October matchups
On 7th October at 7pm ET, the puck will drop on the 95th season of the National Hockey League. There are 159 matches in October and I’ve selected five matches that will be outstanding for their own reasons.
Boston Bruins vs Philadelphia Flyers (6th October – TD Garden)
The current Stanley Cup champions open up against their heir apparent in the form of the Flyers. Even though the Bruins will be on home ice, this one could come too quick for them. The reshuffled Flyers will be ready and willing, buoyed by the appearance of comeback kid, Jaromir Jagr. Prediction – Flyers in regulation.
Winnepeg Jets vs Montreal Canadiens (9th October – MTS Centre)
This is the match that has been 15 years in the making for Winnipeg and I don’t think they’ll disappoint. Claude Noël will have his own, personal, reasons for notching a Jets win after taking over as coach. The Canadiens pre-season has been far from successful and they’ll need a huge effort to stop the Jets flying away with the game. Prediction – Jets in regulation.
Vancouver Canucks vs Nashville Predators (20th October – Rogers Arena)
This game is a replay of the Western Conference semi-final. Although the Canucks prevailed, the Predators won twice at Rogers Arena. The Canucks need to get over the Stanley Cup Final heartache quickly but pre-season indicates that is not the case. The Predators on the other hand have gone about their business well, including a 4-1 defeat of the capitals. Prediction – Predators in overtime.
New York Islanders vs Pittsburgh Penguins (25th October – Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum)
This one is dynamite and no mistake. Who can forget the horrible game on February 11th that produced 346 penalty minutes, 10 ejections, 15 fighting majors and 20 misconducts. Michael Haley alone racked up 39 minutes in penalties. Could we witness a game like that again? For the sake of hockey, I hope not. Prediction – Penguins in regulation.
Edmonton Oilers vs Vancouver Canucks (25th October – Rexall Place)
This one is David versus Goliath, Canadian style. The tried and tested Canucks go up against the Oilers and their young triumvirate of Nugent-Hopkins, Hall and Eberle. A 2-1 pre-season victory for the Canucks was delivered by a “tryout” team but the Oilers youngsters are starting to gel. Prediction – Vancouver in overtime.
To add to these games, there are the traditional season opening Premiere Games in Helsinki, Stockholm and Berlin that will have their own edge as “away” teams must try to take advantage of neutral ice. I’m sure you’ll have your own favourites from October’s matches. Enjoy!
