They're off to London to visit the Queen

The NHL regular season will get underway in London England this fall as the league drops the puck on its 90th season.

The LA Kings will begin the quest and the Anaheim Ducks will defend their grasp on Lord Stanley's Cup with two games in England starting September 29th, some seven months later the 2007-08 playoffs will open up their first rounds with June 9th, the last call for ice time if the need for a seven game final is there.

In between, there will be a few dates to circle on your calendar, some interesting match ups that will no doubt entertain even the casual fan.

Of interest to Edmonton fans will be the return of Ryan Smyth to the Alberta capital. this time donning the garb of the Colorado Avalanche, Smyth returns to Edmonton for the first on October 23rd.

On the topic of reunions, Vancouver fans can renew acquaintances with Todd Bertuzzi on November 3rd as the newest of Brian Burke's Ducks returns to Vancouver in the role of guest.

Sid the 87.7 million Kid, will make his first foray into western Canada this year, as the newly minted Pittsburgh captain brings his Penguins to Edmonton on Dec. 5, Calgary on Dec. 6 and Vancouver on Dec. 8.

Hockey Day in almost all Canada will take place on February 9th, as the NHL this year manages to screw up the most successful of its promotions, with an inability to schedule six Canadian match ups on the day. So Hockey Day in Canada will feature two American teams as Detroit plays Toronto and Colorado travels to Vancouver, in between the Sens will host Montreal and the Oilers will go visit the relatives in Calgary.

The Buffalo Sabres who watched many of their high profile players head for greener pastures will have the painful task of welcoming back all that talent, with two key nights to mark on the Sabre calendar.

Daniel Briere will bring his new friends from Philadelphia to the home of the chicken wing on Dec 21st, while Chris Drury will join in on the traditional festive atmosphere that always greets a New York Ranger visit as the Rangers bring their free agent laden team into Buffalo on February 23rd.

The official schedule for 2007-2008 can be found here.