Pittsburgh to host Winter Classic
Associated Press
CHICAGO
Sid the Kid will take his skates outside for a day in Pittsburgh next season, and Calgary will host game in the elements too.
Commissioner Gary Bettman announced Friday that the Penguins will play host to the Washington Capitals at Heinz Field on New Year’s Day, the fourth installment of the Winter Classic.
Sidney Crosby’s team played the Sabres in Buffalo in the first edition.
Also, Bettman said the Flames are expected to host the Montreal Canadiens at McMahon Stadium on Feb. 20. Montreal played the Oilers in Edmonton in the 2003 Heritage Classic, the league’s first outdoor regular-season game.
Two seasons ago, the Chicago Blackhawks hosted the Detroit Red Wings at Wrigley Field. And last season, the Boston Bruins hosted the Philadelphia Flyers at Fenway Park.
Bettman also did his best to quash or at least downplay reports and signs that several NHL clubs are unstable in this shaky economy.
Bettman said the league is “not now dealing with any franchise going out of business or moving,” and he expressed hope that such speculation will soon stop.
Touting the league’s business growth, with television ratings and sponsorships up, Bettman said the NHL is committed to keeping a team in Arizona. Confirming that an offer for the financially troubled club was made by investors in Winnipeg, where the franchise was located first, Bettman said he expects the sale of the Coyotes to take place this summer. There are three groups in the mix to buy the team.
As for the Winnipeg group?
“They wanted us to know of their interest, and they have told us that they are prepared to be patient,” Bettman said.