Due to the success of the NHL Winter Classic in Buffalo this year between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Buffalo Sabres the league is planning a similar event next year. The question is where? It is thought that the NHL has narrowed it down to two possible cities, Pittsburgh and Chicago. Apparently the front runner for the event is Chicago. The game would be played a Wrigley Field (home of the MLB's Cubs) on January 1,2009. It is thought that the Detroit Red Wings would be the Blackhawks opponent due to their original six rivalry. On the other hand, if Pittsburgh got the game, it is assumed that they would play their rival Philadelphia, but this is only speculation. Unfortunately, Toronto would have a hard time bidding on this type of event because of the Rogers Centre roof. Trying to open it in the middle of winter could cause mechanical issues with it that are not worth risking for a single event. So with al of this talk about another Winter Classic next year, it seems like the NHL is going to make this an anual event. I know that I enjoyed the first one (Crosby game winning goal, shootout, 75,000 people,SNOW!) so I would be happy to see an outdoor game every year. One issue I have is that these games can only be hosted in cities further North. I would be impossible to keep an ice surface playable in downtown Tampa Bay or Dallas.
Highlights from the First Winter Classic
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