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The dog days of summer are ravaging you by this point, I imagine.
So, it’s the perfect time to plan a trip to follow the Penguins during the season. Give yourself something to look forward to, essentially.
It’s Part 2. The one you’ve been waiting out for days. These are the cities you actually want to visit. You’ll have to trust me.
You can read Part 1 here.
Here’s the formula, once again, with each category producing 1-10 points:
- Hockey atmosphere — Is this a city that knows the game? Or doesn’t it know what a blue line is? Can you expect a rabid crowd or a dismal game-night setting?
- Weather — Don’t think for a second that this isn’t important. Something about smelling salt water while walking into a hockey arena is good for the soul.
- Accessory activities — Museums? Good activities for the kids? What does this city have to offer in a non-hockey way?
- Debauchery — Are you young? Do you like to have fun? As someone who is old and who likes to have fun, I speak from experience.
- Star power — The NHL showcases a few players who are worth the price of admission.
- Getting there — Can you drive there? Are direct flights available?
- Dining options — Local cuisine is important when analyzing any potential trip.
- Hotel options — We’ll talk price, diversity and general niceness.
- Cost — Hockey tickets aren’t cheap. Some cities aren’t, either.
- Yinzer attendance — Taking over visiting venues is a Pittsburgh sports tradition.
And away we go.
The Midwest Division
17. Minnesota Wild
Hockey atmosphere: 10
This is hockey country. St. Paul showcases one of the NHL’s best arenas — it’s a couple of decades old, but I still have it ranked in my top three — along with a fanbase that is both really passionate and really friendly. Everyone is so friendly in Minnesota that merely having a chat with the locals is likely to put you in a good mood.
Weather: 3
You know … really cold. Snows a lot. Not great.
Accessory activities: 8
Better than you might think. St. Paul is very cute and quaint with lots of interesting shops to explore. And perhaps you’ve heard of a place called the Mall of America. The Penguins play here a few days before Thanksgiving this season, which is in line with Christmas shopping season. Just saying.
Debauchery: 5
People in Minnesota like to drink. You find this in most cold weather climate areas. See Canada. But I sense this is a relatively clean-living area. Not sure the nightlife will blow you away.
Star power: 10
Suddenly, Wild games are good fun. Kirill Kaprizov was all it took. He’s electric. Plus, you may have heard of Marc-Andre Fleury. There are great goalies, and there are Hall of Fame goalies. Then there are showmen. He’s all three and near the end of his career. You might even run into GM Billy Guerin while you’re there.
Getting there: 6
Direct flights on Delta are available, and MSP is a great airport. Always an expensive flight, though.
Dining options: 5
Not a great strength. However, I’d recommend hitting Tom Reid’s Hockey City Pub before or after games. It’s a five-minute walk to the arena and well worth your time. Great food, great people.
Hotel options: 5
Nothing fancy unless you want to stay in Minneapolis, which isn’t recommended. St. Paul has a few options. But I stay at the airport Marriott. It’s a quick Uber ride to the area, right beside the airport and right beside Mall of America. (The restaurant in the hotel is really good and serves food until 1 a.m. because all of the Delta employees stay there.)
Cost: 6
Hotels are cheap here, and the food and ticket situation is reasonable. Good luck with the flights, though.
Yinzer attendance: 3
Not many Yinzers have migrated to the Twin Cities.
Final thought: This used to be one of my least favorite trips. I always found it kind of boring. As the years roll on, however, I find myself starting to like it more and more. Give it a shot.
This season’s trip: Thursday, Nov. 17, 8 p.m.
Final score: 61
(Kamil Krzaczynski / USA Today)
16. Chicago Blackhawks
Hockey atmosphere: 7
United Center is getting a little outdated and is too big. Still, the fans are great here. You can’t blame them if they aren’t real excited about this version of their favorite team.
Weather: 3
It’s so perfect here in the summer. In November? Not so much. They do call it the Windy City, don’t you know.
Accessory activities: 10
It’s like New York, only the people are friendlier. If you can’t find something fun or interesting, you aren’t trying. Downtown Chicago is a marvel.
Debauchery: 7
Clearly, there’s a good time to be had here. Stick to downtown and let the good times roll.
