5 Can't-Miss Games on the Philadelphia Flyers' 2014-15 Schedule

The NHL has released the 2014-15 schedule, and there are plenty of interesting games ahead for the Philadelphia Flyers.

While the 82-game season is full of interesting games, some contests stand out in the minds of fans, players and coaches alike.

Here is a look at five must-see games for Flyers fans in the coming season based on the current schedule and the club's current roster.

This list consists only of home games, which gives local fans a chance to see the team live. Games are listed in chronological order in this list and are based on team rivalries, player returns and interesting match-ups.

Feel free to comment on any of these games or to add any games you feel are worthy of this list, including games played away from Philadelphia. As always, indicate why you feel the way you do.

The season opens in Boston the night before, but the Flyers' first game at the First Union Center is Thursday, October 9th against the New Jersey Devils.

In addition to being the first home game of the new season, the Flyers face a division rival that they may be battling for a playoff spot in 2014-15.

Remember, the Devils finished just six points behind the Flyers in the standings last season.

Add former Flyers forward Jaromir Jagr, long a nemesis of the team when he played for other division rivals, and you've got the makings of a special night for the Flyers and their fans.

It's always a special night when the defending Stanley Cup champions come to town and the Los Angeles Kings will make the trip east to Philadelphia on October 28.

The Flyers should be geared up to face a Kings team that has won two championships in the last three seasons.

In addition, the Kings feature prominent former Flyers like Jeff Carter, Justin Williams and Mike Richards who have all played key roles in their recent success.

This should be a high-intensity night early in the season that will provide the Flyers a chance to see how they match up with the best team in hockey.

The Flyers just traded veteran forward Scott Hartnell to the Columbus Blue Jackets this week in exchange for R.J. Umberger.

Hartnell will make his first trip back to Philadelphia on November 14 when the Blue Jackets meet the Flyers.

Hartnell spent seven seasons in Philadelphia and was a major part of the Flyers' run to the 2010 Stanley Cup Final.

In addition, Hartnell was a fan favorite for his gritty style of play that is always appreciated by Flyers fans.

Shortly after he was traded, Hartnell told CSNPhilly.com's Tim Panaccio, "I was pretty shocked at first.  was upset and a little angry."

Clearly, Hartnell will be inspired to show the Flyers what they are missing now that they traded him. Umberger will also be eager to show the Blue Jackets that they made a mistake in trading him.

These division rivals meet five times this season, but this one should be the most interesting of them all.

The last time the Flyers were on the ice was Game 7 of their playoff series against the New York Rangers. New York skated off with a 2-1 win to advance to the next round of the playoffs and send the Flyers off to the golf course earlier than they expected.

The Flyers certainly would love to get a measure of revenge against the Rangers and get a leg up on their division rivals from New York when they make their first visit to Philadelphia on November 28.

Anytime the Rangers and Flyers get together, fireworks can be expected. The two teams were only separated by two points last year in the standings. Those two points earned the Rangers home-ice advantage in their playoff match-up, and they won Game 7 by one goal. The Flyers will be challenged to finish ahead of the Rangers this season.

Both the Flyers and their fans should be up for this showdown.

There's always a degree of hatred when the Flyers meet their cross-state rivals, the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Sidney Crosby and company make their first trip of the season to Philadelphia on January 20th, and it promises to be a great match-up.

Last season, the Flyers won four-of-five meetings with Pittsburgh, with one of the victories coming in overtime.

While the Flyers won the head-to-head battle with Pittsburgh, the Penguins won the Metropolitan Division title and finished 15 points ahead of the Flyers in the standings.

The Penguins are one of the Flyers' biggest and most intense rivals, and that should make this game one of the most anticipated of the season.