NHL schedule release 2018: 5 matchups we're looking forward to most

NHL schedule release 2018: 5 matchups we’re looking forward to most

PITTSBURGH, PA - MAY 01: Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins looks on alongside Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG Paints Arena on May 1, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /

2 of 5

2. Jets vs. Maple Leafs

What started out as an admittedly forced Auston Matthews vs. Patrik Laine rivalry has evolved into far more than that. Toronto vs. Winnipeg has turned into the NHL’s premier matchup of skill between Canada’s two best teams.

Ever since the first matchup between the two after the 2016 Draft, it has been must-watch hockey. Matthews vs. Laine is a nice sideshow and reason to watch, but these two teams personify exciting hockey. Young and exciting talent outside of the obvious Laine and Matthews like Mitch Marner, Kyle Connor, William Nylander and Nikolaj Ehlers are exciting in their own right, and the styles that each side bring to the table matchup incredibly with each other.

On top of the incredible style matchup, these two are the premier NHL teams in Canada right now and are fighting for the right to be named Canada’s team. Both fanbases are among the top of the league in hardcore fans, and watching them clash is almost as exciting as the games themselves. The banter between the two started as playful, but each game that passes makes it a little more nasty each time.

The Jets and Maple Leafs will meet twice this season on back to back matchups, first in Winnipeg on October 24 and back in Toronto for both teams next game on October 27.

The matchup of speed and skill and the growing hatred between these two teams is must-watch hockey, and it’s a shame we can only see it twice a year.

Home/NHL