Fansided

3 versions of the ultimate 3-day NHL road trip

By Griffin Youngs

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 07: A Washington Capitals fans cheer during the fan watch party at Capitol One Area on June 7, 2018 in Washington, DC. The Washington Capitals head into Game 5 tonight against the Las Vegas Golden Knights with a 3-1 series lead. (Photo by Alex Edelman/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 07: A Washington Capitals fans cheer during the fan watch party at Capitol One Area on June 7, 2018 in Washington, DC. The Washington Capitals head into Game 5 tonight against the Las Vegas Golden Knights with a 3-1 series lead. (Photo by Alex Edelman/Getty Images) /
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Nov 23, 2022; Dallas, Texas, USA; Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Petr Mrazek (34) defends against the Dallas Stars attack during the second period at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2022; Dallas, Texas, USA; Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Petr Mrazek (34) defends against the Dallas Stars attack during the second period at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

The perfect Mid-West NHL road trip

Chicago: Chicago Blackhawks vs. Tampa Bay Lightning, Jan. 3

Kick off the first leg of a mid-west NHL road trip with a stop at the United Center, one of the NHL’s premiere arenas, and a rematch of the 2015 Stanley Cup Final between the Chicago Blackhawks and Tampa Bay Lightning.

Even though the Blackhawks themself are not much of an attraction this season as they kick off a long rebuild process, getting to see the Tampa Bay Lightning still in the middle of their competition window as they look to make it four straight trips to the Stanley Cup Final, and three cups in four seasons, is a trip worth making.

Detroit: Detroit Red Wings vs. New Jersey Devils, Jan. 4

Keep the ball rolling with another original six visit for an Eastern Conference showdown between the Detroit Red Wings and New Jersey Devils.

If there’s ever been a time to visit the Little Caesars Arena, it’s now, as a new era of Red Wings hockey looks ready to kick off. Ever since opening in 2017, the Red Wings have been towards the bottom of the league, and after seasons of building and a busy offseason. Now, at last, the product on the ice is worthy of the venue.

It doesn’t hurt that it’s the Devils coming to town, in the middle of a take-off season of their own. After multiple down years for both sides, the Detroit Red Wings and New Jersey Devils are exciting to watch again, and finally in the thick of playoff contention. You shouldn’t need too much of an excuse to visit Little Caesars Arena, but this is a good one.

Columbus: Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Washington Capitals, Jan. 5

Rounding out the trip, a stop at one of the most underrated cities on the NHL docket, Columbus and Nationwide Arena. Even though Columbus is constantly forgotten about when in comparison to some of the larger markets in the NHL, it’s one of the league’s best-kept secrets as a hockey destination.

While both Columbus and Washington have struggled this season, the matchups between the two have constantly delivered over the last several seasons. And of course, it’s yet another chance to watch Alex Ovechkin chase history, and if all works out, could potentially be the game he scores 800 goals in.

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