Philadelphia Flyers have played a game around NYE in Vancouver 17 times. Does anyone know if there is a backstory?

Flyers will play their 18th game near NYE.

5 years in a row from 1995 - 1999, which suggests this is more than a random scheduling quirk.

Did Bobby Clarke have a secret family in Vancouver?

Ed Snyder loved the New Years party at the Roxy?