Star power: 5
Patrick Kane is the greatest American player in history and remains poetry on skates. The rest of his team is bad to the point of being disturbing.
Getting there: 8
Inexpensive, direct flights to two different Chicago airports. Or a seven-hour drive. Pretty simple either way, though I’d advise you fly.
Dining options: 10
It’s Chicago, for God’s sake. Go enjoy a steak at Gibson’s if you can afford it. Thank me later. I’m not a Chicago-style pizza person, but if you are, this is probably the city for you. Garrett Popcorn is also a must.
Hotel options: 8
One of the world’s great hotel cities. It will cost you, but you’ll be impressed.
Cost: 3
Chicago has gotten really, really expensive in pretty much every way. Getting there isn’t awful, but you’ll be a little lighter in the wallet upon leaving.
Yinzer attendance: 3
I’m always surprised by how few Penguins fans attend games here. Seems odd to me.
Final thought: This will seem strange coming from a hockey writer. I’m not against you making this trip. Chicago is a special place. But it’s so, so much better in the spring and summer. Wait until 2040, when the Pirates are good again, and go to Wrigley instead. Or go in November. Whatever. The Blackhawks really stink, which is another drawback.
This season’s trip: Sunday, Nov. 20, 8 p.m. (Red alert: If he stays healthy, this will be Evgeni Malkin’s 1,000th career game. So, that might be a good reason to make this trip. Rob Rossi will be handing out boutonnieres upon request.)
Final score: 64
Fun in the Sun Division
15. Los Angeles Kings
Hockey atmosphere: 5
It’s not a particular selling point. Staples Center — now named Crypto.com Arena — is an interesting building, but I can’t say the locals are all that into hockey.
Weather: 10
It literally doesn’t get any better. When I’m here in the winter, I just sit outside and stare into space. It’s quite a refreshing change of pace.
Accessory activities: 10
Southern California has no shortage of activities. I quite enjoy the Manhattan Beach area. Go to Manhattan Beach Creamery, get some ice cream, walk to the Manhattan Beach Pier and ponder the meaning of life for a bit. Or don’t be weird like me and find something more fun. Griffith Observatory is fun for the whole family. Great place.
Debauchery: 8
The nightlife in L.A. is always interesting and always a good time.
Star power: 3
The Kings don’t stink, but I can’t say that I get excited to see them play ice hockey.
Getting there: 3
The flights are direct and fairly cheap. But LAX is literally hell on earth; the worst airport I’ve ever experienced.
Dining options: 9
Really outstanding. You can’t go wrong here. Downtown LA, right beside the arena, has good options on game night.
Hotel options: 8
Countless choices, and, usually, hotels here are fairly cheap, as big cities go.
Cost: 5
I don’t find L.A. terribly expensive. It’s California, so it’s not cheap, but it’s not as bad as other cities on this list.
Yinzer attendance: 7
Black and gold are everywhere in the arena when the Penguins play here. Always a few thousand rowdy Yinzers.
Final thought: There is nowhere else like Los Angeles. I don’t particularly care for downtown L.A. and don’t advise staying there, but there are some beautiful surrounding areas. If you love being around the beach, as I do, this is a good trip for you.
This season’s trip: Saturday, Feb. 11, 10:30 p.m.
Final score: 68
14. Arizona Coyotes
Hockey atmosphere: 8
What? An 8? Yeah, that’s right. It’s a 5,000-seat arena on Arizona State’s campus in Tempe this season. I can’t wait. This is going to be wild, and I say it’s worth seeing.
Weather: 10
I wouldn’t give it a 10 if I were visiting here in August. In February? You betcha.
Accessory activities: 8
Scottsdale, which is a stone’s throw from Tempe, is a vibrant place. You might be annoyed by all the tourists, but you won’t be bored.
Debauchery: 9
See Scottsdale.
Star power: 2
This team is brutal, and you don’t even get to see Logan Cooley yet.
Getting there: 4
Direct flights, though they aren’t cheap, are plentiful. This airport is a zoo. You’ve been warned.
Dining options: 8
Stick to Scottsdale. Otherwise, you’re in chain restaurant hell.
Hotel options: 8
They are everywhere and they are of pretty strong quality.
