Chicago Blackhawks: 10 Can’t-Miss Games Next Season

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Feb 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Andrew Shaw (65) and Washington Capitals right wing Tom Wilson (43) fight during the third period at the United Center. Chicago won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Capitals at Blackhawks — Nov. 11, 2016

Last year, this matchup came after the NHL trade deadline and was on a Sunday at noon, and both teams were at or near the top of the league. The atmosphere at the game was insane.

Next season, the matchup will still have a lot of attention surrounding it, but won’t match their last contest. Still, when you get two of the top teams in the league playing against each other and Alexander Ovechkin is in town, even in November, it will be a great matchup.

4. Penguins at Blackhawks — Mar. 1, 2017

The first game for either team immediately following the NHL trade deadline. The possibility that both squads will feature brand new faces in the lineup is a can’t-miss feature on its own. Also, the reigning Stanley Cup champions are in town facing the previous Stanley Cup champions. Enough said.

3. Blackhawks at Red Wings — Mar. 10, 2017

This one will be special. The second installment of the Blackhawks-Red Wings rivalry next season will be the last time the two Original Six rivals will play in the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit.

Post-trade deadline and less than a month before the end of the season, this matchup has the potential to have large Stanley Cup Playoffs implications on the line and only makes the contest that much more contentious.

2. Blackhawks at Blues (Winter Classic) — Jan. 2, 2017

Yes, it will be the Blackhawks’ fifth time playing in an outdoor game since the first Winter Classic in 2007. But it is still one of the biggest days on the NHL calendar, and they are doing the right thing this time around by having it on January 2, not January 1. You have to let college football have New Year’s Day. So on the day after New Year’s Day, the Blackhawks will be in Busch Stadium taking on the St. Louis Blues. Heated rivals, outdoor stadium, snow? Maybe. All a recipe for a fantastic game.

1. Blues at Blackhawks (Season Opener) — Oct. 12, 2016

Every Blackhawks fan should have Oct. 12 circled on his or her calendar. It’s opening night. It’s against the Blues. It’s in Chicago. The quest for the Stanley Cup begins where it bitterly ended last season, against the Blues. The atmosphere at the United Center will be electric, and hopefully won’t also fall on the same night as a Cubs playoff game again. No matter what, Oct. 12 can’t get here soon enough.

Next: Trivia Tuesday: Goaltenders Edition

So what do you think of the Blackhawks’ schedule? What are some games you’re looking forward to? Let us know in the comments section!