Friday, 11 January 2013 14:34

Written by Dave Molinari

NHL officials still are working on the schedule for the season that will start next weekend, but it looks as if the Penguins will play their home opener Wednesday, Jan. 23.

The opponent still has not been determined.

And while nothing will be official until the schedule is released by the league -- which won't happen until after NHL Players' Association members finish voting to ratify the CBA at 8 a.m. Saturday -- it's virtually guaranteed the Penguins will open with two games against Atlantic Division rivals.

The opener is expected to be Jan. 19, most likely at 3:08 p.m., in Philadelphia, followed by a trip to New York for a game against the Rangers at Madison Square Garden,  probably at 7:08 p.m.