July 18, 2008 12:00 am The Boston Bruins found out yesterday when the National Hockey League released its 2008-09 schedule that they'd be the last of the league's 30 teams to play their home opener this coming season. They'll host the defending Eastern Conference champion Pittsburgh Penguins at the TDBanknorth Garden on Monday, Oct. 20. Prior to that, the Bruins will hit the road for their first four games of the 2008-09 season. Three of those will be home openers for their opponents: Thursday, Oct. 9 at the Colorado Avalanche; Saturday, Oct. 11 at the Minnesota Wild; and Wednesday, Oct. 15 at the Montreal Canadiens. Boston will also play at Ottawa on Saturday, Oct. 18 before returning home. With changes to the schedule this season so that each team plays every other team at least once, the Bruins will play Northeast Division rivals Montreal, Toronto, Buffalo and Ottawa six teams each; three at home and three on the road. They will also face the other 10 Eastern Conference teams four times apiece (twice at home); Western Conference foes Minnesota, Chicago and St. Louis twice (one at home); and the other dozen Western Conference clubs once apiece, including the defending Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings at home on Saturday, Nov. 29. By month, the Bruins will play three home games in October, eight in November, four in December, 10 in January, five in February, eight in March and three in April.
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