The NHL will open its 2021-22 season on October 12 with two games, one between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Pittsburgh Penguins, and another between the Seattle Kraken and the Vegas Golden Knights.
The following day, October 13, will be opening night for several other teams, including the Washington Capitals, who will begin their season with their home opener against the New York Rangers. While at first glance this game may seem like a small affair, it is likely to be an emotional one with some animosity.
Indeed, it will be remembered that in a game between the two teams last season, Capitals forward Tom Wilson gave Rangers players, mainly Pavel Buchnevich and Artemi Panarin, a hard time (to be VERY polite), who then missed the rest of the season with an injury.
On July 29, the New York Rangers acquired forward Ryan Reaves from Vegas in return for a 3rd round pick in 2022. Reaves is one of the last "modern goons", being known primarily for his toughness and ability to disrupt the opposition. Reaves and Wilson actually have a bit of a rivalry, as they've thrown down the gloves a few times in recent seasons and the animosity between them was visible in the 2020 Stanley Cup Final.
In short, it will certainly be exciting, if you have nothing to do on October 13, to watch the game between the Rangers and the Capitals. The New York players probably do not carry Tom Wilson in their heart and we can now add Ryan Reaves to the list of players who will be waiting for the latter to open the season. A good start to the season.
