http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fp7Xu1JylEU&hl=en&fs=1&
One of the most eagerly awaited debuts in recent memory takes place when John Tavares, who will be 19 years old, is expected to play his first NHL contest as the new face of the Islanders franchise. The No. 1 pick of the 2009 Entry Draft enjoyed a junior career studded with numerous awards and New York hopes Tavares can do for the team what Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin have accomplished in Pittsburgh and Washington, respectively.
I mean come on people…I know its the Islanders but this game has to be on the list simply for the Tavares home debut. It may get lost a bit in the 15 games being played on Saturday but throw a bone to this one….it will be worth watching.
Oct. 3, Philadelphia at New Jersey
The amazing career of Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur takes another turn as he is expected to appear in his 1,000th career regular-season game on opening night. He would become only the second goaltender to reach the mark, joining Patrick Roy (1,029).
Sorry everyone but this is more for sentimental reasons. Mr. Brodeur would have reached this last year if Slava Kozlov….. (oh I am just kidding). Seriously, a feat that will be seen by many and only the second goaltender ever to appear in 1000 regular season games. Truly a night to watch and oh yeah the return of Jacques Lemaire to New Jersey for those that are indeed interested.
Oct. 8, Chicago at Detroit
His one season in Detroit was a statistical success, but Marian Hossa didn’t secure his first Stanley Cup title, falling tantalizingly close. He’ll return to Joe Louis Arena for the first time since joining division rival Chicago as a marquee free-agent signee.
Awww come on its Hossa. The Chicago Blackhawks according to predestined theory will lose the Stanley Cup Finals in 7 games before it is ever written or if it actually happens for that matter. This will be an interesting season series all year long for a variety of subplots. Who knows maybe Mike Babcock can get into the heads of the Blackhawks once again.
Jan. 1, Philadelphia at Boston
2010 Bridgestone/NHL Winter Classic
For the third-consecutive season, the NHL goes old school with an outdoor game, and it doesn’t get any older than Fenway Park, the fabled and quirky ballpark built in 1912. This will arguably be the biggest meeting between the franchises since the 1974 Stanley Cup Final, won by the Flyers. In 165 regular-season meetings, the Bruins hold an 85-55-21-4 advantage.
This is something I will try and be there for. However, as good of a game that this has the potential to be. I have the feeling that an alumni game from the late 1970’s between these two teams would have a ferocity that surpasses the actual game. They could televise both for the fans to compare. Ah I can see the potential right now and man I am going to get in trouble if I do not mention this was HTM’s own Shawn Lavigne’s idea. Please Mr. Linesman let these old players and new ones fight on this day!
April 8, NY Islanders at Pittsburgh
The Penguins will play their final regular-season home game at Mellon Arena, built in 1961 and the oldest building in the NHL. They will move into the Consol Energy Center, currently under construction, in 2010-11.
This will be a game filled by memories where obviously the memories will overshadow the game itself but nonetheless expect a special time of it if you get to go. This I am sure will be one hell of a treat that Penguin fans will be able to tell their family for generations to come.
Honorable Mentions:
Dec. 4, Boston at Montreal — official 100th anniversary of MTL.
Jan. 23, Hockey Day Minnesota — Hockey and more hockey in Minny.
Jan. 26, Los Angeles at Toronto — The Schenn brothers meet.
March 5, New Jersey at Calgary — Homesick my butt!
April 11, Edmonton at Anaheim — Goodbye Teemu!
I do understand that Mark Recchi will play his last game on the same day but Selanne just takes more precedence by a nose. It shapes up to be one interesting season of twists and turns. Any games you feel could be on here that should? Just fire away in the comments!!!!
