Daily Cross Checks

Thursday Oct 1

Who’s playing in the NHL tonight? Where can I find it on TV? When should I turn on the aforementioned TV? Most importantly, should I even bother turning on the TV?  Here’s a place to find all the games of the night and talk about them to your heart’s content.  Don’t worry, tomorrow we’ll start all over.  Hockey fans, these are your Daily Cross-Checks.

Montreal at Toronto
Time: 4:00 PM PST
TV: CBC, RDS
There are a ton of reasons to watch this game. The Maple Leafs have completely revamped their identity to include as much physical intimidation as possible. The Canadiens brought in Scott Gomez and Brian Gionta to spearhead their scoring punch. It’s the quintessential battle of speed vs. strength. As if that wasn’t enough, it’ll be Mike Komisarek’s first game against his former team. No better way to start the season.

Washington at Boston
Time: 4:00 PM PST
TV: VS (If you have DirecTV, you’re shit out of luck)
Judging by NBC’s insistence to have the Flyers in the Winter Classic, this Capitals/Bruins match-up should be a snooze fest. In this corner, you have the best player in the world on a team that wants to prove that it’s ready to make the jump to the league’s elite. In the opposite corner, the Eastern Conference regular season champs. If either of the teams wanted a measuring stick to see where they stand to start the season, they got it.

Vancouver at Calgary
Time: 7:00 PM PST
TV: CBC
This game features the two best teams in the Northwest Division. Both the Flames and the Canucks showed promise last year—but both ran into the Chicago Blackhawks in the playoffs. The Flames added Jay Bouwmeester to an already impressive defensive corps in the offseason. In response, the Canucks added about 37 defensemen to their roster. We’ll see which strategy works out best.

San Jose at Colorado
Time: 7:00 PM PST
TV: VS (If you have DirecTV, you’re STILL shit out of luck)
Nothing says “Opening Night Mismatch” like the defending Presidents Trophy winners vs. the worst team in the West. There’s going to be a ton of energy in the building with all the past greats in attendance to honor Joe Sakic’s amazing career. But unless Peter Forsberg and Joe Sakic lace up the skates for the Avs, the ceremony might be the only exciting part of the night. Wait, Forsberg has a stress fracture in his foot? Crap. Not to worry though—if you have DirecTV: neither the pre-game festivities NOR the actual game will be televised. Awesome.

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