What to watch for: 2010-2011 Flyers schedule released

Posted by Chris DiFrancesco on June 23, 2010 · 1 Comment 

Photo/Getty

The NHL’s Eastern Conference Champions will begin their re-launched efforts to return to the Stanley Cup Finals beginning on October 7th in Pittsburgh’s brand new arena,  the Consol Energy Center. With many teams now gunning to bring the Flyers down after reaching the Stanley Cup, the challenge will become even tougher.

Below are my top-5 matchups to look forward to now that the complete 2010-2011 Flyers schedule has been released.

Game 1: Season opener Thursday Oct. 7 @ Pittsburgh Penguins

Who better to open up the new era of Penguins hockey in their freshly built Consol Energy Center arena than those cross-state rival Philadelphia Flyers. Hands down one of the best rivalries in the National Hockey League, they will no doubt battle for the top spot of the Atlantic Division. This game will be a must-see game as usual, especially when both teams could look very different.

Game 2: Thurs. November 4th- New York Rangers @ FLYERS

The history is there, especially not too long ago. Remember the final game of the regular season at the Wachovia Center? You should if you had a pulse. The Flyers and Rangers battled their way into a shootout to determine which team will make the postseason.. Flyers goalie Brian Boucher stunned the Rangers shooters to propel his team to a shootout win to put Philadelphia into the playoffs and ultimately to the Stanley Cup Finals.

Game 3: Nov. 26 Calgary Flames @ FLYERS

Not since the 2008-09 season have the Calgary Flames come to Philadelphia to faceoff against the Flyers. However, this ‘Black Friday’ the future hall-of-fame captain Jarome Iginla will bring his Flames squad to the Wachovia Center for this East vs. West powerhouse matchup.

Game 4: Dec. 11th- @ Boston Bruins

Flyers fans who have already printed out this schedule saw this game and circled it immediately. This game will be the return of the Flyers in Boston. The last time the Bruins saw the Flyers, they were watching them celebrate after coming back from a 3-0 deficit to win Game 7 to make NHL history. The Flyers became just the fourth sports team to EVER comeback after being down in a series 3-0. Also, the Bruins will most likely come into this game with one of the two top draft picks in this years NHL Entry Draft, either Taylor Hall or Tyler Seguin.

Game 5: Jan. 23 @ 2009-10 Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks

Where to start and why even mention it. Well, because I have an article to write and it looks good. As I digress, this game has earned so much meaning, obviously. The Flyers were just one goal in overtime away from pushing the Stanley Cup finals to a Game 7 in Chicago before Patrick Kane snuck a wrist-shot past goalie Michael Leighton to give the Hawks their first Cup since 1961.

Due to free agency both teams will look different, but the hatred and the unfinished business the Flyers have towards Chicago will make this regular season matchup an epic one.

Hopefully, we’ll see Adam Burrish on the ice the same time Mr. Chris Pronger is roaming around.

Oh wait……….the Blackhawks and the Flyers play in the NHL.

Filed under NHL/Flyers