Fill in Your Hockey Calendar

Back when the NHL decided to send the New York Rangers to Prague, it must have seemed a natural fit.

Jaromir Jagr would be the marquee attraction, of course. He's a local legend, complete with his own sports bar.

Oh well. Opening the NHL season in hockey-mad Prague still makes more sense than last year's pointless excursion to London, England.

The Rangers and Tampa Bay Lightning will entertain Czech fans on October 4 and 5.

At least Daniel Alfredsson is still an Ottawa Senator. He and his teammates begin the season in Stockholm against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

North American games begin a few days later.

For more key dates in the upcoming season, like the All Star Game, NHL trade deadline, Stanley Cup Playoffs, World Hockey Championship, and more, check out our 2008-09 hockey calendar.

Photo: Jason Spezza and his Ottawa teammates will open the season in Stockholm (Phillip MacCallum/Getty Images)