Detroit Red Wings 5 Must-Watch Games for 2015 Season
It’s August. The least hockey-est month of the year. The puck doesn’t hit the ice for weeks and weeks! Of course there is pre-season, but unless we’re treated to a pointless line brawl again to break the monotony, then we’ll simply be waiting for proper hockey to start.
Head-scratching trades and the usual managerial merry-go-round have thrown up some interesting match ups but what does the 2015/16 season bring us Detroit fans? What dates should we circling on our calendars? Here is a look at some of the best games we can look forward to, as well as bonus game that you’ll probably be watching anyway:
Next: Blashill Vs Babcock
October 9th against Toronto
On the October 9th, former Detroit coach Mike Babcock will bring his Toronto Maple Leafs to the Joe for an original six match-up. His first time back since departing in May 2015. This game is Detroit’s season opener, but Toronto play the Montreal Canadiens two days earlier, and you know that’s gonna be a tiring game for the Leafs’ skaters.
One big factor will be Pavel Datsyuk’s ankle injury. Will Detroit’s superstar be back in time for the Wing’s home opener?
The other key factor, possibly a deciding factor is the absence of Phil Kessel. The big forward scored 185 goals for Toronto in his six seasons with the team before being traded away. Is Kessel’s absence something the Wings can take advantage of?
Let’s remind ourselves of some historic Detroit – Toronto action:
Next: Avs take it outside
February 21st against Colorado
The Coors Light Stadium Series is back, the NHL’s cash-generators will be held between the Wild and the Blackhawks on February 21st while the Colorado Avalanche will face our Detroit Red Wings a week later on the 26th at Coors Field; home of the Colorado Rockies. I ain’t kidding about it being a cash-generator either. Cheapest tickets I can find are $80 in the nosebleeds. For $80 you can watch a few games at the Joe or buy one hot dog at the Air Canada Centre.
It’s well documented how the Wings and Avs are the best of friends, so expect a gentlemanly, well-mannered affair when the two clash in February. A bit like this:
Any excuse to watch that again. Don’t expect this game to be an all-out brawl, but it should be entertaining.
Next: It's the playoffs all over again
October 13th against Tampa Bay
On October 13th, the Red Wings will play host to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first of four regular meeting seasons, and will hope to take revenge for that oh-so-close playoff series a few months ago.
The Red Wings will be fresh from a short road trip beating the Carolina Hurricanes 5-0 three days earlier while the Bolts will be playing the last of a three game road stint that sees them play the Buffalo Sabres and the Boston Bruins before visiting the Motor City.
Here’s a quick recap of game one of the playoffs:
Next: Another original six meeting
March 2nd and 6th against Chicago
The Red Wings – Blackhawks rivalry goes back longer than most teams in the NHL have existed, and since the divisional realignment, the two teams only meet twice a season now. Which is a shame, cos Wings Vs ‘Hawks games are normally awesome.
The current Stanley Cup holders are playing at the top of their game, although it will be interesting to see if their superstar right-wing Patrick Kane will be on the roster, given what’s currently going on.
Regardless of Kane, the Blackhawks are still a strong team, and the two consecutive games in March will be eagerly awaited by fans in Michigan and Illinois.
Here’s some ‘Hawks and Wings shootout actions:
Next: The January 1st hangover cure
The one Red Wingless game
I can take or leave the other Stadium Series games, and I’ve been critical of the high ticket prices but the Winter Classic games are awesome and have been a season highlight since they started. Sure Detroit aren’t involved in 2016’s game, but I’ll still be watching. I miss hockey.
Which games are you most looking forward to? Join in and comment below!
Next: Most Hated Opposing Players
More from Octopus Thrower
- Detroit Red Wings forward Carter Mazur injured in Prospect Tournament
- Detroit Red Wings: What does Klim Kostin’s role look like in 2023-24?
- Detroit Red Wings: 3 players who will make biggest impact in first year
- The Detroit Red Wings need Andrew Copp to start fast in 2023-24
- Detroit Red Wings had a busy off-season; but was it enough?