Providence Bruins: Games to Gun For

Games to gun for will go over specific games and opponents fans might want to see. Criteria are based upon AHL rivalries, fun teams to watch in the AHL and regional rivalries between the local NHL teams. Consider it a guide for casual fans to know how to get the biggest bang for their buck.

Creative Commons: Dinur

If you live around Providence, you're a Bruins fan. There is no doubt about it. You don't need any other team to be a fan of. And little brother is just close enough for you to enjoy Bruins hockey at a fraction of a price. You have a chance to be completely invested and see the farm players develop whenever you want, and see them work out their frustrations early (such as the always fun to watch Tuuka Rask Meltdown.) So, lets break down the Providence Bs opponents  to figure out what games would be best to go to.

Home Opener: Wilkes Barre-Scranton Penguins

When: Friday October 9

Analysis: Penguins are making the list of opponents to try to see in general so this game is must see hockey if you're in the area. I think that's all that really needs to be said about this game.

Opponents.

1. Lehigh Valley Phantoms

Providence B's don't get the luxury of facing their number one rival on the AHL scale, which might be a good thing as the calls of blood that occur during those match-ups are really professional level vitriol. (As a Bruins fan, I've often fantasized about the Canadiens team plane crashing somewhere on a mountain and the team is forced to cannibalize Subban. But I can't wish that upon starry-eyed AHL prospects...) But, what franchise do I hate the second most? Flyers. These games are perfect for passion and putting little hateful training wheels on the players since it is a divisional rival in the AHL that they will undoubtedly hate at the NHL level. Why do I think this? History. Feel free to catch any of the three home games out of the six matchups. 

2. Wilkes Barre-Scranton Penguins

Another AHL/NHL divisional rival. Penguins aren't has hated on the NHL level as the Flyers are, but in case you need a reason why you should hate them, here you go. Any chance you get to see your prospects and get to see the prospects of a team you don't like is usually a good opportunity to see some good hockey. I would say write down that opening game in pen. There are six matchups between these teams, 3 hat home.

3. Hartford Wolf Pack.

Another AHL/NHL rival, just less hated. But there's no need to hate the Rangers when the Wolfpack are just as easy to hate on their own for their own crimes against the Providence Bs. Remember when Providence was in the Calder Cup playoffs last year and Hartford sent everyone home in the first round? Yes, good. Now give into your hate for all four home games. (Eight total matchups)

4. Portland Pirates

If the 2015 Schedule is any indication, the Portland Pirates are a pretty important rival. They meet a total of 14 times. Last year the affiliate was competing for a playoff spot in the NHL with the Bruins for a long time, and is home to some Boston favorites now so its the budding of a friendly little rivalry that could start with some sour grapes at the AHL level. Plus, if you're at one of these games, there is a good chance a lucky fan will get to play goalie after the Panthers call up the Pirates goalies after the first period when injuries take their toll on the team again.

5. Springfield Falcons

Fun fact, Eddie Shore split time playing with the Bruins and the Falcons, helping develop the AHL  into what it is today. So, this is a match-up with a good love of the idea of history. Granted that team Eddie Shore built was moved to Worcester, but Springfield is still the home for the AHL that a Bruin built. Now let's all take some time to appreciate that for the seven home games and fourteen total match-ups these divisional rivals share.