Every Christmas is an NBA fan’s dream.
For some glorious reason, the league made it a tradition to feature a number of incredible matchups featuring its best teams. The 76ers are set to take on the Celtics, OKC will take on Houston and LeBron’s Lakers will visit Golden State for an evening bout. Unfortunately for hockey fans, the NHL doesn’t follow the same trend.
Butttttt it doesn’t hurt to brainstorm what the day could look like.
It seems only fitting that the one big four sport involving ice should have at least a couple of games on the 25th so with that in mind, here are contests that would make for an even merrier Christmas
1) Leafs vs. Jets
Sure, they’re in different conferences. But Toronto and Winnipeg have quietly built one of the NHL’s more intriguing rivalries in recent years thanks to the top two draft picks from the 2016 draft. Watching Laine and Matthews go toe-to-toe would be the ultimate gift to any hockey fan.
Jeff Chevrier/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
2) Penguins vs. Capitals
Okay, so we know they just played in what might ultimately go down as the game of the year. So why not give the whole thing another go?
Hockey fans witnessed a peculiar site when Crosby and Ovechkin jawed at one another in the Pens’ 2-1 win on Wednesday night. With both teams seemingly still heated, a rematch less than a week later would make for one wild hockey game between two of the league’s best teams from the past 10 years.
3) Flames vs. Oilers
Finally, a battle of Alberta game that could have some serious significance!
Over the past few years either one, or both of the teams have appeared to be irrelevant. That’s all changed this year, however, as Calgary leads the Pacific Division with 46 points with Edmonton not far behind at 39. McDavid, Gaudreau, Monahan, Draisaitl, Giordano… count us in!
Andy Devlin/NHLI via Getty Images
4) Predators vs. Avalanche
The league’s top line against its best defensive unit. Pretty tough to beat that!
Rantanen, McKinnon and Landeskog have been on an absolute tear this season but would have their work cut out for them against Roman Josi, Ryan Elli & company. Who would prevail: offence or defence?
5) Buffalo Sabres vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
The Buffalo Sabres hold a playoff spot in late December...
… What?
Finally, the Atlantic Division’s perennial bottom-dwellers are right in the mix for a playoff spot. Why not put them to the ultimate test against the league’s top team? It just wouldn’t feel right to leave Tampa’s stacked roster out of the party so this divisional showdown could prove to be one of the more exciting games of the year. Both teams have won a game in the teams’ two meetings this season.
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So… which one of these would you most like to see?
