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By Times staff
© St. Petersburg Times, published October 5, 2001
It's opening day and we know you're headed for the Ice Palace tonight to check out the new-look Islanders, with Michael Pecca and Alexei Yashin, and the hometown Lightning.
But as you plan your season, mark down these must-see games:
RANGERS, Oct. 20: Can Eric Lindros shake off the rust after a year away? Will he again be one of the game's elite players? Will he remain susceptible to concussions? Can he return the Rangers to prominence? Check it out for yourself.
CAPITALS, Oct. 23: It's another changing places story as Jaromir Jagr suits up for the Caps. See if Jagr, the game's best scorer, can maintain his interest even though he's not playing with Mario Lemieux. As a bonus, the first 5,000 fans get a Nikolai Khabibulin bobblehead doll.
PENGUINS, Nov. 10: Speaking of Lemieux, here's another chance to see the Pens' player/owner. An added bonus: The Lightning always plays Pittsburgh tough.
DEVILS, Nov. 23: One day, Tampa Bay will beat New Jersey, one of the game's most-disciplined, well-balanced and powerful teams. Maybe this'll be it.
RED WINGS, Feb. 26: Goaltender Dominik Hasek leads Detroit in its only appearance at its home away from home -- the Ice Palace.
- Compiled by Damian Cristodero and Mike Stephenson.