The Chicago Blackhawks once again feel like the team to beat in the NHL, as they’ve ripped off 11 wins in their last 11 games to take over the Central Division. It’s open for debate if that first-place spot is theirs by the end of the week with the Dallas Stars nipping at their heels, but it’s impossible to pinpoint a hotter team in hockey going into the new week.
Even if the Blackhawks can’t be caught in the Central Division, however, things are starting to intensify elsewhere, as the Washington Capitals carry the league’s top record (34-8-3) and also figure to be a top contender for this year’s Stanley Cup Finals. It might be a bit early to get too excited about playoff contenders, however, as we have a brand new week of NHL action to gear up for. Let’s get ready for it by taking a look at the top games on the schedule and the most expensive NHL tickets according to TiqIQ:
1/23/2016 – Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Montreal Canadiens at Air Canada Centre | Avg: $552.89 | Get-in: $161
Hockey tickets certainly are up there in price for this Saturday battle between the Maple Leafs and Canadiens, as tickets for this hotly-anticipated encounter climb up over $552 on average. Fans don’t get much of a break on the get-in price, either, but even with Toronto struggling this year (just 16-20-7), this Atlantic divisional clash loses zero steam. It only makes sense, too, as these teams hate each other, engaging in a bitter rivalry that happens to be the oldest in the NHL, dating all the way back to 1917. This year’s standings may not reflect that necessarily, but that’s a huge reason why Canadiens and Maple Leafs tickets end up taking first in this week’s breakdown of top-priced NHL games.
1/24/2016 – Chicago Blackhawks vs. St. Louis Blues at United Center | Avg: $321.65 | Get-in: $136
It wouldn’t be a top-five NHL tickets list without the defending champs, who are currently riding an awesome 11-game winning streak and will potentially put it on the line at home on Sunday against a very good St. Louis squad. Blackhawks tickets are not at all surprisingly expensive, but compared to the top-priced game this week, their $321 average is a walk in the park. Fans can get in the door for $136, too, to see two very good teams go at it at the United Center. The best part for Chicago fans is the venue, where the Blackhawks have gone a blistering 20-5-1 on the year. Fans get to see an intense matchup between two likely playoff contenders, as well as a chance to see Chicago try to extend their amazing winning streak even further.
1/19/2016 – Montreal Canadiens vs. Boston Bruins at Centre Bell | Avg: $275.98 | Get-in: $92
Montreal is back on the list as the price of even the top NHL games starts to dip with this one averaging out just over $275. Fans get to see a much better get-in price tag, too, with the cheap seats costing just $92 when the Canadiens battle the Boston Bruins. This is another classic Atlantic Division battle, pitting two rivals against each other for a fairly reasonable price. Dubbed one of the greatest rivalries in sports, fans get an arguable discount on this highly anticipated matchup, which is made even better by both teams being in playoff contention with 23 wins apiece. This game could be big for rivalry’s sake, but it’s also huge for both Montreal and Boston’s bid to chase down the Atlantic Division title, where they’re just three games back behind the streaking Florida Panthers.
1/24/2016 – Washington Capitals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins at Verizon Center | Avg: $231.24 | Get-in: $107
Fans get another rivalry game from a different division in this week’s fourth-most expensive set of NHL tickets, as the league-leading Capitals host Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Crosby brings the star power, the Capitals bring the dominance, and this matchup does the rest. Pittsburgh hasn’t been able to hold a candle to Washington’s hot 2015-16 run, but they still remain in playoff contention with 21 wins. The Penguins probably can’t chase down the Capitals and steal the Metropolitan division title, but they can still inflict some damage on a rival and increase their own playoff chances with a win this Saturday. Regardless of which way it goes, Crosby and the Capitals come together to give fans a surprisingly good value despite this being one of the five most expensive NHL games this week. Penguins fans looking to go to the Nation’s Capital can find weekend hotels in Washington, DC on Hipmunk for just $45.
1/19/2016 – New York Rangers vs. Vancouver Canucks at Madison Square Garden | Avg: $206.16 | Get-in: $71
Last, but certainly not least, is a cross-conference clash between the New York Rangers and Vancouver Canucks. New York was a playoff darling and had the NHL’s best record a season ago, but since then they’ve had a bit of an identity crisis and aren’t likely to overtake the Washington Capitals for the Metropolitan Division title. They remain a strong playoff contender, however, and will look to get closer to fully finding themselves on Tuesday night when they welcome the Canucks to town. Vancouver isn’t totally lost when it comes to the postseason picture, but they’re currently on the outside looking in and could use a huge showdown with New York to catapult them into future success. The value of this game really comes down to the value of Rangers tickets, however, as fans are getting a solid deal at $206 on average and $71 for the cheap seats.
