Tentative date reported for Flyers-Penguins outdoor game

Most of the dates for the next NHL season won't be known for some time and the Flyers are in the midst of a playoff race, so we don't want to think too far ahead.

That said, there is one 2017 game you can start looking forward to and potentially mark on the calendar.

ESPN's Pierre LeBrun reported that the NHL is finalizing deals for the three outdoor games to take place next season. He reported a Jan. 1 date for Detroit-Toronto and Jan. 2 for the Winter Classic between the Blackhawks and Blues. Frank Seravalli, formerly of the Daily News and now with TSN, added the tentative date for the Flyers-Penguins matchup: February 18, 2017.

Seravalli's tentative date was also confirmed by Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writer Dave Molinari. Confirmation of this date could come as soon as Wednesday as the NHL finalizes the plans for all three outdoor games.

The Flyers and Penguins alumni are also scheduled to play in an alumni game, honoring the 50th anniversary for both franchises, at Wells Fargo Center in 2017.

The game would take place at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. It would be the third outdoor game for the Flyers and fourth for the Penguins since the first Winter Classic in 2008. Heinz Field hosted the 2011 Winter Classic.

The Flyers and Penguins have always provided entertaining games through the recent years as a rivalry was well established. The Flyers and Penguins play three more times this year, with the Penguins winning the only meeting this season, 4-3, on Jan. 21.

Kevin Durso is managing editor for Flyerdelphia. Follow him on Twitter @Kevin_Durso.