NHL pre-season set to begin on Tuesday
The National Hockey League pre-season is set to begin on Tuesday with nine games. The first pre-season games will give clubs a chance to take a look at their youngsters and perhaps fringe roster players. Anyone attending camp on a try-out basis can expect to
see some time in the first pre-season affair as teams attempt to gauge their talent.
Preview
Columbus vs. Atlanta
The Columbus Blue Jackets will have a rare encounter with the Atlanta Thrashers in their first pre-season game. Watch for the Blue Jackets to play a number of rookie defenders who have a good chance at playing this season after youngster Kris Russell went down
with a knee injury. Meanwhile the Thrashers may choose to include a couple of their new faces.
Florida vs. Carolina
With nearly every job up for grabs, the Florida Panthers will ice an eager group of rookies, keen to show they belong in the NHL. Conversely, the Canes are hoping to get a look at their American Hockey League and junior players.
New Jersey vs. Philadelphia
Both these squads are set to have rosters filled with veteran talent come puck drop in October. Nevertheless, if you are fan of either of these organizations it is sure to be an exciting game featuring some top prospects. It will be interesting to see whom
the Flyers and Devils decide to start in net.
Ottawa vs. Toronto
With plenty of roster decisions to make before October, every pre-season game in Toronto is sure to be an exciting one. With a brand new crop of young talent, Leafs fans will certainly be eager to watch the future of their organization against one of their
biggest rivals.
Colorado vs. St. Louis
Both these clubs have young line-ups and therefore their first pre-season match is unlikely to feature a number of top prospects. Look for plenty of players on try-outs to take part in this game.
Tampa Bay vs. Dallas
Tampa Bay has plenty of decisions to make in the bottom half of their line-up and with a new general manager at the helm it will be interesting to see whom they include in their first pre-season match-up.
Vancouver vs. Calgary
Vancouver’s big match-up is between youngster Cody Hodgson and former Canuck Brendan Morrison. Vancouver fans will certainly be tuned in throughout the pre-season, as they wait to see who will be taking over the final centre spot.
Phoenix vs. Anaheim
Phoenix has plenty of youngsters trying to get into the line-up for the regular season and have also invited former Canuck Kyle Wellwood to camp. The Coyotes have plenty of work to do before they can begin their season, making pre-season an interesting time
for the ‘Desert Dogs’.
Hockey fans all around the League will be excited to see that pre-season hockey has finally begun. For many this is one of the most exciting times of the year, as they wait to find out who will be the new surprise member of their side in less than a month.
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