Circle the Dates

The Bruins have been pretty lucky the past two seasons as they have participated in two of the NHL's premiere events. (The 3rd event was a little more elusive). Last year's Winter Classic was a great treat to Bruins' fans and fans of hockey in general. It seemed like everything was done right, and hopefully, the NHL will award Boston with another game in the future. This year, the Bruins will travel to both Belfast, Ireland for a preseason game and then to Prague for the first 2 games of the season against the Phoenix Coyotes. This will definitely be an exciting way to begin the season, especially for David Krejci, the Czech born center who also had the privileged to play for the national team in this year's Olympic Games. Unlike last season with the Winter Classic, lets hope the games in Prague aren't the only premiere event the Bruins take part in (Hint: Philly took our spot this year). Here is a look at the other games that should be circled with anticipation on your 2010-2011 Bruins calendar.

Oct 21, 2010: Capitals at BruinsHome opener, just like last year. We welcome Oveckin and the Caps crew back to the garden to kick off the season, hoping for a better result than last year.
Oct 28,2010: Maple Leafs at Bruins
Kessel vs Seguin: I am sure this will be built up long before they hit the ice, but fans of both teams will forever link the two players together and rightfully so. The trade could have very well shaped the face of the Northeast Division for years to come.
Nov 10, 2010: Bruins at Penguins
Savard and Cooke meet for the first time. Last year, the B's played down the idea of retribution because of the looming playoff spot that was still in question. Part of me thinks nothing is going to happen, but a larger part of me hopes this still isn't over.
Dec 1, 2010: Bruins at Flyers; Dec 11, 2010 Flyers at Bruins
Vindication. I have been waiting all summer for this, and I simply cannot be more excited for any other two games than these two games for a few reasons. The Bruins want revenge for last year's embarrassing letdown. It still hurts. Additionally, with the Winter Classic and the playoff series playing out as it did, it is safe to say this rivalry is back. The Flyers have seriously revamped their Broad Street Bully image adding fuel to an already intense rivalry. Not to mention, these games are only 10 days apart, so the players will be really familiar with each other when the puck drops on the 11th.

As a side note, I have already put in requests for a BDay/early Xmas present for TIX to the 11th. Cmon Santa.


Dec 27, 2010: Bruins at Florida
Horton returns. It will be interesting to see how Horton is received by the 2,000 fans that show up in Florida.
Jan 17/18: Home and Home with Carolina
At times a heated rivalry. I still haven't forgot about the Scott Walker sucker punch and then game winning goal in game 7. Anytime we beat Carolina, it makes that hurt just a bit less. Even though Walker has moved on, I have not. Seeing each other two nights in a row will make it that much more intense
Feb 27: Bruins at Oilers
Finally, they met. Hall vs Seguin. Hopefully at this time, both rookies are deeply entrenched in rookie of the year conversations. They will always be compared to each other, and this is the first time we get to see them play against each other.
March 29: Blackhawks vs Bruins
The Bruin's only shot at the defending champs comes late in the year, as both clubs look to solidify playoff position. This will be a good test for both teams down the stretch, and perhaps I am looking too far in advance, but perhaps a possible Stanley Cup Finals preview...ok, knock on wood 3x if you read this.