Cost: 2
This one is seasonal. But be prepared to spend a lot of money here, especially with the low amount of tickets available.
Yinzer attendance: 10
I don’t know if it’s the gold standard, but it’s close. Pittsburgh fans always outnumber Arizona fans here.
Final thought: Strongly recommended now that games are in near Scottsdale, which is a fun place, to say the least. Plus the whole 5,000-seat arena thing is going to be a fun experiment to witness.
This season’s trip: Sunday, Jan. 8, 7 p.m.
Final score: 69
(Gary A. Vasquez / USA Today)
13. Anaheim Ducks
Hockey atmosphere: 4
Dismal. They don’t have many fans. The building is old, but I kind of like it for some reason. It’s cozy.
Weather: 10
Simply perfection.
Accessory activities: 8
You’re less than an hour from L.A. when you’re in Anaheim. You’re close to some beautiful beaches and you’re a mile away from Disneyland.
Debauchery: 7
Even though it’s close to a Disney property, there’s a seedy vibe. In a fun way. I once hung out with Dennis Rodman in Anaheim. So there is that. Fun to be had.
Star power: 5
The Ducks have some serious, young talent. And the great John Gibson. They’re worth seeing.
Getting there: 5
It’s tough. No direct flights. So, you either take a connector or fly to LAX and drive an hour south. (Take the connector. John Wayne Airport is cool and far less hassle than LAX.)
Dining options: 5
Katella Avenue will meet your needs. Not spectacular, but tons of reasonable options.
Hotel options: 9
Really outstanding. Tons of great properties within miles of the arena.
Cost: 7
It’s California, but you can get tickets for cheap here. And the hotels are oddly cheap in this area.
Yinzer attendance: 10
Always more Pittsburghers here than in L.A. It’s something to see.
Final thought: If you’re going to travel to Anaheim for a game, you’re going to see the Penguins play the next night in L.A., too. Pro tip: Stay in Anaheim. It’s really nice, cheaper and less hassle.
This season’s trip: Friday, Feb. 10, 10 p.m.
Final score: 70
12. Dallas Stars
Hockey atmosphere: 4
The arena is nice, but the good people of Dallas aren’t overly excited at the prospect of watching a hockey game.
Weather: 8
It’s generally very nice during hockey season. Oh, it can get chilly here, but odds are you’ll be pleased.
Accessory activities: 9
One of America’s great cities. The JFK Museum, which is located in downtown Dallas, is a must-visit for any history buff. Heck, even if you aren’t a history buff, it will give you goosebumps. Dallas offers all kinds of fun.
Debauchery: 7
The nightlife scene here is superb. Last year, I saw some yinzers start to flirt with some girls in cowboy hats immediately after the Penguins lost to the Stars. It was something to see.
Star power: 3
The Stars are a pretty solid organization, but you’re not giddy to see them play or anything.
Getting there: 8
Lots of direct flights for a fair price. Decent airport situation. (Go to Dallas Love on Southwest if you can. More convenient.)
Dining options: 9
Do you enjoy steak? If so, this is a great town for you. Lots of steak. It just hits different in Texas.
Hotel options: 9
Terrific options and exceptionally cheap for a big city.
Cost: 7
Not bad at all, especially when considering the hotel situation.
Yinzer attendance: 8
You won’t be alone. Always a strong contingent of Pittsburghers.
Final thought: I’m surprised Dallas is this low on the list. It’s a great city. If you want fun, check. If you’re a history nerd, check. Nice arena, too. A really quality trip.
This season’s trip: Thursday, March 23, 8:30 p.m.
Final score: 72
11. Florida Panthers
Hockey atmosphere: 3
I have to say, FLA Live Arena is really nice. Excellent building. But, as you probably know, they just don’t have many fans.
Weather: 10
Remember, we’re talking December, not August. It will be hot and perhaps humid. And you will love it.
Accessory activities: 8
There’s not much going on in Sunrise, where the arena is located. But keep in mind, you’re less than 30 minutes from Fort Lauderdale and less than an hour from Miami. So that changes things. If you’re a beach person, you’ll be happy. Even if you’re not, there are ample things to see.
Debauchery: 10
Have you seen “Scarface”?
