St. Louis–For the fifth time in franchise history the Chicago Blackhawks will play outdoors. They will face their bitter rivals from St. Louis-rookies to this setting.
Captain Johnathan Toews will take the outdoor ice for the sixth time. He leads all NHL players with 6 points (2G, 4A). He will be missing two key teammates as Marian Hossa and Marcus Kruger have been ruled out for the Winter Classic.
FIRST TIME VS. VETERAN
Photo by: Brianna O’Mara
Corey Crawford will see the outdoor net for the fourth time in his career. Even with that experience it still takes getting used to as he looks for his second victory.
It’s almost like you don’t know what to expect having not gone through it before,” said Crawford. “The first one I guess is a little tougher. Once you have played a couple you get a feel for it and get more of a natural feel.”
Rookie Vinnie Hinostroza has leaned on the veterans for advice how to handle the new setting.
“They have been telling us to soak it all in and enjoy the experience,” said Hinostroza. “It will be something we never forget.”
Photo by: Brianna O’Mara
Scott Darling will be in his second outdoor game. Even with being through this before, he still is excited for the event.
“New city, different venue, still super exiting to see all this stuff,” said Darling “Was nice this year to have the family skate. It is a different experience but a lot of fun.”
WEATHER
The weather forecast in St. Louis on Monday is dicey to say the least. Rain is expected during daylight hours putting the puck drop timing in question. A rain delay in a baseball stadium is normal; not for hockey players though.
“Batting cages maybe?” said Crawford on what he will do. “If we find out before we, can wait in the hotel and not be here for five hours. Hopefully it passes over so we don’t have to wait and the fans don’t have to wait.”
Joel Quenneville feels if there is a delay it won’t be an issue for the Blackhawks.
“We have played in a lot of different games and different time schedules. We will
see what happens early tomorrow and go from there,” said Quenneville. “We have adapted before.
Photo by: Brianna O’Mara
If it starts at noon tomorrow great, if not we will adapt.”
OUTDOORS
No matter how many times you play outdoors, it still is a change of pace from the normal grind. The ice feels different, the depth perception changes and the lighting is vastly different from playing inside arenas.
“Shots just above the glass are tougher,” said Crawford. “The stands are further away so it’s an adjustment because of the depth. You don’t get the same visual.”
THE RIVALVRY
As exciting as the outdoor game is, the players know it still means a lot in the standings. They aren’t here to just enjoy the moment. These two rivals know it’s an important game in the standings.
“Every game against St Louis is tough. They play hard and the right way,” said
defenseman Duncan Keith. “On top of that we now have to go outside and play in the conditions, it will be a big challenge for us tomorrow.”
Quenneville feels this game will have a different feel from the previous two years. Playing a bitter rival like his team did at Wrigley Field-against Detroit-will add to the festivities.
“Always a special game and event as a player or a coach,” said Quenneville. “The rivalry between the Blues and Blackhawks has been great. The playoff series last year added more excitement. The outdoor games are fun but the rivalry adds more spice to it.”
CUBS AND CARDINALS RIVALRY ADDS TO IT
As much as the hockey teams are rivals, the baseball clubs are even bigger rivals when playing inside Busch Stadium. The Cubs ending their long curse and winning the World Series has fueled the rivalry to new levels. The Blackhawks have a few local players who feel that adds to tomorrow’s game.
“It’s cool the Cubs play here since I’m a big Cubs fan,” said Hinostroza.”
Darling put the Cubs logo, Wrigley Field marquee and player on his helmet. When the pictures were released, a few Cardinals fans took exception to it.
Photo by: Brianna O’Mara
“I didn’t do it as a jab at the Cardinals,” said Darling. “For me it was more an opportunity to represent the Cubs. We are in baseball stadium the Cubs are my favorite team. Nobody was happier than me when they won.”
At some point over the next two days the anthem will be sung, the flyover will occur, and the puck will drop at Busch Stadium. Once the final horn sounds the Blackhawks are hoping to move 10 points ahead of their rivals in the Central Division standings.
Follow Adam on Twitter @Adam_PHN and you can always reach him at adam.minnick@prohockeynews.com
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