Some clarity to a burning question: According to Brett Cyrgalis of the Post, the New York Islanders will open the 2013-13 season at home Jan. 19 against the New Jersey Devils. (Follow Cyrgalis tomorrow for more on the Islanders coming in for camp.)

Some had hoped, or suggested that the NHL "rivalry day" celebration with a full slate of games Saturday, Jan. 19, would feature an Islanders-Rangers tilt. But it looks like the Short Island Smurfs will be taking on another old rival: Newsday's Steve Zipay had some indication the Rangers would be playing the Bruins.

Obviously there are a lot of moving parts when you reset and cram for a new conference-only schedule with a new matrix for a 48-game season. But people have been asking quite a bit -- man, you guys are excited -- when NHL schedules will be released.

So there's a teaser, and don't look for a full nor official schedule until Saturday, Jan. 12, after the CBA has been officially ratified by NHLPA vote. Most Frans one-week training camps start the next day. The Nielsen games begin Jan. 19. Get ready.