Blackhawks to play in yet another outdoor game. *yawn*

[Resolute 14]

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sport...ticle19258146/

Chicago to be Washington's opponent in the Winter Classic.

I know why the NHL is doing it, but honestly, it isn't the frequency of outdoor games that is ruining the concept, but the repetitiveness of using the same teams over and over and over again.

[Coach]

How has Minny not had one yet?

[Ashasx]

Ah yes, the great Blackhawks-Capitals rivalry.

It should be Minnesota.

I won't be watching this.

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by MattyC

How has Minny not had one yet?

For the same reason why the same six teams are always involved.

Minnesota doesn't have the same "national appeal". The Wild will get a Stadium Series game at some point, but I would be surprised if they were to be used in a Winter Classic any time soon.

[SuperMatt18]

Should have been Washington- Rangers or Washington- Habs.

At least those teams have met in some good playoff series in recent years.

[codynw]

So many teams deserve to have one of these before Chicago gets their second one in a row. Meh.

[Bill Bumface]

Soon everyone will be getting excited for the novelty that indoor games will become...

[Matt Reeeeead]

These events are about overall exposure to markets. The Blackhawks (and the like) continue to be used because it appeals to new fans who want to see exciting hockey.

Not about "who deserves", it's a business first. As exposure continues to grow, I think we continue seeing more variety like we did last year.

[codynw]

Originally Posted by Matt Reeeeead

These events are about overall exposure to markets. The Blackhawks (and the like) continue to be used because it appeals to new fans who want to see exciting hockey.

Not about "who deserves", it's a business first. As exposure continues to grow, I think we continue seeing more variety like we did last year.

I get that they want exciting hockey, but lots of good teams haven't participated in an outdoor game yet. Colorado? St. Louis? San Jose? Minnesota? All of those teams can play great hockey. I think a St. Louis/Colorado outdoor game would be awesome.

[Matt Reeeeead]

Maybe. Would that grip a random dude who has never watched hockey before? Teams that have yet to go far in the playoffs, and although have young talents, probably not recognizeable to a average joe.

I agree, it should happen, I'm guessing once guys like Mack get a chance on a bigger stage and up their instant appeal they will get their shot.

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by Matt Reeeeead

These events are about overall exposure to markets. The Blackhawks (and the like) continue to be used because it appeals to new fans who want to see exciting hockey.

Yup. The why for Chicago is obvious.

Not about "who deserves", it's a business first. As exposure continues to grow, I think we continue seeing more variety like we did last year.

Agreed on the first sentence, disagreed on the second. The Winter Classic will never be about variety. It will always be about profit, and the NHL is going to repeat the same six or seven teams until the concept burns to the ground.

What we saw last year was two things: 1. an attempt to recoup lost revenue from the lockout. 2. An attempt (much like the 2011 Heritage Classic) to shut up teams clamoring for an outdoor game of their own and upset that the NHL won't even consider them for the Winter Classic.

The NHL has a catch-22 though in that it can't run so many "Stadium Series" and "Heritage Classic" games without diluting the one contest it really cares about. That is why we are likely to see only two outdoor games this year - the WC and one SS game.

[sharkov]

Boston and Montreal should have been the next Winter classic in my opinion.

[Ashasx]

I think Colorado at Minnesota would have been a great choice. 2 teams on the rise in strong-decent hockey markets.

[getbak]

Colorado and Minnesota both want to host their own outdoor games. They don't want to be the visiting team for someone else's outdoor game.

I believe the Wild already have one pencilled in for 2016 at Target Field. I'd bet that their opponent will be Dallas.