2015 Winter Classic vs Blackhawks
From the Smashville ice to the national stage: Predators make their Winter Classic debut in D.C.
The 2015 Winter Classic was a landmark outdoor NHL game held at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., featuring the Nashville Predators against the Chicago Blackhawks on January 1, 2015. This was the Predators' first appearance in the Winter Classic, a showcase event that pits two teams in a regular-season game played on a temporary outdoor rink, often in a baseball or football stadium. The matchup highlighted the growing rivalry between the Predators and Blackhawks, two Central Division foes with a history of intense playoff battles.
Quick Facts
- Event
- 2015 NHL Winter Classic
- Teams
- Nashville Predators vs. Chicago Blackhawks
- Venue
- Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
- Result
- Blackhawks won 2-1
- Tv broadcast
- NBC
Lore & Background
The 2015 Winter Classic marked the first time the Nashville Predators played in the NHL's premier outdoor regular-season event. The game was part of a broader tradition that began in 2008, and the Predators' inclusion signaled their rise as a competitive franchise. The Blackhawks, a Original Six team with a massive fanbase, were the designated home team, but the neutral site created a unique atmosphere. The game was played on a specially constructed rink over the baseball diamond at Nationals Park, with the stadium configured to hold a hockey crowd.
Reader's Guide
The 2015 Winter Classic was a showcase event that pitted the Nashville Predators against the Chicago Blackhawks on New Year's Day. The Blackhawks, with superstars like Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, were the favorites, but the Predators, led by captain Shea Weber’s booming slapshot and goaltender Pekka Rinne’s calm in net, held their own in the biting cold. The first period saw Chicago take a 1-0 lead on a goal by Brandon Saad, who pounced on a rebound in the crease. The Predators tied it in the second period with a goal from Mattias Ekholm, whose point shot deflected off a Blackhawks defender and past Corey Crawford. The game remained deadlocked until the third period, when Chicago's Patrick Sharp scored the game-winner on a quick release from the slot, beating Rinne high to the glove side. The final score was 2-1 Blackhawks. The game is remembered for its unique setting—the rink stretching from first base to third base—the intensity of the rivalry, and the Predators' strong performance despite the loss. It was a milestone for the franchise, showing they could draw a national audience and compete in a high-pressure environment. The Winter Classic also deepened the rivalry between the two teams, setting the stage for future playoff clashes, including a memorable series in 2017.
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