New York Rangers: Mark your calendars, here are some key games

NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 12: Henrik Lundqvist #30 of the New York Rangers skates onto the ice during player introductions prior to his team’s home opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Madison Square Garden on October 12, 2014 in New York City. The Toronto Maple Leafs won 6-3. (Photo by Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Here are some key home dates on the schedule for the New York Rangers.

Unless you are a season ticket holder, you will be looking for the best opportunities to catch the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden this season. Here are some key home contests:

October

Thursday, October 3 – WINNIPEG JETS: It’s the home opener, always a good game and it will be the debut of Artemi Panarin and Kaapo Kakko. What more could you ask for? Throw in the first time Jacob Trouba faces his old team and the same for Neal Pionk. Added spice in that it is also Brendan Lemieux‘s first game against his former team.

Thursday, October 17 – AT NEW JERSEY DEVILS: Yes, this is a road game, but it’s in Newark and the first chance to see Kaapo Kakko plays against Jack Hughes. Worth the trip to New Jersey.

Thursday , October 24 – BUFFALO SABRES: Jimmy Vesey‘s return to the Big Apple. I guess there will be some drama. Will Kyle Okposo be looking to get revenge over Anthony DeAngelo for his one punch knockout last season?

Tuesday, October 29 – TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING: Kevin Shattenkirk‘s return to New York. He has a lot to prove and what better stage than Madison Square Garden in a Lightning uniform. It’s the only time Tampa will play the Rangers in New York.

November

Sunday, November 10 – FLORIDA PANTHERS: Artemi Panarin vs. his buddy, Sergei Bobrovsky. The incentive will be there for him to have a big game.

Monday, November 25 – MINNESOTA WILD: The only appearance at MSG by Mats Zuccarello and the first since he was traded. Look for some sort of tribute by the Rangers.

December

Friday, December 20 – TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS: If David Quinn is smart, he’ll start Alexandar Georgiev so he can get another 55 save win.

January

Thursday, January 9 – NEW JERSEY DEVILS: Kaapo Kakko vs. Jack Hughes for the first time at Madison Square Garden. It’s also a chance to boo P.K. SubbanMonday, January 13 – NEW YORK ISLANDERS: Sunday, January 19 – COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS: Tuesday, January 21 – NEW YORK ISLANDERS:

February

Saturday, February 22 – SAN JOSE SHARKS: The last game before the trade deadline. It could be Chris Kreider‘s last game as a Ranger. Ditto for Vlad Namestnikov and Jesper Fast

March

Sunday, March 1 – PHILADELPHIA FLYERS: Kevin Hayes comes back to Madison Square Garden for the first time. Same for coach Alain Vigneault. It’s also the first home game after the trade deadline.

Tuesday, March 3 – ST. LOUIS BLUES: The defending champions come to town for the only time this season.

Saturday, March 7 – NEW JERSEY DEVILS: Round two of the Kakko-Hughes rivalry.

Tuesday, March 24 – COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS: Panarin vs. his former team, round two.

Wednesday, April 1 – PHILADELPHIA FLYERS: We’ll know by this game if Kevin Hayes was worth $7.142 million a year. If the Flyers have a disastrous season, they may have a new coach by this time.

Saturday, April 4 – CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS: Final home game of the regular season. “Blueshirts Off Our Back” ceremony to follow the game. Hopefully, the final tune-up before the start of the playoffs.

The week of April 5-11 – TBA: The First Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Who will the Rangers be playing?

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