Red Wings to raise Stanley Cup banner at home opener on Oct. 9

DETROIT -- The Detroit Red Wings will raise their 11th Stanley Cup championship banner at Joe Louis Arena on Oct. 9 when the team opens its home schedule against Toronto.

The Wings also announced Wednesday they will face a trio of Eastern Conference teams next season, thanks to the league's new scheduling system. Detroit will play two games each against the Buffalo Sabres, the Atlanta Thrashers and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Penguins are the defending Eastern Conference champions and were dispatched in six games by the Wings in last season's Stanley Cup Finals.

The full National Hockey League schedule will be released Thursday.