By OPINION

Craig Custance

updated 9:35 p.m. ET July 17, 2008

After slowly leaking key dates in the 2008-09 schedule, the NHL released it all today. It's the first full look at the new format that now ensures every team plays each other at least once.

Instead of 32 divisional games, the number drops to 24. There are 40 games against the other 10 conference teams, plus 18 against non-conference teams. The non-conference slate includes three wild-card opponents teams will face twice. For instance, Detroit plays a home-and-home series with Eastern Conference teams Pittsburgh (naturally), Buffalo and Atlanta.

Here are 10 can't-miss games from the newly released schedule:

10. Avery's return to MSG
It was pretty obvious Sean Avery didn't want to leave New York, but the right offer never came from the Rangers. On Oct. 20, Avery returns to Madison Square Garden, now as a member of the Stars. A fan favorite, he'll likely be welcomed back by the Rangers faithful. We'll be watching how he's treated by former teammates.

9. Huet vs. Theodore
The two best free-agent goalies signed this offseason will have a chance to square off when Chicago travels to Washington on Oct. 11. Cristobal Huet's return to Washington is especially interesting considering the Caps really wanted him back but weren't interested in offering a contract for as long as the deal he signed with the Blackhawks. Will fans in Washington forgive him for leaving? Will Jose Theodore show he's a more than capable replacement?

8. Potential Sundin Sweepstakes winners
There's a good chance Mats Sundin will end up in either Montreal or Vancouver, which makes Montreal's visit to Vancouver on Feb. 15 much more interesting. If Sundin signs with the Canadiens, will General Motors Place let him have it, especially considering Vancouver's offer is likely to be the most lucrative one on the table? The game is also the first time since the 2005-06 season that Montreal plays in Vancouver.

7. Battle of best friends
On Oct. 10, the Atlanta Thrashers will host the Washington Capitals in the season opener for both teams. The game might not have a lot of appeal outside those two cities, but it will be the first regular-season game in which John Anderson and Bruce Boudreau square off against each other as NHL head coaches. The two are best friends and talk daily, and they are getting a chance to succeed in the NHL after spending years in the AHL. Boudreau jokingly told Greg Wyshynski of Yahoo this about the potential matchup: "We're going to go out to center ice before the game starts and go toe to toe, get it over with and let the guys play," Boudreau said.

6. Burke vs. Lowe
So the commish put a muzzle on the feuding twosome of Anaheim Ducks GM Brian Burke and Edmonton Oilers GM Kevin Lowe. For now. When these two teams face each other for the first time on Oct. 15 in Anaheim, will either GM be able to resist taking a jab at the other? We're guessing no.

MORE FROM NHL

NHL Section Front

Teams seek bounce from rebounding players Jackets '07 second-round pick already retiring? Opinion: Ten can't-miss games next season Top remaining unrestricted free agents Rotoworld: Latest NHL player news, rumors, more Special section: NHL on NBC Latest NHL videos   Slide show: Stanley Cup finals Vote: Who will win Stanley Cup next season?   Sound off on NHL message boards NHL Section Front   Add NHL headlines to your news reader: