This year’s version of the NHL Winter Classic was indeed a great game played at Wrigley Field between the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings. The Blackhawks jumped out to a 1-0 lead with a goal from Kris Versteeg, but the Red Wings were able to come back to tie it 1-1 by a goal from Mikael Samuelsson. The Blackhawks quickly jumped back in front with two more goals to take a 3-1 lead after the 1st period. After that the Red Wings led an offensive attack with three goals in the second period and never looked back to win the game 6-4 .

This year’s version of the game seemed to have a better flow to it as there wasn’t any snow wailing around the rink as the 2008 Winter Classic version had, of course outside temperatures did play a minor role as the puck movement was slow at times with the rink ice warming up. What we also liked about this game is that these teams just played each other a few nights ago in Detroit so the physical play was noticed every time the puck was near the goal area so instead of an on ice classic you might see during the All Star game; this game had the feel of a playoff type game. The only thing that needed some work was the hockey version of ‘Take Me Out to the Ballgame’ sung by Stan Mikita, Bobby Hull and others, we’re just happy that we will always remember them as great hockey players, not as singers. Their singing was something you might see on the opening tryout weeks on American Idol, we don’t think Simon Cowell will be calling them to get a record deal done anytime soon.

Whomever gets the game next year as there is talk about the Winter Classic being played in New York or possibly even at Penn State University, the NHL will need to make sure they put two rivals against one another so that the on ice tempo matches the heightened excitement in the stand and the viewers watching from home.

To take a part of the 2009 Winter Classic home with you, please click on the product links below to purchase the jerseys the teams wore as well as t-shirts and hats.

Chicago Blackhawks replica Winter Classic jersey
Click Here to Buy Today – $145.00

Detroit Red Wings replica Winter Classic jersey
Click Here to Buy Today – $145.00

Purchase more 2009 NHL Winter Classic apparel by clicking here.

Here is a video of the Pavel Datsyuk goal from the 2009 NHL Winter Classic.