Winter Classic Live: The 2023 Winter Classic is back in Boston this season, as the Bruins are set to host the Penguins at Fenway Park for the 13th edition of the New Year’s festivities.
The outdoor game has been played every season in the NHL since the event was created ahead of the 2007-08 season. The lone exception was in 2021 when the delayed start to the season caused the NHL not to have the Winter Classic that year.
This season’s Winter Classic will not take place on New Year’s Day like in most previous years. With the holiday falling on a Sunday, the game instead will be played the next day, Monday, Jan. 2.
It is the third time the NHL has pushed the Winter Classic back one day when New Year’s Day is on a Sunday.
This is Boston’s fourth Winter Classic appearance and third time hosting the event. The Bruins previously played in 2010, 2016 and 2019. The B’s are 2-1-0 in the three previous occasions, defeating the Flyers in 2010 and the Blackhawks in 2019 while losing to the Canadiens in 2016.
The Penguins, who played in the inaugural event in 2008, are playing in their third Winter Classic. It’s the first time Pittsburgh will partake in the outdoor festivities since 2011. The Pens are 1-1-0 all-time in Winter Classic, winning the first one in 2008 over the Sabres and losing in 2011 to the Capitals.