Can someone explain to me why the Timbers and Islanders scheduled this game for Thursday? Shouldn't your home opener be on a weekend? As far as I can tell its not like the Islanders need to be anywhere on Saturday. I don't get it.

The night cap features both Canadian clubs. After last season's big mid season trade, Montreal still seems to have half of Vancouver's roster. Meanwhile, after a disappointing season and a coaching change, none of the players that went to Vancouver remain. Needless to say, these teams know each other well.

Once again the season trickles in under the radar, a few teams here, a few teams there and plenty of signings the day before the first game. This season, two of the four teams that missed the playoffs last season get the ball rolling. Since teams sign players right at the very end of preseason, the Blue Sky Power Rankings season predictions won't be made until after every team has played at least one game. Instead of a massive one time preview, each team will be profiled as they begin play.