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October 12: Toronto Maple Leafs at Ottawa Senators The 2016-17 NHL season opener is an all-Ontario affair between the kid-powered Leafs and Erik Karlsson's Senators. It's the only meeting for the provincial rivals in the 2016 portion of the NHL schedule; they play three times in 2017, starting on Jan. 24. October 12: Calgary Flames at Edmonton Oilers The opening night of the NHL season also features the first 'Battle of Alberta' at Rogers Place, the Oilers' fancy new arena.