5. Debut of the revamped Lightning
Okay, we'll admit it. We have no idea if all those signings in Tampa will equal success on the ice. Or if Barry Melrose still has the touch behind the bench. But we'll be watching their season opener against the New York Rangers on Oct. 4 in Prague. If nothing else, there should be a lot of scoring. Melrose said he thinks the Tampa Bay defense is better than people give it credit for. We'll find out.

4. and 3. Stanley Cup finals rematches
This was a no-brainer: a home-and-home between the Penguins and Red Wings. The Stanley Cup winners host Pittsburgh in Detroit on Nov. 11, and the rematch is in Pittsburgh on Feb. 8. Think there might be any boos in Pittsburgh when former Penguin Marian Hossa takes the ice? And will Mike Babcock be able to resist putting Ty Conklin between the pipes? Hossa also faces the Thrashers, another former team of his, twice, which could make for some rough nights for the forward.

2. Sidney in Sweden
If the NHL were really smart, the powers that be would find a way to expand into Europe, where there's a huge appetite for hockey. Logistically it might be a nightmare, but at some point a professional league in some sport will do it. The NHL should lead the way. Until then, we're treated with regular-season games in Europe, and this is a good one: Pittsburgh vs. Ottawa open the season in Stockholm, Sweden, on Oct. 4, with a rematch the next day. It's sure to be a special event, even if Sidney Crosby and the boys suffer jet lag for the first week of the season as a result.

1. Winter Classic II
On New Year's Day, Chicago and Detroit will play outdoors at Wrigley Field in the second Winter Classic. After the first one — last year's game in Buffalo between the Sabres and Penguins — drew rave reviews (and ratings), the NHL did the right thing and brought back the event this season. Critics say a yearly Winter Classic cheapens the event, but we're already looking forward to two historic teams playing in front of frozen ivy.

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