NHL Winter Classic: 5 Other Matchups We Would Like To See in the Future

The start of 2011 in the NHL will begin with a matchup between recent rivals Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins. This rivalry is also known as the Ovechkin vs. Crosby.

Just to give you some information about the Winter Classic, it was first held in 2008 with the Buffalo Sabres hosting the Pittsburgh Penguins. The following year, the Red Wings and Blackhawks faced off. Finally, last season, the Bruins held host to the Flyers.

The Penguins are going to play in the Winter Classic for the second time in franchise history. Many people are not very happy about the matchup because they do not get to see their team battle it out against a rival, but there is a chance their team will be playing in future Winter Classics.

Here are some great matchups that we would like to see in the future.

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Montreal Canadiens

Dave Sandford/Getty Images

TORONTO - DECEMBER 11: Brett Lebda #23 of the Toronto Maple Leafs defends against Tom Pyatt #94 of the Montreal Canadiens during their NHL game at Air Canada Centre on December 11, 2010 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Dave Sandford/Getty Images)

This is probably the biggest rivalry in sports history. These two teams and their respective fans plain out hate each other. This would be a great matchup for many fans to enjoy and possibly the best one [matchup] that could possibly happen.

The roots of this rivalry stretch out to the early 1900s, and it would be a great oppurtunity for both teams to rekindle the flame on this rivlary by playing outdoors in a head-to-head matchup.

The game will most probably played in Toronto's Rogers Centre or in Montreal's Olympic Stadium.

Los Angeles Kings vs. Anaheim Ducks/San Jose Sharks

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

ANAHEIM, CA - NOVEMBER 29: Toni Lydman #32 of the Anaheim Ducks is pursued by Dustin Brown #23 of the Los Angeles Kings during the third period at the Honda Center on November 29, 2010 in Anaheim, California. The Ducks defeated the Kings 2-0. (Photo by

These are the only three teams to play in the grand state of California. Why not a better matchup than watching two of these three cities fighting against each other outdoors. This game will probably remind the people of Los Angeles that there is more to LA than just the Lakers.

The only problem with this matchup is there is no snow in the Southern California area, meaning that the San Jose Sharks are the best bet to be in a matchup such since they are the most northern city of the three.

Calgary Flames vs. Edmonton Oilers

Dylan Lynch/Getty Images

EDMONTON, CANADA - OCTOBER 16: Edmonton Oilers center Sam Gagner #89 takes a spot in front of the Calgary Flames net at the Scotiabank Saddledome on October 16, 2010 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The Flames beat the Oilers 5-3. (Photo by Dylan Lynch/Ge

Another heated rivalry between two teams. Oilers and Flames fans would love to see these two teams pummeling each other in an effort to win what would be the biggest Battle of Alberta matchup in the past few decades.

Flames fans will already be able to see their team play in the Heritage Classic later on in the season, but this matchup would be much bigger and badder.

The game would possibly be played in Calgary's McMahon stadium, where the Stampeders play CFL football.

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Ottawa Senators

Phillip MacCallum/Getty Images

OTTAWA, ON - NOVEMBER 27: Nick Foligno #71 of the Ottawa Senators pokes the puck away from Tyler Bozak #42 of the Toronto Maple Leafs in a game at Scotiabank Place on November 27, 2010 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Phillip MacCallum/Getty Images

Another matchup involving the Toronto Maple Leafs. This is yet another rivalry that involves both the players of the team and the fans hating each other. This rivalry has so many classic moments, mostly from the early 2000s. This matchup would be a great way for both teams and their fans to recognize what once was an amazing matchup.

This rivalry is also known as the Battle of Ontario and expect the Leafs fans to boo Daniel Alfredsson at every chance they get if this battle was to commence.

The game would possibly be held in Toronto's Rogers Centre or in Ottawa's Frank Claire Stadium.

New York Rangers vs. New York Islanders

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

UNIONDALE, NY - DECEMBER 02: Michael Sauer #38 of the New York Rangers fights with Matt Martin #17 of the New York Islanders at the Nassau Coliseum on December 2, 2010 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

This would be an amazing matchup to watch. The city of New York is the only city that has two teams representing it. There will be Ranger fans who hate Islander fans and vice versa even though the fans could cheer for both teams.

The Battle of the Big Apple would spark this rivalry just as the other matchups will do so. If this was to happen, expect roaring fans and a good game.

The game would probably be held in New York's Giants Stadium.

So Many More Matchups To Be Seen

Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images

MONTREAL, CANADA - DECEMBER 16: Andrei Kostitsyn #46 of the Montreal Canadiens and David Krejci #46 of the Boston Bruins chase the puck into the corner during the NHL game at the Bell Centre on December 16, 2010 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Canadien

There are many matchups we would want to see happening in future Winter Classics, but personally, the ones mentioned in the previous slides would be the best ones to watch. There are obviously many amazing rivalries that were not mentioned such as the one seen in the picture. There is the:

Devils vs. Penguins

Devils vs. Rangers

Avalanche vs. Red Wings

Flyers vs. Penguins and much much more.

Thank you for reading and comment with a matchup that you would like to see in the Winter Classic.

Happy New Year!