7 games to circle on the 2017-18 NHL schedule

Missing hockey yet? We are too, and upon the NHL announcing the complete 2017-18 schedule Thursday afternoon, we picked seven games you can already start looking forward to.

Crosby visits McDavid - Oct. 24

This one speaks for itself, doesn't it?

The world's best player versus his presumed successor for that title is something we should cherish while we can, and with only two meetings each season, it's appointment viewing for hardcore hockeyheads.

Senators, Canadiens head outdoors - Dec. 16

Division rivals Ottawa and Montreal will head outdoors in the nation's capital for the NHL 100 Classic to celebrate the league's centennial season.

Leafs-Capitals at Naval Academy - March 3

(Photo Courtesy: Action Images)

After a wildly entertaining six-game series in the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Maple Leafs and Capitals will renew hostilities at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.

Golden Knights home opener - Oct. 10

After two games on the road to begin their inaugural NHL season, the Vegas Golden Knights will head home to host the Arizona Coyotes for the club's first home game at T-Mobile Arena.

Rumor has it the city of Las Vegas knows how to throw a party, and you can bet the Golden Knights will kick things off properly.

Stanley Cup rematch - Oct. 7

It won't take long for the Nashville Predators to catch a glimpse of the Pittsburgh Penguins' new Stanley Cup banner.

In just their second home game of the season, the Pens will host the Preds, who they defeated in six games to win their second consecutive Stanley Cup in June.

Fleury heads home - Feb. 6

(Photo Courtesy: Getty Images)

After 13 seasons with the club that drafted him first overall, Marc-Andre Fleury will play in Pittsburgh as a visitor for the very first time in early February.

Fleury was asked by the Penguins to waive his no-movement clause in order to become available for Vegas, and the Golden Knights officially plucked the 32-year-old Wednesday night.

"Flower" was adored by Penguins supporters and his teammates throughout his time in the Steel City, and his return is sure to be an emotional one.

Leafs in Vegas - Dec. 31

Speaking of parties in Vegas, the Golden Knights will face a marquee opponent to ring in 2018, as the Maple Leafs are in town on New Year's Eve for their first game in Sin City.