Winter Classic 2015: Blackhawks vs. Capitals Thriller Gives Event Needed Boost

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The NHL struck gold with the Winter Classic concept back in 2008. The introduction of the Stadium Series threatened the unique nature of the event, however. That's why a memorable encounter between the Chicago Blackhawks and Washington Capitals was so important.

By adding more outdoor games to the schedule last season, what was an annual showcase where the NHL could take center stage became an overused gimmick. The league decided to take the short-term gain with hope it wouldn't have too much of a negative impact on the main event.

The lack of hype surrounding the event in the days leading up to the game was noticeable. Television time usually spent discussing the Winter Classic was instead used to banter about other sporting events, most notably the College Football Playoff semifinals.

So the NHL needed the Blackhawks and Capitals to put on a show.

The concern isn't about game attendance. The Winter Classic is always going to remain a spectacle for the host city and its fans for as long as the outdoor games continue. It's about the league trying to keep a place on the national stage during a busy New Year's Day sports slate.

Is the Winter Classic still a must-see event?

Chicago and Washington delivered at Nationals Park. The home team picked up the victory courtesy of a Troy Brouwer goal with just 13 seconds left in the third period.

Just as important, the big names played like stars. Alex Ovechkin had two points, including a goal for the Caps. Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews each had an assist and were heavily involved offensively for the Hawks.

NHL Public Relations passed along comments from Ovechkin, who talked about the greatness of the atmosphere at the usual home of the Washington Nationals:

A Vine provided by the Capitals after the game-winning tally certainly backed those remarks up:

Ultimately, it was a highly entertaining game between two teams with no shortage of talent. That's exactly what the NHL needed.

As for the reason the game didn't generate the same type of interest beforehand, Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News suggests having the build-up shows on a smaller channel played a role. He believes the Winter Classic remains strong, though:

The game itself lived up to the usual standard, which is high for the event dating back to the Pittsburgh Penguins edging the Buffalo Sabres in a picturesque snowstorm seven years ago. All of the games have been a positive showcase of hockey.

That said, the television ratings and the buzz in the weeks ahead will tell the ultimate story. The NHL needs to use the game to build its brand. That's why adding the Stadium Series always represented a risk in the bigger picture.

If nothing else, the Blackhawks and Capitals did their part to provide the Winter Classic with a boost.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2316712-winter-classic-2015-blackhawks-vs-capitals-thriller-gives-event-needed-boost