Fansided

Report: Penguins and Flyers will have 2017 outdoor game

By Dave Stevenson

Jan 20, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers right wing Jakub Voracek (93) fight against Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Rob Scuderi (4) during the second period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers right wing Jakub Voracek (93) fight against Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Rob Scuderi (4) during the second period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers will reportedly be taking their historic rivalry outdoors in 2017

The Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers have been bitter rivals since the 1970’s. Their rivalry is one of the most bitter in hockey, with both teams and both fanbases hating each other with every fiber of their being. The two bitter rivals could be taking their rivalry outdoors in 2017, according to ESPN.

From ESPN:

"While plans for next year’s Winter Classic remain fluid, what does seem to be virtually locked in is an outdoor game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Philadelphia Flyers sometime in 2017. The unresolved question is whether the game, likely to be held at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, will stand as the 2017 Winter Classic or part of the Stadium Series held a few weeks later."

The NHL has not announced its Winter Classic yet because they are still considering their options. Toronto would be an obvious fit because the 2016-17 season will be their centennial celebration. However, Toronto has numerous high-profile events in 2016, which concerns the NHL because that might affect ticket sales for the Winter Classic should it be awarded to Toronto.

Heinz Field would be hosting its second Winter Classic should it be awarded to Pittsburgh as expected. One potential hurdle could be that January 8 might be a date that the Steelers would be hosting a playoff game should they have a home playoff game in the first round. A week is pushing it as far as taking down the rink and preparing the field. Heinz Field was also the site of the 2011 Winter Classic between the Washington Capitals and the Penguins.

Both teams have been featured in recent Winter Classics, but an outdoor game between the two bitter rivals would likely draw a strong crowd and generate a ton of revenue for the NHL, which is what the league wants.

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