Boston Bruins: 2016 Winter Classic Paced For Greatness
What makes the Winter Classic the NHL’s premier regular-season matchup? Is it simply the outdoor pageantry, or the return of old time hockey? Perhaps it is the competitiveness of the event.
On Wednesday, the NHL announced what has been well perceived already by Boston Bruins fans; that is, the Classic
Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
will make its way back to Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The decision marks the Bruins as the first team to be honored with hosting the NHL’s mid-year showcase twice. Arguably one of the most historic franchises in the league, along with the entire Original Six group, the Bruins are rightfully playing their heated rivals, Montreal, in this premier tilt. It’s the type of matchup the Winter Classic was designed for.
The game has become exactly what the NHL had hoped for: compelling and competitive. Since the inaugural Winter Classic of 2008, the highest goal differential is just two, those coming in the 2009 Classic (Detroit-6 Chicago-4) and in 2011 (Washington-3 Pittsburg-1). The desire to win in this event is evident from the stats, and from the rivalries. From Red Wings-Blackhawks (when both in Central Division), to Flyers-Bruins, to Capitals-Penguins – all laid the backdrop for an intriguing and heated Winter Classic.
Yet the 2016 Winter Classic will be like no other. It includes the league’s most heated rivalry. Wednesday’s high heat of 95 degrees may match the heat generated from Montreal-Boston come January 1st. This year’s Classic is poised for greatness. The matchup makes the Classic that much more worthwhile for any fan, regardless of which team you root for. It has the potential of being the most intriguing, competitive, and historic Winter Classics to date.
More from Bruins News
- Bruins release Prospects Challenge roster, schedule Tuesday
- Bruins bringing back familiar forward on tryout contract
- The Bruins should take a look at these four free agents
- NHL Network lists Ullmark as sixth-best goalie in the league
- The Lasting Legacy of David Krejci
Beyond all the excitement lies the harsh reality of Montreal’s dominance over Boston last season. Sweeping the season series, the Canadians played the quick, elusive brand of hockey against the Bruins that help lead them to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. It will be the same brand of hockey they offer in the 2015-16 campaign. But the B’s are transitioning their gameplay thanks to general manager Don Sweeney. Montreal has Boston’s number after last season’s train wreck season series, and come Jan. 1st, you can bet the Bruins will strive for revenge.
Only four players remain from the Bruins’ 2010 Winter Classic at Fenway Park, those include Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chara, Tuukka Rask, and David Krejci. For the rest of the team, it will be a surreal moment. Young players like Torey Krug will feel like a kid again skating outdoors with their retro jerseys. This year, the Bruins will be sporting a 1924-like uniform.
“When you bring two of the best organizations in hockey together to clash on a big stage, it’s going to be exciting” – Torey Krug via Boston Globe
One of the more questionable aspects of this premier matchup is the timing. These two teams arguably should have been the first to introduce the Classic. They are the most germane teams to do so, considering their respected team history and rivalry. Instead, back in 2008, it was Pittsburg-Buffalo.
What matters most is that this historic rivalry was recognized and will see a new chapter added to their long history. These two organizations paved the way to the modern NHL. Finally, they will be honored during one of the NHL’s most exciting events.
“I know just talking about it I get excited,” said Torey Krug to the Boston Globe. “And I know friends and family, my teammates, everybody’s looking forward to that day.”