Winter Classic 2015: Chicago Blackhawks to play Washington Captials

The NHL has found a pretty cool thing in the Winter Classic series they are starting to invest more and more into outdoor games each year. The 2013-14 campaign saw the NHL branch out as far as it ever has with games in Los Angeles, New York and Michigan among other places.

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Outdoor hockey is starting to strike up residence in new places as well and we’re going to see that in the 2015 season when the Washington Capitals get a game in the nation’s capital.

According to Bob McKenzie from TSN, the Chicago Blackhawks and Washington Capitals will be playing a Winter Classic game in D.C. during the 2015 season, marking the first time that the Capitals have hosted an outdoor game.

McKenzie then points out that a venue for the game hasn’t yet been decided upon but a easy choice is the downtown fixture that the Washington Nationals stadium has become.

Washington getting an outdoor game is exciting in that it shows the NHL is willing to break free from the popular chain they’ve created of only having games in New York, Chicago or Michigan.

Denver is rumored to be getting a game in 2016 and cities like Minneapolis, St. Louis, Phoenix and San Francisco are all eyeing outdoor games as well for their local teams. Washington’s game should be great and the NHL’s willingness to spread the love is encouraging.