Winter Classic 2015: Date, Time, TV Schedule for Blackhawks vs. Capitals
The initial College Football Playoff kicks off Thursday with two of the most anticipated games in recent memory, so it is going to take a drastic move from another sport to capture some of the New Year’s Day narrative.
Perhaps pitting superstar Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals against one of the NHL’s most storied franchises in the Chicago Blackhawks is the perfect way to do just that for hockey. Putting that game outside in a baseball field makes it even better.
The 2015 Winter Classic takes place Thursday, and fans will get the chance to see Ovechkin, Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and more. Here is a look at the essential information for the showdown.
2015 Winter Classic
Matchup: Chicago Blackhawks at Washington Capitals
Date: Thursday, Jan. 1
Location: Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.
Time: 1 p.m. ET
TV: NBC
Anytime the NHL shifts its attention toward the Winter Classic, the weather has to be considered. It is those types of outside variables that make this game a challenge to put on but also a treat for fans during the long regular season.
NHL spokesman Jamey Horan discussed the ideal conditions for Thursday’s game, via Dennis Foley of WTOP.com: “Something along the lines of an overcast day so the sun isn’t a factor. Thirties, forties are fine so the crowd is comfortable but feels like winter. … I’m not a physics expert, but what I’ve learned from our ice making crew is that they turn the rain into ice.”
Both teams enter the Winter Classic playing some of their best hockey of the season.
The Blackhawks boasted 12 wins in 15 games prior to Monday night’s matchup with the Nashville Predators, while the Capitals had four wins in their last five games heading into their Monday game with the New York Islanders.
The Capitals are making an early playoff push, while the Blackhawks are battling for the best record in the league, so points are important even in January. Positioning in the Stanley Cup Playoffs is half the battle when making a run for the Cup.
Chicago has been something of an offensive machine this season. As of Monday, it was fourth in the league in goals per game, largely because of the efforts of Kane and Toews. Both players were in the top 25 in the NHL in goals and points and represent one of the most dangerous one-two punches in the entire league.
Much like the Blackhawks as a whole, Kane is picking up his play as the season progresses, as Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times noted:
As efficient as the offense has been this season, the Blackhawks are positioned at the top of the Central Division because of their defense. They are best in the league in goals against per game and best in the league in penalty-kill percentage.
It is no secret why Chicago is on the short list of Stanley Cup title contenders with the offensive prowess of Kane and Toews and the stifling defense on the other end. It is more than capable of controlling the tempo of the game and forcing the puck into the other team’s zone on a consistent basis, and that is exactly what it will try to do against the Capitals.
Washington will counter with a powerful offense of its own. Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and company are seventh in the league in goals per game and fifth in power-play percentage and will look to attack that potent Chicago defense.
However, the advantage in this one lies on the other side of the ice considering the Capitals are a mediocre 24th in penalty-kill percentage and 11th in goals against per game. Kane and Toews don’t have to score a lot with the Blackhawks defense anchoring the squad, but they will find the back of the net on a couple of occasions.
If this game comes down to special teams, the Blackhawks should be able to exploit a vulnerable Washington defense and come away with the victory.
Look for a late Kane goal to put this one away.
Prediction: Blackhawks 4, Capitals 2
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