings, but Anaheim wanted no part in it. Come on guys, who doesn’t want to ruin a rival’s night?
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