As the nation prepares to usher in the New Year, the Chicago Blackhawks and the St. Louis Blues are set to battle it out on the ice at Wrigley Field for the NHL Discover Winter Classic. Deviating from tradition, the game will be held on New Year's Eve instead of New Year's Day, with the puck drop scheduled for 4:00 p.m., reported WGN TV. Fans can catch the action on TNT, simulcast on truTV, or stream it live on Max.
The Blackhawks, hosting the Winter Classic for the third time, are looking to break their winless streak in the event. They've participated a total of five times, yet have to taste victory on this grand outdoor stage. This will mark their seventh outdoor game where they've only won once, a fact highlighted by NBC Chicago. On the flip side, the Blues have an impeccable Winter Classic record, having never lost a game in the series.
Wrigley Field is no stranger to the Winter Classic, this being its second turn as host. The previous game, held in 2009, saw a wildcard match won by the Detroit Red Wings. Moreover, it joins Fenway Park as one of only two stadiums that have played host to the event on multiple occasions.
Entering the matchup, the Blackhawks are in a rough patch, having let in 21 goals across their previous four games. However, Connor Bedard is seemingly keen to turn things around, with "six goals and nine assists to his credit" in December, as NBC Chicago reports. The Blues, four points shy of a wild card spot, are also looking to gain ground under the guidance of new head coach Jim Montgomery, with key players like Jordan Kyrou and Robert Thomas leading the charge up front.
As fans gear up to see if the Blackhawks can end their Winter Classic drought or if the Blues can maintain their perfect record, the stage is set for a memorable faceoff amidst the historic confines of Wrigley Field.
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