The Detroit Red Wings begin their 2021 season by hosting the Carolina Hurricanes — the same team they played March 10, the Wings' last game before COVID-19 shuttered last season.
The Wings close out the season May 8 with a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Pandemic allowing, of course.
The NHL released the 56-game schedule that was settled upon in order to play in the age of the coronavirus. The Wings are in the realigned Central Division with the Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks, Blue Jackets, Dallas Stars, Florida Panthers, Nashville Predators and Tampa Bay Lightning, and will play eight games against each team — four at home, four on the road.