Star power: 7
The Panthers are wildly entertaining and blessed with serious star power. Plus, old friend Patric Hornqvist is finishing up his career in the south.
Getting there: 8
Tons of cheap, direct flights. Pro tip: Fly to Fort Lauderdale, not Miami.
Dining options: 5
Lauderdale has some cool spots, especially if brunch is your thing. Also, you’ll feel at home with three Primanti’s Bros restaurants and six, count ’em, six Steelers bars in the area.
Hotel options: 7
It’s not cheap, but staying in Lauderdale is what makes sense on this trip. Close to the airport, tons of options. The beachfront Courtyard can often be had for a reasonable price. It’s less expensive than most beachfront properties here, but it’s perfectly solid.
Cost: 5
If it’s spring break time, good luck. Also, renting cars here has become extremely expensive.
Yinzer attendance: 10
The turnout is always something to behold.
Final thought: It’s Florida. You love it or you hate it. I don’t think I’d want to live there, but as a social experiment with nice beaches, I absolutely love it once or twice a year. Pro tip: No one knows how to drive here. I’m serious. There are wrecks left and right every time I’m there. Be careful.
This season’s trips: Thursday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 4, 6 p.m.; NHL All-Star Game, Saturday, Feb. 4.
Final score: 73
10. Tampa Bay Lightning
Hockey atmosphere: 8
Really underrated hockey town, and I would have told you that before the Lightning’s remarkable success during the past few years. You’ll have a lot of fun watching a game here.
Weather: 10
You can smell the saltwater when you walk into Amalie Arena. It’s one of the most refreshing walks in hockey.
Accessory activities: 7
Tampa is fun, especially if you’re a baseball person and it’s March. Bradenton is a quick drive.
Debauchery: 10
I’ve done some things that I’m not real proud of in this town. But it sure was fun.
Star power: 10
Hall of Famers galore. The Bolts are worth seeing.
Getting there: 7
Direct flights at a reasonable price. Great airport, too.
Dining options: 5
Solid enough, though nothing really sticks out. Hattricks in Tampa is a fine hockey bar, though.
Hotel options: 7
If you can afford it, stay at the Marriott on Water Street. Ric Flair lives there and holds court at the outdoor bar on many nights. Quite the experience, as you can imagine.
Cost: 2
Tampa is out of control, especially when considering the hotel prices. Wildly expensive. Tickets aren’t cheap here, either.
Yinzer attendance: 8
Lauderdale has more Yinzers, but there are plenty here as well.
Final thought: I love Tampa. It gets a slight nod over Lauderdale because it’s a better hockey town with a better arena, and the people are a bit more friendly. The hotel prices are ridiculous, however.
This season’s trip: Thursday, March 2, 7 p.m. (the second year in a row on my youngest son’s birthday … come on, schedule makers. Or maybe I should just bring him along.)
Final score: 74
The Eternally Underrated Division
(James Guillory / USA Today)
9. Carolina Hurricanes
Hockey atmosphere: 7
Don’t be fooled by the fact that Raleigh is located in the south. They’re totally into the Hurricanes here. Great atmosphere.
Weather: 8
Top-notch. It’s almost always sunny here and it’s usually pleasant, even in the winter.
Accessory activities: 7
There’s not a ton to do in Raleigh, but downtown is cute. There are a ton of fun little bars. The Outer Banks are a mere three-hour drive. I find that it’s probably a good place to take kids.
Debauchery: 5
You know, it’s a college town, so there’s nightlife here. But I find Raleigh to be somewhat clean living in this regard. (Make sure you visit Sammy’s Tap and Grille, the finest Steelers bar of them all.)
Star power: 7
The Canes are really good and really fun to watch. Jordan Staal is the captain, too.
Getting there: 7
You can find direct flights on American Airlines. Pro tip: Even though it’s around seven hours, the drive to Raleigh is oddly peaceful. You might enjoy it.
Dining options: 7
Great options in every direction, especially if BBQ is your thing. Also, go to the Crabtree Valley Mall and visit the P.F. Chang’s if you want to go to Jim Rutherford’s favorite spot.
