When it comes to taking it outside, the Detroit Red Wings take the cake.
Sunday’s Centennial Classic game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at BMO Field will mark the fourth outdoor game in Red Wings franchise history. It will also mark the first outdoor rematch in NHL history. The Leafs edged the Wings 3-2 in a shootout in the 2014 Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium.
Overall, the Wings are 2-1-1 in outdoor games. They whipped the Chicago Blackhawks 6-4 in the 2009 Winter Classic at Wrigley Field and dropped the Colorado Avalanche 5-3 in a 2016 NHL Stadium Series game at Coors Field.
“It kind of brings you back to growing up a little bit, said Detroit defenseman Niklas Kronwall, who has played in all three of Detroit’s outdoor games. “I don’t know if the younger guys know this, but I grew up playing outdoors a few times a week. It brings you back to that same feeling.
“There’s even more excitement, I don’t know what it is, but there is something about playing outdoors.…
Believe it or not, Nik, the young guys can relate to what you are talking about.
“It’s just such a cool experience,… said second-year Detroit forward Andreas Athanasiou, who played last season in Denver. “You grow up playing pond hockey and shinny with your buddies outdoors. Just getting a chance to come up to Toronto and have some fans, some friends and family come out and watch it’ll be a great experience.
“When you get a chance to play at this level outdoors, it’s cool.…
That it’s against the Leafs only serves to make the game that much more unique.
“A rivalry game like this, it is a special game to be out here to kick off the 100th year of the NHL,… second-year Detroit forward Dylan Larkin said.
There are adjustments the players must make as they play on an outdoor rink.
“The sun, I think, especially for the goalies,… Larkin said. “It gets in the eyes and you can’t see the puck. But for us, I don’t think it’s much. Sometimes you get the wind in your face, everyone has to play in these conditions.
“You can’t make a big excuse out of it.… If he gets the call to start Sunday, rookie goalie Jared Coreau will be happy to deal with whatever Mother Nature might throw his way.
“I haven’t played in one,… Coreau said. “I have skated on ice though with (AHL) Grand Rapids, the year the Red Wings did the game against Toronto at the Big House. We played against the Marlies at Comerica Park, so I’ve seen it before.
“It’s a little different, the feel is a little different, maybe because of the level but it’s cold and a unique experience.
“I’m really excited. It’s a big opportunity, not just to earn more playing time, but not many players get to experience games like this in their career. Steve Ott was saying this morning at breakfast, being in Dallas, he never got an opportunity to do one and now he does and he’s really, really excited. It’s pretty special.…
Coreau hasn’t been given official word that he’ll be between the pipes.
“Not yet, but I’m preparing as if I will start,… Coreau said.
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