For the first time in franchise history the Los Angeles Kings were preparing to raise a championship banner.
And after a long training camp and growing anticipation, the first overall pick in the 2012 NHL Draft, Nail Yakupov was set to make his debut with the Edmonton Oilers.
The Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators were going to clash in an opening day matchup of improving teams that could set the tone for either team's season.
Unfortunately for NHL fans, all of these occasions have been put on hold due to the labour strife that has once again taken hold of the league.
When the first 82 games of the schedule were cancelled due to the current lockout, it was assured that all of the great things that come with the beginning of a new season would be delayed.
Labour talks aside, it's easy to forget that the 2012-13 NHL regular season was set to begin on Thursday night in four cities.
So with only empty arenas at hand, what is the thing that you are going to miss the most?
The opening of a new season is a great chance to see how your off-season acquisitions gel and evaluate the new line combinations that the head coach has assembled.
Yakupov is not the only member of the most recent draft class that is expected to have an impact on the new season. Columbus Blue Jackets defenceman Ryan Murray is another first year player that was ready to make his NHL debut.
At this point in the fall hockey pool players would be fine tuning their fantasy rosters and preparing for the first week of the season. But due the oncoming lockout, drafts were first delayed and then put on hold.
After struggling with concussion issues last season, Sidney Crosby was set to begin the season healthy and back in a lineup that also includes Art Ross and Hart Trophy winner Evgeni Malkin.
Other teams that made major off-season gains would also be preparing to show off their new-look lineups. The New York Rangers added Rick Nash to the mix while the Minnesota Wild made moves for both Zach Parise and Ryan Suter to bolster their lineups.
What aspect of the new season are you going to miss the most?
It's Your! Call.