Hotel options: 8
Great setup in Raleigh. Good hotels everywhere. The Penguins usually stay at the North Hills Renaissance, and for good reason. Great place. The Crabtree Valley Marriott is where I usually stay and it’s a top-notch hotel.
Cost: 9
Everything in Raleigh is noticeably cheap. I guess it’s a North Carolina thing? This is a very affordable trip.
Yinzer attendance: 10
This is probably the home base of Yinzers who don’t live in Pittsburgh. I know a guy who lived in North Carolina, and three other people on his street were from Pittsburgh.
Final thought: Great trip, but the schedule makers really, really screwed you this season, as you’re about to see below. I love Raleigh. Great, friendly city.
This season’s trips: Sunday, Dec. 18, 5 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 14, 7 p.m. (Oh, no big deal, you say? The Steelers play three hours away, in Charlotte, at 1 p.m. on Dec. 18. Talk about a Yinzer quandary. Had the Penguins been scheduled to play on Saturday, it would have been one of the great Yinzer trip opportunities of all time. Now, a tough choice must be made.)
Final score: 75
8. Calgary Flames
Hockey atmosphere: 9
Great hockey environment, as you’d expect. And long live the Saddle Dome. It’s a dump, but it’s an awesome dump and one you should experience.
Weather: 6
It’s Alberta, so yeah. But the Penguins play there in October this season, so that’s a bonus. Plus it’s usually sunny.
Accessory activities: 10
Not the most vibrant city — kind of feels like Pittsburgh — but downtown is nice and there’s plenty to do. Pro tip: Rent a car and make the quick drive to Banff. It’s one of the most stunning places on earth. Banff alone gives it a perfect score.
Debauchery: 8
Don’t engage in a drinking contest with the good people of Calgary. You will lose.
Star power: 8
Well, things have changed a great deal. But this is a good team. Really good.
Getting there: 4
Argh. It’s a long day of travel. Avoid Toronto with that connecting flight if you can. Great airport gets it a couple of extra points.
Dining options: 8
Much like Dallas, the steak is always so great here. Find a steakhouse and have at it.
Hotel options: 9
The downtown Calgary Marriott is one of the best hotels in the league.
Cost: 5
It’s fairly expensive to get there and nothing in Canada is real cheap. However, the Canadian dollar is bad right now, so take advantage.
Yinzer attendance: 9
Better than you’d think. Flames fans hate the Oilers. Hence, they didn’t like Wayne Gretzky. Hence, they liked Mario Lemieux. Plus, Sidney Crosby is treated like royalty here. Lots of Pittsburgh fans.
Final thought: One of my favorite stops. Great town. If Denver and Pittsburgh had a child, it would be Calgary.
This season’s trip: Tuesday, Oct. 25, 9 p.m.
Final score: 76
The Hockey Mecca Division
7. Toronto Maple Leafs
Hockey atmosphere: 8
Good building, but the atmosphere is a bit disappointing. Ticket prices here are out of hand, which prices the real fans out.
Weather: 5
It doesn’t always snow here, save for that blizzard that grounded the Penguins last season. It’ll be cold, but it could be worse.
Accessory activities: 10
The Hockey Hall of Fame is a must-see. Toronto is one of the world’s great cities. You could spend weeks there and never be bored.
Debauchery: 8
Let the good times roll.
Star power: 9
Auston Matthews is one of hockey’s few players who is literally worth the price of admission. Even in Toronto.
Getting there: 7
Pro tip: Make the drive. It’s five hours. The airport situation in Toronto right now is beyond description. And that’s not a compliment.
Dining options: 9
It has everything. But I’m an American and, as a result, have noticed that serving sizes in Canada are considerably smaller. We can’t have that. So, no 10 for you.
Hotel options: 10
All kinds of options and the prices are reasonable.
Cost: 5
It’s not that expensive until you get into the ticket prices. It’s like nowhere else in the NHL.
Yinzer attendance: 6
Some Pittsburgh fans will be there. Always an OK turnout.
Final thought: It’s Toronto, which means it’s one of the cities you have to experience in your life. Traffic is awful, but still, a hell of a town.
This season’s trip: Friday, Nov. 11, 7 p.m.
