Bruins will open season against Capitals on Washington's banner-raising night

Part of me wishes the Pittsburgh Penguins would crash the Capital One Arena, ruin the Capitals banner-raising night, and take the ice like they were the NWO. It won't happen, but that's because the Bruins will play the Capitals Oct. 3 for Washington's Stanley Cup commemorative night.

The Bruins open their home schedule at TD Garden with a 1 p.m. Columbus Day matinee against the Ottawa Senators Oct. 8. That's a sleepy foray into the home schedule. Can't imagine the buzz will be high on Causeway Street for a Monday afternoon start.

Boston will face Buffalo Oct. 4 for the Sabres' home opener. The rest of the schedule is set to be released Thursday at 5 p.m.

I'll be interested to see what the Bruins are dealt at the end of the season, especially after they were scheduled 11 of 14 games on the road to end the season.

The Bruins also have the big trip to China in the preseason as part of the league's effort to grow the game internationally. They'll have two preseason games in September, a trip that's sure to be a memorable experience for the team.