It’s always messy when the Flyers and Capitals play. They’ll go at it on Nov. 1.
Circle these games on the calendar
Well, we told you about the players to watch in 2013-14 … here are the games to watch, hand-selected by our Flyers expert:
Oct. 12, at Red Wings: Now in the East, first chance for Flyers to show Dan Cleary how much they care after he played them to land a new contract.
Oct. 17, vs. Penguins: Will the hate generated by this cross-state rivalry be as intense now that Lavy and Pens’ coach Dan Bylsma are teaming together to coach Team USA in Sochi? It might just depend on the standings.
Oct. 24, vs. NY Rangers: No team gives the Flyers more trouble than these guys. Goalie Henrik Lundqvist and Co. have gone 10-2-1, surrendering just 27 goals since March 2011.
Nov. 1, vs. Capitals: Once unstoppable, Flyers have done a decent job containing Alex Ovechkin the last few years. One reason they’ve won six of last eight. Still, judging by the fights breaking out last week in a preseason game, tempers are sure to be short as always.
Nov.7, vs. Devils: Now playing for his fourth team in three years — and sixth overall in the East — 41-year-old Jaromir Jagr returns to play for Joshua Harris’ team (you know, the rich guy that owns the Sixers). More importantly, so does 41-year old Martin Brodeur.
Nov. 27, at Lightning: After 14 seasons as the heart and soul of the franchise, Vinny Lecavalier returns as the enemy. Since he had no choice, Lightning fans (we’re guessing anyway) will still love him.
Dec. 11, at Blackhawks: Ray Emery should also get some cheers when Flyers visit the Stanley Cup champs, who are probably more disappointed Michael Leighton is gone.
Dec. 21, at Blue Jackets: The stage should be set for a showdown between former Flyers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky and former Blue Jackets netminder Steve Mason. The other guy Columbus unloaded, Jake Voracek, is the one they really miss.
Jan 8, vs. Canadiens:Fan favorite Danny Briere, another guy who hated to leave Philadelphia, is back. After overachieving during the regular season, then flaming out in the playoffs, hockey-crazed Montreal expects big things from the Habs.
Jan. 25, vs. Bruins: First meeting between two fierce rivals, who have represented the East in the Cup Final in three of last four seasons. Flyers won last two meetings after dropping four straight.
March 24, vs. Kings: Incredibly, it’s the first trip back to Philly for Mike Richards and Jeff Carter after winning the 2012 Cup. Goalie Jonathan Quick and defenseman Drew Doughty are leaders of these Kings, though.
April 12, at Penguins: How much will still be on the line in the new Metropolitan Division and East in general for the next-to-last game of the regular season? Hopefully, a lot or it’s going to be a long, cold winter for Flyers fans.