Final score: 77
The Pacific Northwest Division
(Stephen Brashear / USA Today)
6. Seattle Kraken
Hockey atmosphere: 10
What a great building. You’ll love it.
Weather: 6
Sure, it rains all the time. But much like the cold of Winnipeg, the rain of Seattle is something you need to experience. It’s like a celebrity in its own right. So being there feels kind of neat, if not wet.
Accessory activities: 10
I actually don’t love downtown Seattle, but the beauty of the surrounding areas can’t be ignored. Everyone who lives there loves it. It’s one of those places. There’s a ton to do here. Head to the market and watch the mongers throw fish. Good times.
Debauchery: 8
Well, there are lots of high people walking around, so there’s fun being had, all right. Pretty good nightlife here.
Star power: 4
Not much, yet. But Shane Wright going there might be a big deal someday.
Getting there: 8
Direct flights! Two words: Alaska Airlines. Long flight, sure, but it’s only one.
Dining options: 10
Do you like sushi? This is your place. And Seattle offers far more. A legendary foodie city.
Hotel options: 8
Plenty of solid options downtown.
Cost: 4
Nothing in Seattle is real cheap, as you’ll soon realize.
Yinzer attendance: 9
A ton of Penguins fans live in that area and were in attendance last season. It was a fun atmosphere.
Final thought: This is the only city on our list that I’ve only visited once. But it’s a beautiful place, and I’d say a Seattle/Vancouver trip should be high on anyone’s road trip list.
This season’s trip: Saturday, Oct. 29, 10 p.m.
Final score: 77
5. Vancouver Canucks
Hockey atmosphere: 9
I never feel like it’s a rabid hockey town, but it’s a really good one. You’ll enjoy the game night experience.
Weather: 5
It gets a bad rap, but it’s not that bad. Doesn’t get super cold, at least.
Accessory activities: 10
What a city. Hiking. Beautiful mountains. Water in every direction. A spectacular downtown. One of North America’s great, great cities.
Debauchery: 10
Amazing nightlife. Hockey players love this place, I might add.
Star power: 7
The Canucks are good and fun to watch. J.T. Miller has become a star.
Getting there: 5
This is a drawback. Pro tip: Fly to Seattle and take the train to Vancouver. It’s kind of fun.
Dining options: 10
Amazingly diverse city in general and, in particular, when it comes to dining.
Hotel options: 10
As good as it gets. The Fairmont Pacific Rim, where the Penguins usually stay, was quite cheap last season. Tons of good options.
Cost: 5
Well, you’re not going there to save money. But it’s not outrageous.
Yinzer attendance: 8
Crosby gets treated like the Beatles here. You’ll feel at home.
Final thought: There isn’t a more beautiful city in North America. It’s a treasure. Always a recommended trip.
This season’s trip: Friday, Oct. 28, 10 p.m.
Final score: 79
The Bucket List Division
4. Nashville Predators
Hockey atmosphere: 7
The building is a dump, but the atmosphere is great. Underrated hockey town.
Weather: 9
Almost always warm and nice when the Penguins play there.
Accessory activities: 10
Nashville is unlike any other town in the world. You know when you’re there. It’s as fun as it gets. Pro tip: Visit the Johnny Cash Museum, a quick walk from Bridgestone Arena. It’s great.
Debauchery: 10
Just wow.
Star power: 5
Not a bad team, but there’s nothing overly fun about them.
Getting there: 8
Direct flights are available on Southwest. It’s a long drive, so I’d fly.
Dining options: 10
If you like BBQ and booze, you’re good to go.
Hotel options: 8
They still need more hotels there, but it’s not bad at all.
Cost: 4
Nashville is cheap. Nashville hotels are not. Stay around Grand Ole Opry and take a quick Uber ride downtown if you’re looking to save money.
Yinzer attendance: 9
I can’t imagine why Pittsburghers would like Nashville.
Final thought: Nashville isn’t for everyone. I wouldn’t take a kid there, honestly. Public drunkenness to the extreme. But if you want to party and catch a hockey game, this is the place. The live music scene is also spectacular, and it’s not all honky tonk country if that’s not your thing. Quite a place.
This season’s trip: Tuesday, Feb. 28, 8 p.m.
