The NHL is "strongly considering" hosting the '17 Bridgestone Winter Classic at Busch Stadium with the Blues hosting the Blackhawks, according to sources cited by Jeremy Rutherford of the ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH. The sources said that while the option exists of having the Blues play in a Stadium Series game, the Cardinals are "expecting to host a hockey game at Busch on Jan. 2 -- a potential date" for the Winter Classic since New Year's Day -- traditionally the slot for the Winter Classic -- falls on an NFL Sunday. An announcement about the Winter Classic venue and participating teams "could come within the next week." The NHL selecting St. Louis "would be a strong feather in the city's cap" considering the 20'6-17 season will "simultaneously mark the NHL's 100th anniversary and the Blues' 50th anniversary." The team is already planning "several marquee events" to mark the milestone, and an outdoor game "would be the crown jewel." The NHL is using its top events next season to "showcase several of the expansion clubs celebrating anniversaries." The league last month announced the Kings would host next year's All-Star Game as part of their 50th anniversary (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 2/7). THE HOCKEY NEWS' Jared Clinton noted the Maple Leafs next season are celebrating their 100th anniversary and were "long-rumored to be the frontrunners" for the '17 Winter Classic, but that "may no longer be the case" (THEHOCKEYNEWS.com, 2/6). ESPN.com's Scott Burnside reported with Toronto later this year hosting the World Cup of Hockey, World Junior Championship and the Grey Cup, there is a fear that "so many events in the city would hurt ticket sales" for a Winter Classic. Additionally, the NHL's "priority is ensuring the World Cup is a financial success" (ESPN.com, 2/5).
KEYSTONE STATE: In Pittsburgh, Jonathan Bombulie cited a source as saying that the Penguins and Flyers are "set to play an outdoor game at Heinz Field next season." It is "expected to be part of the league's Stadium Series" rather than a Winter Classic, in part because of "potential schedule conflicts with the Steelers." The two teams also will play an outdoor game in Philadelphia in a "couple of years." The source said that a Penguins-Flyers game at Penn State's Beaver Stadium "fell apart when the teams found the idea to be too cost prohibitive." Bombulie noted the game would be "part of a celebration of the 50th anniversary" of both teams. Heinz Field would be the first stadium "to host a second outdoor game" (PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW, 2/6).
