Dan’s Daily: NHL Makes Penguins – Bruins Winter Classic Official

We discussed this back in January. And ESPN reported in February. Nearly everyone can claim some level of scoop as the Pittsburgh Penguins have been the oft-rumored, poorly kept secret opponent of the Boston Bruins in the 2023 Winter Classic at Fenway Park.

The Penguins now own Fenway, you know. New Penguins owner Fenway Sports Group owns the Boston Red Sox, the park, and other sports properties from a NASCAR team to Premier League Soccer.

According to ESPN, NHL Network reporter, and all-around good guy Kevin Weekes, it’s a done deal and will be held on Jan. 2, 2023.

**Breaking News** 🚨📰

I’m told it’s the @penguins that will be the @NHLBruins opponent for the upcoming 2023 @NHL Winter Classic to be played on Jan 2nd at @fenwaypark the home of the @NHLBruins . @espn @NHLNetwork #HockeyTwitter pic.twitter.com/pQYsHLoJnH

— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) April 13, 2022

What PHN has heard for months is that stiff discussions took place regarding things like concessions for the game. It would be a home game for the Boston Bruins, played in a stadium owned by the Penguins, and there were entanglements. ESPN also reported it back in February.

Neat twist, huh?

The Pittsburgh Penguins haven’t appeared in the Winter Classic since the ill-fated game of 2011, which had to be postponed until the evening because of inclement weather. In that game, Penguins captain Sidney Crosby collided with Washington Capitals player David Steckel, which began a nearly two-year concussion saga for Crosby.

Eventually, Crosby was diagnosed not with lingering concussion symptoms but with a deep tissue neck injury.

Pittsburgh Penguins Wrap:

The playoff berth was within their grasp, but the Penguins could not close the deal and beat the New York Islanders in regulation on Tuesday night. Our report card was a thorough vetting of what the Penguins must do to prepare for the playoffs.

It was a fun game to watch, that is for sure. The Penguins didn’t lack scoring chances. And they finished, but they also gave up quite a few chances in their 5-4 SO loss to the Islanders. According to Pens historian Bob Grove, the Penguins have converted only two of their last 19 shootout chances.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: It’s better than a postgame read. It’s a postgame talk with 93-7 the Fan’s Paul Zeise. What went wrong? What went right? And what about the Metro Division playoff race…  Pittsburgh Penguins postgame chat.

I’d love to have more of you as PHN+ subscribers. Get an ad-free experience and exclusive, in-depth analysis (often fueled by scouts and industry folk).

PHN+: We broke it down–What are the Penguins doing wrong, and most importantly, what must they do to get ready for the playoffs? Penguins analysis.