Final score: 80
(Mark J. Rebilas / USA Today)
3. Colorado Avalanche
Hockey atmosphere: 9
The building is pretty blah, but they love their Avs right now, as you’d imagine.
Weather: 7
It can be nasty there, but usually, it’s quite nice.
Accessory activities: 9
It’s one of America’s great downtown areas and one of its most beautiful cities. Pro tip: Rent a car and drive to Boulder. Check out all the mountains. It’s a great day trip.
Debauchery: 9
If you’re into legal marijuana, you’ll be happy. If you’re not — I am not — you’ll still be happy.
Star power: 10
Nate MacKinnon. Cale Makar. Enough said.
Getting there: 7
Not bad at all. Direct flights on United and Southwest. The airport is nice but too far away from the city.
Dining options: 7
I don’t know that anything sticks out, but you won’t starve.
Hotel options: 9
Abundant. Lots of great options downtown.
Cost: 5
It depends on the time of year. The snowbirds make it much more expensive.
Yinzer attendance: 10
Hall of Fame City for this. Generally, it’s about half Penguins fans.
Final thought: There is something wrong with you if you don’t like Denver. Colorado in general is a wonderful place. As a bonus, you get to witness the mighty Avs. It’s a trip you must take.
This season’s trip: Wednesday, March 22, 8 p.m.
Final score: 82
2. Vegas Golden Knights
Hockey atmosphere: 9
It’s a great building and a raucous atmosphere. You’ll love it. Pro tip: If you don’t like loud noises, bring earplugs. It’s obnoxiously loud at times.
Weather: 10
It’s always sunny and generally pleasant even in the winter.
Accessory activities: 10
Here’s the thing … even if you don’t like gambling, there’s so much to do and see. Hoover Dam is close. It’s a whole city aside from the Strip. But then, the Strip is great too.
Debauchery: 10
No comment.
Star power: 6
Jack Eichel doesn’t move the dial quite like the Flower did.
Getting there: 7
Direct flights are easy to find and fairly cheap.
Dining options: 10
Go to the Golden Steer and enjoy a steak. Sinatra used to eat there. I dined there with Mark Madden and the”Ol’ 29’er,” Phil Bourque, last season. What a meal.
Hotel options: 10
I mean, come on. It’s Vegas. I always stay at MGM. I’d recommend MGM or New York, New York for proximity to T-Mobile Arena.
Cost: 5
It depends on the time of year. When the Penguins are there, it’s not cheap, but at least it’s not on a weekend.
Yinzer attendance: 10
An amazing number of Penguins fans here.
Final thought: I don’t feel the need to sell you on the virtues nor the pitfalls of fabulous Las Vegas.
This season’s trip: Thursday, Jan. 5, 10 p.m.
Final score: 87
(Jean-Yves Ahern / USA Today)
1. Montreal Canadiens
Hockey atmosphere: 10
There’s nothing like it in professional sports. The history and the energy are unparalleled.
Weather: 6
The Penguins play there early in the season, which is a bonus.
Accessory activities: 10
You’re in for a treat. Museums, fine dining, hockey culture and so many things to see and do. What a place.
Debauchery: 10
I thought about giving it an 11. Ask me what the Tom McMillan Hat Trick is sometime.
Star power: 8
I know, I know. The Habs stink. But there’s still something about that logo that makes you feel like you’re watching something important.
Getting there: 8
We have direct flights to Montreal now, which is fantastic.
Dining options: 10
Paradise for a foodie. I enjoy Gibby’s for the steak and the mussels. Fabulous place.
Hotel options: 10
Outstanding. Stay at the Chateau Champlain Marriott. It’s right beside Bell Center and a great hotel.
Cost: 7
Not all that outrageous.
Yinzer attendance: 10
It gets a 10 because they always politely applaud Crosby when he takes the ice in Montreal. I’m talking the whole building. You need to experience it.
Final thought: Vegas continues its annual pursuit of Montreal, but in the end, this is still the trip you need to make. It’s my favorite city in the world. Fun. Beauty. Hockey. History. It’s all right there at your fingertips.
This season’s trip: Monday, Oct. 17, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 12, 7 p.m.
Final score: 89
(Top photo of Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena: Christopher Hanewinckel / USA Today)
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