The NHL released the 2013-14 schedules last week along with their odd geographic division names. It’s just another teaser or appetizer for the upcoming season. There is still too much time between now and the first Tuesday in October.
We are still a few months away before the official puck drops but let’s take a gander at some of the mouth-watering matchups that highlight the next season. There are a number of outdoor games that I have some mixed feelings about. I’ll probably change my tune once the OFFICIAL Winter Classic game has come and gone, but the concept of outdoor hockey in Los Angeles is a tough sell.
Here are five games that you absolutely must see this coming season.
5. Detroit Red Wings at Ottawa Senators, December 1, 2013
Welcome home Alfie! Don’t expect the Senators to roll out the red carpet for their former captain as Daniel Alfredsson returns to the Canadian capital in enemy threads. The lifelong Senator signed a one-year deal this summer with the Detroit Red Wings. The lure of a shot at Stanley Cup glory brought the Swedish winger to Hockeytown. The Ottawa faithful believe that their Senators have their own shot at the silver and will be sure to remind Alfie every time he is near the puck.
4. Boston Bruins at Chicago Blackhawks, January 19, 2014
The stakes certainly won’t be so high but the Bruins will welcome another shot at the Stanley Cup champs. With their new championship banner hanging high above the ice Chicago will do their best to defend their home ice at the Madison Madhouse. The Hawks will be playing with a bulls eye on their back all season, but their might be a bit more intensity when the Bruins come to town for a Stanley Cup Final rematch.
3. Boston Bruins at Calgary Flames, December 10, 2013
Don’t expect the boo-birds to come out in Calgary when the face of their franchise for the past 16 years returns to the Calgary ice. Jarome Iginla was shipped off to Pittsburgh as a mercenary to help the Penguins win a Stanley Cup. Ironically it was the Bruins, who sought his services last April that got his signature this summer. It would be nice to see Iginla get a ring before he retires. It would also be nice to see him retire as a Flame too. Calgary fans will have to accept some type of compromise when he comes home for one night.
2. Vancouver Canucks at New York Rangers, November 30, 2013
John Tortorella returns to the scene of many tantrums and tirades as the new coach of the Vancouver Canucks. There is certain to be an amazing presser before or after this game. Torts has never been one to mix words and he’ll most certainly find a microphone to get in front of. Oh and the Canucks and Rangers will most likely put on a hell of a show on the ice too.
1. Toronto Maple Leafs at Detroit Red Wings, January 1, 2014
Folks this is the REAL Winter Classic in the land of Hockeytown. The reboot of last year’s cancelled event will take place in Ann Arbor featuring two historic rivals. The new divisions have renewed the Detroit-Toronto feud and the classic at Michigan Stadium will showcase two of the NHL’s premier franchises.