Winter Classic 2015: TV Schedule, Predictions, More for Blackhawks vs. Capitals

There may be nothing better in sports than the drama of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but hockey only takes center stage during the regular season once a year—at the Winter Classic.

This season’s matchup pits some of the league’s biggest superstars against each other when the Chicago Blackhawks face off with the Washington Capitals. Chicago brings Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews to the ice, while Washington counters with Alex Ovechkin.

Here is a look at the essential information for the 2015 Winter Classic.

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

Preview

Paul Vernon/Associated Press

There is always an element of the unpredictable at the Winter Classic or any outdoor hockey game, as we saw when the Blackhawks and Pittsburgh Penguins played through heavy snow in Soldier Field last season or when the ice in Pittsburgh turned to slush in the rain in 2011.

This season’s matchup is also not exactly a traditional rivalry and pits a team from the Eastern Conference against one from the Western Conference. It is still one of the biggest brands in hockey against a team led by one of the brightest stars, and Blackhawks president and CEO John McDonough discussed the matchup, via Dan Rosen of NHL.com:

"

Well I'm not so sure it's so much about a traditional rivalry. I think this is a jewel event. It elevates a franchise. It's an honor and a privilege to participate. And I don't know if it's so much about the matchup. The fact that we're chosen, we've played in these before, the stage is bigger, the lights are brighter, and this outdoor game, this Winter Classic, has really served us well before.

"

If the Winter Classic is close, look for Kane to step up in the third period. He has found the back of the net 12 times in the final period and is arguably the most clutch player in the league.

Tracey Myers of CSN Chicago discussed that notion:

"

Yeah, there aren’t many complaints about Kane’s complete game. The third-period work, however, is why Kane is who he is. As coach Joel Quenneville said, Kane thrives in critical situations, whether it’s the final 20 minutes of the third period or the waning minutes of the third period. He also tends to play a little more in third periods, especially when the games are tight. Still, you have to come through in those situations, and Kane has.

"

Largely because of Kane’s excellence, Chicago is fifth in the league in goals per game, although if there is one weakness, it is the power play. The Blackhawks are a mediocre 17th in the NHL in power-play percentage at 17.7, but they do find the goal in so many other ways that it is not as much of a concern as it would be for other teams.

Alex Brandon/Associated Press

While Kane, Toews and the offense draw most of the headlines, the Blackhawks defense is the reason they are once again on the short list of Stanley Cup title contenders.

Chicago is first in the league in goals against per game and penalty-kill percentage and often swallows up the opponent’s best efforts in the offensive zone.

In contrast to the Blackhawks, the Capitals are first in the league in power-play percentage and eighth in goals per game, although the defense has been far worse than Chicago’s. Washington is 14th in goals against per game and an abysmal 25th in penalty-kill percentage. Ovechkin and the offense will find the back of the net a couple of times in this one, but the defense is a concern.

Alex Brandon/Associated Press

Ultimately, that defense against Chicago’s firepower will be the biggest issue in the Winter Classic, especially with Kane doing work in the third period. Look for a game-changing goal from Kane late in this one as the Blackhawks take home the Winter Classic. 

Prediction: Blackhawks 4, Capitals 2

Follow me on Twitter.