Thursday’s now-annual NHL Winter Classic pits two Original Six teams against each other, the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks, at Wrigley Field.
The NHL’s relentless overpromotion of this one-day outdoor event at the expense of any decent promotion of its daily indoor product aside, the league got this one right: The defending champions against a long-dormant legacy franchise in resurgence at one of the most historic venues in sports.
But after showcasing Sidney Crosby last year and the Red Wings this year, who should be up next? And where? That’s Tuesday’s Top Five.
5. N.Y. Rangers vs. New Jersey at Giants Stadium. But would Devils fans show up? They often didn’t when the team played indoors at the Meadowlands.
4. Dallas vs. Minnesota on one of 10,000 frozen lakes. Might have to limit the crowd a bit, for obvious reasons, but an actual game of pond hockey would certainly be unique. The insurance issues would be unprecedented.
3. Washington vs. Carolina at Carter-Finley Stadium. As soon as they figure out which day in winter 2009-10 it’s going to snow here.
2. Toronto vs. Ottawa at Frank Clair Stadium. The rink for the Ottawa 67s junior team (and original expansion home of the Senators) is wedged under the stands of this ex-CFL stadium, so facilities shouldn’t be an issue.
1. Montreal vs. Boston at Fenway Park. Could qualify as going back to the well too soon (Original Six teams, historic baseball stadium), but would anyone really argue against this one?
Luke has worked for The N&O since 2000. He covered the Carolina Hurricanes and the NHL before becoming a sports columnist in August 2008. A native of Evanston, Ill., he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. He can be reached at 829-8947 or 
Comments
WC10
Fri, 01/02/2009 - 09:33 — VThe NHL *should* put a Canadian team in the Classic next year, but I won't be surprised if it's the Capitals and Rangers playing in New York.
Time Warner/Viacom
Wed, 12/31/2008 - 01:07 — Nico37Hi Luke,
Not about the Winter Classic, but a question on Time Warner's dispute w/ Viacom. Do you have any info on this?
http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/happy-new-year-time-warner-cable-to-yank-mtv-nickeodeon-comedy-central-off-the-air/
According to the article TW will be dropping all Viacom channels Jan 1st if a "fair" (*snicker*) agreement cannot be reached.
I am VERY interested in any info you can provide.
Many thanks!!!
Winter Classic
Tue, 12/30/2008 - 10:59 — downhill39Bruins - Montreal, Foxboro Stadium. Guaranteed sellout & large ratings on both sides of the border!
Winter Classics
Tue, 12/30/2008 - 09:30 — sadler38The Rangers v. Devils or Islanders at the NEW Yankee Stadium!! It defines the word 'classic'! You could even pit the Rangers against any Original 6 team at Yankee Stadium and it would be great!