Opinion: Ten can't-miss games next season

After slowly leaking key dates in the 2008-09 schedule, the NHL released it all today. It's the first full look at the new format that now ensures every team plays each other at least once. Instead of 32 divisional games, the number drops to 24. There are 40 games against the other 10 conference teams, plus 18 against non-conference teams. The non-conference slate includes three wild-card opponents teams will face twice. For instance, Detroit plays a home-and-home series with Eastern Conference teams Pittsburgh (naturally), Buffalo and Atlanta. Here are 10 can't-miss games from the newly released schedule: 10. Avery's return to MSG It was pretty obvious Sean Avery didn't want to leave New York, but the right offer never came from the Rangers. On Oct. 20, Avery returns to Madison Square Garden, now as a member of the Stars. A... [read full story]