The Top 5 'Must-See' Games on the Los Angeles Kings 2014-15 Schedule

Training camp is fast approaching, and for the Los Angeles Kings, it is time to prepare for their title defense. What was the last team to win back-to-back Stanley Cups? The Detroit Red Wings in 1997 and 1998. 

The Kings have a tough task ahead of them. The Anaheim Ducks have retooled and are stronger than they have been in the past two years. The San Jose Sharks remain a threat in the division as well. And, of course, the Chicago Blackhawks have added Brad Richards and will be out for revenge after the Kings eliminated them in overtime of Game 7 in the Western Conference Final. 

It may be a little early for the players to be looking at the schedule, but for fans, it's time to examine which games to anticipate the most. 

These are the top five must-see games for the Kings' 2014-15 season.

5. Saturday, April 4 vs. Colorado Avalanche

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The Colorado Avalanche surprised many in the hockey world last year when they won the Central Division. Whether or not they can repeat isn't as big a concern as making a run in the playoffs. 

They will face the Kings in what could be a key tune-up game for the postseason in early April. Nathan MacKinnon, Matt Duchene and Gabriel Landeskog are joined by veterans Daniel Briere and Jarome Iginla for what should be one of the NHL's most intriguing groups of forwards.

It will be interesting to see how the Kings work to slow down the two dynamic Colorado lines and how the L.A. defense battles down low. 

Look for this to be an entertaining affair, with potentially a lot on the line for both teams in terms of playoff seeding.

4. Wednesday, March 18 at Anaheim Ducks

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This meeting in the middle of March will mark the fifth and final game of the season between the rivals. No one should be surprised if it has a big impact on playoff seeding in the Pacific Division. 

Both of the teams have tremendous speed on offense and defense and players who can light up the scoreboard.

The Ducks won the division last year, finishing 16 points clear of the Kings. However, it was L.A. that had the final say in this battle of California. They won Game 7 in the second round in convincing fashion, beating the Ducks, 6-2.

Anaheim will be looking for revenge throughout the season, with their key addition being Ryan Kesler.  

Look for the battles between centers to be the crucial aspect of this matchup.

3. Thursday, Jan. 8 vs. New York Rangers

The Kings went to three straight game sevens, winning each one en route to the Stanley Cup Final. There, they met the New York Rangers. 

These two teams will meet early in the new year in what should be one of the most anticipated interconference games of the season.

The Rangers roster has undergone a few changes with the additions of Dan Boyle, Lee Stempniak, Matthew Lombardi and others. Meanwhile Brad Richards, Derek Dorsett, Benoit Pouliot and Brian Boyle have all moved on. 

Look for a tough defensive battle, and of course, watch for what should be one of the best goaltending duels of the season as Henrik Lundqvist should take on Jonathan Quick. 

2. Wednesday, Oct. 8 Season Opener vs. Sharks

It was 3-0 for the Sharks and everyone was calling it series over. Jonathan Quick was struggling mightily and the Kings offense look incapable of matching the Sharks. 

Then history was made. The Kings won four consecutive games to become just the fourth team in NHL history to come back from being down 3-0 to win a series. 

This battle of California has been intense in recent years, but should reach a new level of excitement in 2014-15. 

L.A. finished 11 points behind San Jose in the regular season to place third in the Pacific Division. But, it's the Sharks who enter this season with all the pressure and without a captain or assistant captain as training camp begins. 

Look for this to be a physical, high-scoring game. 

1. Saturday, Nov. 29 vs. Chicago Blackhawks

It will be the first meeting between the two powerhouse teams since they played one of the great playoff series in recent memory. 

The 2013-14 Western Conference Final was hockey played at its very best. There was a little bit of everything, from great goaltending, to offensive outbursts and plenty of big hits—not to mention some overtime magic. 

We shouldn't expect anything less, even though this is a regular-season game in November. Both teams are well coached and should be well prepared and hopefully healthy heading into the Saturday night contest.

This should be the most highly anticipated matchup for both teams and for many fans, not just of the Kings and Blackhawks, but of hockey in general.