5 must-watch games during the 2015-16 NHL regular season
The NHL officially released the 2015-16 regular-season schedule on Thursday, which means fans will be circling dates on their calendars and planning vacation time around the travels of their favorite players and teams.
Here are five must-watch games to keep an eye on during the regular season.
Montreal Canadiens at Toronto Maple Leafs, Oct. 7, 7 p.m. ET
The season begins the exact same way it has the past two years; with a showdown between bitter rivals from Toronto and Montreal.
The Original Six matchup was hosted by the Canadiens to begin the 2013-14 campaign, with the Maple Leafs hosting it last year.
Toronto defeated Montreal 4-3 on their home ice at the Bell Centre two seasons ago, but the Habs earned retribution with a 4-3 win of their own last year at the Air Canada Centre.
The season should get off to a wild start with the two squads setting off the fireworks.
Edmonton Oilers at St. Louis Blues, Oct. 8, 8 p.m. ET
Unless some kind of magic or mishap occurs, Connor McDavid will be drafted by the Edmonton Oilers first overall in Friday's NHL Entry Draft, which means his debut will be made in St. Louis where the Oilers are set to kick off their campaign.
The debut of one player hasn't been so anticipated since Sidney Crosby first appeared in a Pittsburgh Penguins uniform.
With a revamped front office and coaching staff, a lot is expected from the Oilers and with McDavid leading the charge alongside Taylor Hall, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Jordan Eberle, the Oilers may finally crawl out of the NHL's basement.
Toronto Maple Leafs at Detroit Red Wings, Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m. ET
After 10 seasons and a Stanley Cup win with the Detroit Red Wings, Mike Babcock flew the coup of the Motor City to join the Toronto Maple Leafs in the offseason.
The head coach will quickly make a trip back to his former home as Detroit is set to host Toronto in early October.
Will the boo birds fly or will the coach be given an ovation for his storied career with the franchise?
Whatever the outcome, one thing is for sure. It'll make for great television.
Tampa Bay Lightning at Chicago Blackhawks, Oct. 24, 8:30 p.m. ET
The rematch of the Stanley Cup Final from the year prior is always a game to keep an eye on, but this one in particular should be a doozy simply because of the talent on the ice.
Chicago and Tampa Bay should both be Cup contenders yet again and if last season's final was any indication, the contest should be a fast and skilled one featuring some of the league's best players.
What more could a hockey fan ask for?
Montreal Canadiens at Boston Bruins, Jan. 1, 1 p.m. ET.
Toques, scarves, outdoor hockey. The Winter Classic.
One of the NHL's best events of the season will feature a historic matchup between the Canadiens and Boston Bruins at Gillette Stadium, the home of the NFL's New England Patriots.
Last Jan. 1, the Washington Capitals were victorious over the Blackhawks 3-2 during the chilly event.
There is no better way to ring in a new year than with this bone-chilling, snow-filled contest.
Get your hot cocoa ready.
Honorable mentions
Chicago Blackhawks at New York Islanders, Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m. ET
The Islanders make their debut at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn against the Stanley Cup champs.
Buffalo Sabres at Edmonton Oilers, Dec. 6, 8 p.m. ET
The first-ever McDavid vs. Jack Eichel showdown at Rexall Place. A matchup that could become an instant classic and spark a decades-long rivalry.