This is the first of several occasions where hockey fans will have a slate of 10+ games to choose from on Saturday Night. But tonight, almost every game will have a story to share, a rivalry, a former player coming back, or even a repeat playoff match-up. Here's a breakdown of all the games...
Winnipeg Jets vs Phoenix Coyotes
While the game is in Phoenix, this is a story of two franchise's whose paths have at some point gone through Winnipeg. The Phoenix Coyotes were the former Winnipeg Jets before they were moved to their current home in Phoenix while the new Jets are the former Atlanta Thrashers. I wonder how Shane Doan will feel playing against a team that's wearing the colors of the team he was drafted by. This is also the story of two franchises who were both struggling last season, but a relocation saved the Thrashers and a playoff run greatly helped the Coyotes. It will be an interesting match-up to watch tonight.
Buffalo Sabres vs Pittsburgh Penguins
Buffalo and Pittsburgh have met several times on the big stage, most notably at the inaugural Winter Classic. But they also have deeper rivalries than that. No one will forget Sidney Crosby scoring the game-winning goal against Ryan Miller in overtime to lead Canada over the US. While neither of those players will be playing tonight, there's still a lot of underlying stories. The Penguins have won their last six games against Buffalo and the Sabres are coming off a trip to Europe and a game the previous night in which Miller got shelled. The Pens will be without Evgeni Malkin and while Sidney Crosby has finally been cleared, he won't be able to help the Pens tonight.
Calgary Flames vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Pretty much, every time two Canadian teams go head-to-head, you know it's a rivalry. The young netminder James Reimer look to continue his hot start against the man that holds so many of Calgary's goaltending records... Miikka Kiprusoff. Not only will it be a match-up of goaltenders, last season, Toronto and Calgary pulled off a huge trade where Dion Phaneuf will play his old team and Matt Stajan and Niklas Hagman will return home to Toronto. Calgary has generally owned this series, but it will be interesting to watch tonight.
Colorado Avalanche vs Montreal Canadiens
Before the Avalanche moved from Quebec, these two teams would be fighting for supremacy in the Battle of Quebec, and while a good majority of those players have retired, there are two goalies who are looking to make a name for themselves. When Washington and Montreal played in the playoffs two years ago, Varlamov couldn't lead the Caps to beat the Habs while Price took a backseat to Halak. This time around, these two young netminders go head-to-head. Varlamov really has something to prove after blowing a 3-1 series lead to Montreal two years ago that led to his eventual demise in Washington while Price has done well since the Habs traded Halak to St. Louis. The Habs are dealing with a lot of injuries and will need to overcome Varly's stellar stats to start the season.
Ottawa Senators vs Washington Capitals
The only sport where the capital of the US and the capital of Canada face each other. Five years ago, their roles were reversed, the Sens were Stanley Cup contenders, while the Caps were floundering in the bottom of the Southeast division. Oh, how times have changed. The Capitals will be facing back-up Alex Auld and former Capital Sergei Gonchar while the Sens will face a formidable team in the Caps.
Los Angeles Kings vs Philadelphia Flyers
Mike Richards returns to Philly after the shocking trade that sent him to the Kings on June 23rd. This will be a big homecoming for him. Not only that, but former Flyers Simon Gagne and Justin Williams will join him when the Kings come to Philly. Would be ironic if all three of them started the game. Let's throw in the fact that former Coyotes goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov has a shot at beating the Kings with his new team, something he had difficulty doing with his old team. Wayne Simmonds will also get to play his former team as well as a member of the Flyers.
New York Rangers vs New York Islanders
Ah... the battle of New York... this is intriguing as Nabokov will be making his season debut and the Rangers will be hoping to win their first game. For once the standings are reversed as the Islanders are looking down on the Rangers. New Rangers Center Brad Richards will be making his "New York" debut, but will we actually see the Rivalry carry into the stands? The Islanders couldn't sell-out a game last season, but it looks better this season as they are off to a great start.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Florida Panthers
The battle of Florida, the Lightning are coming off a trip to the Conference Championship, but the Panthers are completely revamped this season, pretty much blowing up their team and signing as many free agents as they could. It should be interesting to see how they fare with Garon starting instead of Roloson who's been getting lit up this season. Theodore looks to revive his career after backing up Backstrom in Minnesota last season.
New Jersey Devils vs Nashville Predators
The only game that will not have any storylines, this is the only game that the teams are just playing to play. Hedberg will start for the Devils with Brodeur injured and Rinne should start for Nashville. Both teams are 2-1 and a win could help both teams in their respective divisions in the long run.
Detroit Red Wings vs Minnesota Wild
This is a match-up between two teams that have started the season very strong. The Wild are in the Northwest, while the Red Wings are in the Central, they are not that far apart from each other. Harding will be in net for the Wild as Backstrom gets the night off and Howard will start for the Wings. Should be a great game.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Dallas Stars
Battle of two teams with a star in their logo. The Blue Jackets recently gained a top center while the Stars have recently lost a top center, however, the main story in this match-up will be goaltending. Steve Mason has started off horribly while Kari Lehtonen has started off the season very strong. It should be an interesting game to watch.
Boston Bruins vs Chicago Blackhawks
Original Six Rivalry. Previous two Stanley Cup Champions. The Bruins haven't started the season well, I expect his to be a great game as these two go at it. Will the Bruins finally snap out of their 3-game losing streak?
St. Louis Blues vs San Jose Sharks
They met in the playoffs when the Sharks were relatively new, but now they'll be facing each other to get out of the basement of their respective divisions. Should be a good game as the back-ups Elliott and Greiss will face-off
Vancouver Canucks vs Edmonton Oilers
The last game of the night will have a northwest division rivalry between two teams in Canada. Both team are going in wrong directions, the Oilers haven't lost, the Canucks have 1 win in four games. Luongo has started the season horribly and Dubnyk has started off the season strong for the Oilers. Expect to see an hard-hitting game between these two.
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