As the NHL gears up for its annual outdoor spectacle, the 2025 Winter Classic is set to feature a classic Original Six rivalry when the Chicago Blackhawks host the St. Louis Blues at the iconic Wrigley Field on January 1, 2025. This matchup promises to excite and make hockey fans nostalgic as two Central Division foes face off at Wrigley Field. It also represents an interesting play for those betting on hockey, and we’ll touch on that aspect in this article.
The Teams
The Chicago Blackhawks enter the 2024-25 season looking to build on their recent struggles and return to playoff contention. After a challenging 2024-25 campaign that saw them post a 10-19-2 record through their first 31 games, the Blackhawks are hoping for a resurgence led by their young core. Connor Bedard, the team’s rising star, is projected to improve on his rookie season, with expectations of reaching 68 points in his sophomore year. The Blackhawks will also look to Ryan Donato, who is on pace for a career-high 47 points, to continue his strong play.
On the other side of the ice, the St. Louis Blues are working to maintain their competitive edge under new head coach Jim Montgomery. The Blues have shown flashes of brilliance, with their top players stepping up in crucial moments. Players like Jordan Kyrou, Brayden Schenn, and Jake Neighbours have contributed to the team’s offensive output. However, the Blues have struggled with consistency, particularly in home games, and will need to address these issues as they prepare for the Winter Classic showdown.
Winter Classic History
The Winter Classic has become a beloved tradition in the NHL since its inception in 2008. The inaugural game, featuring the Buffalo Sabres and the Pittsburgh Penguins, took place at Ralph Wilson Stadium (now New Era Field) in Buffalo. The event was an immediate success, drawing a crowd of 71,217 fans who witnessed Sidney Crosby score the game-winning goal in a shootout amidst picturesque snow flurries.
Over the years, the Winter Classic has evolved into a marquee event on the NHL calendar, showcasing the sport’s rich history and the unique experience of outdoor hockey. The game has been hosted in various iconic venues, including baseball and football stadiums across North America. Initially featuring only American teams, the Winter Classic expanded to include Canadian participation with the Toronto Maple Leafs’ appearance in 2014.
Last Year’s Winter Classic
The 2024 Winter Classic marked a significant milestone as it ventured to the American West Coast for the first time. The game featured the Vegas Golden Knights facing off against the Seattle Kraken at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, home of MLB’s Seattle Mariners. This matchup was particularly intriguing as it pitted the NHL’s two most recent expansion teams against each other, with the defending Stanley Cup champion Golden Knights taking on the upstart Kraken.
Last year, TenexCasino and Sportsbook favored the Golden Knights heading into the game. Vegas was listed as a -135 moneyline favorite. The Kraken, playing in their first outdoor game, were +115 underdogs. The over/under for total goals was set at 6, reflecting the potential for a high-scoring affair in the unique outdoor environment.
However, the game defied expectations as the Seattle Kraken dominated the Golden Knights, securing a historic 3-0 victory. Goaltender Joey Daccord stole the show, making 35 saves to record the first shutout in Winter Classic history. The Kraken’s victory was powered by goals from Eeli Tolvanen, Will Borgen, and Yanni Gourde, much to the delight of the 47,313 fans.
2025 Winter Classic Outlook
As we look ahead to the 2025 Winter Classic at Wrigley Field, the Blackhawks and Blues will be eager to make their mark on this storied event. The Blackhawks, despite their recent struggles, have a history of success in outdoor games, having participated in six previous NHL outdoor contests. They’ll be looking to leverage the home-ice advantage and the energy of the Chicago crowd to propel them to victory.
The Blues, who have appeared in two previous Winter Classics, will aim to spoil the Blackhawks’ home-ice party. With their mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent, St. Louis could be a formidable opponent in the outdoor setting.
Betting odds for this matchup are likely to be closely contested, given the rivalry between the teams and the unpredictable nature of outdoor hockey. Factors such as weather conditions, ice quality, and each team’s form leading up to the game will all shape the odds as the event approaches. We predict the Blues will be a slight favorite and that the goal totals will likely be low as the conditions of outdoor rinks tend to be challenging.
As the 2025 Winter Classic draws near, fans and bettors will closely watch both teams’ performances throughout the season. The Blackhawks’ ability to build around their young core and the Blues’ quest for consistency will be key storylines to follow. Additionally, the potential for breakout performances from players like Connor Bedard or emerging stars on the Blues’ roster could significantly impact the game’s outcome.
The Winter Classic continues to be a celebration of hockey’s roots and a showcase of the sport’s brightest stars. As the Blackhawks and Blues prepare to write the next chapter in this outdoor spectacle, hockey fans around the world will be eagerly anticipating the puck drop at Wrigley Field, where history, rivalry, and the elements will converge for what promises to be an unforgettable New Year’s Day clash on the ice.