Normally we do this kind of post over the summer, but now that you can see the season over the horizon, why not mark some dates on your calendar? Here are ten Los Angeles Kings games you need to cancel all your other plans for.
Wednesday, October 7, 2015: Kings v Sharks (Staples Center)
The Kings get a nationally televised opener where they aren’t raising a banner. Talk about a blessing in disguise. Downside:
he’s gonna shut us out i’m sure https://t.co/ChTjyXO1py
— John @ y- (@toshanshuinLA) October 5, 2015
Sunday, October 25, 2015: Kings v Oilers (Rexall Place)
Our first chance to see Connor McDavid, and LA’s first chance to get revenge for last year’s backbreaking defeat in Game 80. (McDavid’s first visit to LA is on Saturday, November 14, and it’s on Hockey Night in Canada.)
Tuesday, November 10, 2015: Kings v Coyotes (Staples Center)
Longtime radio announcer Nick Nickson gets his Legends Nights, which means you can hear all of your favorite calls again. I know I’m not the only one who muted NBC in favor of Nick as the clock wound down in 2012.
Saturday, November 28, 2015: Kings v Blackhawks (Staples Center)
The only time LA will get the champs in their building. It’s also exactly ten months to the day since perhaps LA’s best performance of 2014-15, another home win over Chicago.
Tuesday, December 22, 2015: Kings v Sharks (Staples Center)
Why this one? The Kings have a brutal stretch in which they play ten road games between December 8 and December 31, including two back-to-backs. This is the only home game in that stretch. (It’s also on NBCSN.)
Sunday, January 17, 2016: Kings v Ducks (Honda Center)
Strangely, the Kings avoid the Ducks for over half the season before their first contest, in the season’s 44th game. By this point every game is starting to feel important, and this game (if another January swoon occurs) is going to be massive.
Sunday, February 14, 2015: Kings v Devils (Prudential Center)
I wouldn’t normally recommend a game against New Jersey, but this is the end of LA’s annual NY/NJ roadie, which the Kings have swept each of the last two years. It’s also the earliest start time of the year, at 9:30 AM Pacific. Get your mimosas ready!
Saturday, February 27, 2016: Kings v Sabres (Staples Center)
Jack Eichel comes to town. It’s also the latest start of the year, at 8:00 PM Pacific.
Wednesday, March 9, 2016: Kings v Capitals (Staples Center)
Tuesday, April 5, 2016: Kings v Flames (Saddledome)
It seems likely that one of these teams could be trying to lock up the Pacific’s last playoff spot at this point. I’m already nervous.