Last year's Winter Classic at Ralph Wilson Stadium—home of the Buffalo Bills—was the NHL's first ever outdoor game played in the U.S. and was a hit for newbie and online NHL betting gurus. The nationally televised New Year's Day event, competed and very much held its own in ratings on a sportsbook betting day made for bowling. Roughly 3.7 million viewers watched the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Sabres in a 2-1 SO.

This year's Winter Classic will feature the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings, and is expected to top the inaugural game's TV ratings and NHL wagering handle in the outdoor beauty being held at the famed Wrigley Field with two good teams facing off.

This year's Winter Classic will be the fourth meeting on the season between the defending Stanley Cup champion Red Wings and Central rival Blackhawks, who sit first and second-place in the division, respectively. The first matchup was in Chicago on Oct. 25 and ended in a 6-5 Detroit SO victory. The second meeting was at The Joe on Dec. 6, also resulting in a Wings' SO win, 5-4. The third clash will be at Detroit on Dec. 30 before meeting at the winter wonderland of Wrigley Field.

The two week transformation of the second-oldest ball park in MLB into a modern day NHL venue is fascinating enough on its own to get the ole sports betting juices flowing. More than 400 workers will use 52,000 feet of plywood and 32,000 feet of decking in the project, along with 20,000 gallons of water to create ice and 350 gallons of paint. Scaffolding will cover the famed brick outfield walls to recreate green ivy and also used for advertising.

The goals will be along the first and third base lines with the penalty box just on the second base side of the pitcher's mound. But the only ''Big Z'' that'll be anywhere near the mound is ''Z'' as in Zambonis. And, the Friendly Confines may not be so affectionate, as peanuts and Cracker Jacks become left and rights.

Chicago has not won the Cup since 1961. The longest drought of any current NHL team. Their last postseason appearance came in 2001-02, however, this year's team has the talent to put them back into the playoffs for the first time in seven seasons. In 2007-08, the Blackhawks won six of eight contests versus Detroit, proving they are capable of giving the reigning champs all they can handle.

This 2009 Winter Classic will bring in the New Year with something special for the NHL novice or most experienced of bettors. If you bet on NHL, or don't, this will be a magical moment and a must see event. Hockey at Wrigley Field, holy cow!


January 1st 1 Eastern NBC/CBC

she'll be a good one.Go Wings Go!

Next year they should do it at Beaver Stadium; Flyers vs. Penguins. That would be epic, 100,000+ fans at an NHL game

I watched a little bit of this last year, I'll probably do the same, maybe more

They should do it in the Dolphins Stadium that would be sick lol.

Ice in Miami, lol

They Ask the guy who was doing the Ice this year if they could do it in LA and they said yes but it would take alot of work and money so it's possible.

GO HAWKS!!!

should have been in montreal this year.Leafs vs habs would have been great.I imagine it'll be the rangers vs the devils or something next year

f*** why is it so early I have not gone to bed yet :(

Been a good close game so far. 3-2 for the Chicago.

Did I not tell you.I got a little worried at the beginning there.Lilja further continues to add validity to my point about him being a pylon.Overall it was a great game.Next year I imagine the Rangers and the Bruins will go at in in ether Yankee Stadium or Fenway Park.

Yeah that was pretty cool. Can't wait for next year.

Last Years was better tbh.

This Year They Didn't Rig It.

I think last years was better because there was snow, imo that made it.not the game, just the atmosphere.

+1

Un Pinned.