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Key dates on Blackhawks’ calendar

Here’s a look at some key dates on the Blackhawks schedule for the 2011-12 season:

Oct. 13 vs. Winnipeg

Remember them?: The Winnipeg Jets are back and coming to the United Center. Winnipeg got a second chance at a NHL team when the Thrashers couldn’t make it work in Atlanta and moved. The Jets haven’t been in the league since 1996, when they moved to Phoenix. This also marks the first return to Chicago of two fan favorites from the 2010 Stanley Cup team, Dustin Byfuglien and Andrew Ladd.

Oct. 15 vs. Boston

See the champs: This Original 6 clash has special meaning since it pits the last two Stanley Cup champions against each other. This will be a good test for Corey Crawford going against Boston’s Tim Thomas.

Nov. 6 vs. Vancouver

Hello, Bobby Lu: The Canucks are in town for the first of four regular season grudge matches with the Hawks. Roberto Luongo, Kevin Bieksa, Ryan Kesler and the Sedin twins will all be here. Nothing more needs to be said.

Nov. 16-26

The circus life: The Hawks head west on their annual six-game trek while the circus takes over the UC. The first stop is Vancouver. Nothing more needs to be said.

Dec. 20 at Pittsburgh

Sid the kid?: Let’s hope Sidney Crosby is recovered from his concussion and in the lineup for the Penguins in what some predict could be a preview of the Stanley Cup Finals.

Dec. 30 vs. Detroit

Seeing red: It’s the first of six meetings with the Red Wings, games that always help define the Hawks’ season and how they stand in the Central Division.

Jan. 5 at Philadelphia

Oh, Danny boy: Still rivals following their meeting in the 2010 Cup Finals, this meeting with the Flyers will mark Daniel Carcillo’s first game against his former team. Should be interesting on and off the ice.

Jan. 31-Feb. 18

How to pack?: This nine-game road trip takes the Hawks back and forth across the country. The trip starts, where else, but in Vancouver. This could be the biggest test of the season for coach Joel Quenneville’s club.

Feb. 29 vs. Toronto

Like old times: The fact that the Hawks and Maple Leafs play once a year should be an embarrassment for Commissioner Gary Bettman and the NHL. The same goes for all the Original 6 teams not playing each other at least twice a season.

March 21 vs. Vancouver

Until we meet again: This is the fourth and last regular season meeting with the Canucks before the inevitable showdown in the playoffs. Time to send messages?

April 7 at Detroit

The finish line: The Hawks are hoping Game 82 means nothing for them in terms of playoff positioning and that they already have the division title wrapped up.