NHL Looking Ahead: 5 Best Nationally Televised Matchups of 2014-15′

Apr 30, 2014; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks goalie Antti Niemi (31) congratulates Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick (32) after game seven of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at SAP Center at San Jose. The Kings defeated the Sharks 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

San Jose Sharks @ Los Angeles Kings, Oct. 8:

The 2014-15′ NHL season kicks off with a doubleheader, though the most enticing game begins at 10pm EST inside Los Angeles’ Staples Center.

Pitting the state rival, San Jose Sharks, against the team whose championship run got underway with a thrilling comeback from trailing three games to one should make for an intense matchup sure to leave fans on the edge of their seats.

Adding to the excitement, the Kings will be raising their second Stanley Cup banner in two years commemorating this past seasons championship.

Meanwhile, the Sharks want nothing more than to spoil their rivals special night by erasing the memories of their 2014 playoff choke and also ensuring the season ahead ends better than the one left behind.

Really, can you get any better than this?