The NHL released the 2003-04 schedule Wednesday, and the new season will feature the "Heritage Classic" at the 50,000-seat Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton.

The host Oilers will take on the Montreal Canadiens in the "Classic" on Nov. 22, marking the first outdoor regular-season contest in the history of the NHL.

The new season opens Oct. 8 with three games, including the Stars hosting the Mighty Ducks. Anaheim upset Dallas in six games in last season's Western Conference semifinals. The Ducks went on to the Cup finals, where they lost to the Devils in seven games.

The defending champions open their season on the road against the Bruins.

The "Classic" is one of the highlights of the Oilers' 25th NHL season and will be played on the 86th anniversary of the NHL's inception, which occurred in Montreal on Nov. 22, 1917.

The Canadiens, one of six teams playing in the Vintage Hockey program, will wear throwback jerseys in selected contests like the "Classic". The Oilers also will wear a vintage gear from their inaugural 1979-80 season for the outdoor game, which will come after an alumni game featuring former Oiler players Wayne Gretzky and Kevin Lowe, and former Canadien Guy Lafleur.

In a classic matchup, the Maple Leafs will open their season at home against bitter rival Montreal on Saturday, Oct. 11.