Capitals snubbed from the NHL's annual Winter Classic
By: Brian McNally and Craig Stouffer
Washington Examiner
07/16/09 7:50 PM EDT
The Capitals were shut out of the NHL's annual Winter Classic because NBC reportedly didn't like the ratings the team drew in its first-round series against the New York Rangers in April. Instead, the Philadelphia Flyers will play the Boston Bruins at Fenway Park on New Year's Day.
Well, at least the Caps are still a big draw in Canada. Sources in Montreal have told The Examiner's Jim Williams that Washington will indeed play the Canadiens at Olympic Stadium on Nov. 28. The game itself is confirmed on the official NHL schedule released Wednesday. Sources tell Williams that while logistical details are still being worked out, the NHL has given its approval to hold the game in the big dome, which could host a crowd as large as 55,000. The event is a Saturday night showcase for Montreal's 100th season as a franchise and will be televised on the CBC's Hockey Night in Canada. Meanwhile, the Caps must wait until next summer to squeeze back into the Winter Classic mix.
More from Brian McNally
Follow The Examiner
