Anaheim Ducks: Six 2018 games we are looking forward to

It’s still summer, but the 2018-19 season is getting closer to first puck drop. Taking a look at the Anaheim Ducks schedule, there are a good half-dozen games we are looking forward to before the end of the calendar year.

Every summer when the schedules for the following season are released, hockey fans circle the games they are most excited about. For the Anaheim Ducks, the 2018 portion of the schedule isn’t chock full of marquis matchups. There are plenty good games on the docket, for Ducks Nation to look forward to.

There are more than six games worth watching, this list is comprised of the ones we are looking most forward to. The Ducks promotional schedule isn’t out yet and bobbleheads are always a factor, but I digress. Here are our top six games in chronological order:

Honorable Mention:

• October 20 @ Vegas – Can lightning strike two years in a row?
• November 16 vs. Toronto – An early peek at John Taveras and the new look Maple Leafs.
• December 2 @ Washington – The defending Stanley Cup Champions

October

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October 3 @ San Jose – The first regular season game is always special. This one has some extra oomph to it. The Anaheim Ducks head to San Jose to kick off 2018-19. Although they are one of Anaheim’s biggest rivals, the Ducks have a little extra incentive to kick some teal and black butt. Last season’s first-round playoff sweep at the hands of San Jose, calls for some retribution.

October 8 vs. Detroit – It’s the Anaheim Ducks 25th Anniversary season home opener. The new commemorative alternate jerseys will debut at the Honda Center against the Detroit Red Wings. If you are going to the game, get there early. The Ducks are bound to have a great pregame show.

October 21 vs Buffalo – 2018 yop overall pick Rasmus Dahlin makes his first, of what promises to be many trips over the next several years, to the Honda Center. As good as he will one day be, Dahlin isn’t the main event. In the first of two jersey retirement ceremonies this season, the Anaheim Ducks will honor Paul Kariya by sending #9 to the rafters.

November

November 6 @ Los Angeles – Game one of the Freeway Faceoff Series takes place at the Staples Center. The teams don’t like each other, the fans don’t like each other, and almost anything can happen. These contests are always entertaining and it could be an early battle between two teams fighting for a Pacific Division title.

November 12 vs. Nashville – There is plenty of bad blood between these two teams. Fans on both sides have hard feelings over the 2017 Western Conference Finals. Ryan Kesler more than likely will be out of action, so Preds center Ryan Johanson gets a break. On the other side, Mike Fisher retired so he won’t be renewing acquaintances with Kesler either. There are enough agitators on both teams to guarantee some hard hits and hard feelings.

December

December 31 vs. Tampa Bay – Bring in the new year on Katella Avenue. The Ducks faceoff at 7 pm against defending Central Division champion the Tampa Bay Lightning. Steve Stamkos leads an array of exciting offensive weapons into the Honda Center.

There are other good games on the schedule. Break out your Sharpies and circle some dates on your calendar.