Last season's Winter Classic showdown between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Buffalo Sabres was generally regarded as a resounding success, and couldn't have played out much better for the popularity of the NHL, even if it had been scripted (Of course, if Hollywood's writers were doing it, it would probably have to be a sequel of some kind...). The poster child for the NHL scores the game winning goal in an exciting shootout and a light snow. I don't remember the exact numbers, but the game was well received and widely viewed.
The upcoming season is going to be capitalizing on the success of the last Winter Classic, by following up with a second outdoor game, between the Detroit Red Wings and the Chicago Blackhawks, played at Wrigley Field in Chicago. This idea has potential to be as good as, or even surpass the popularity of the previous Winter Classic.
The team choices for the 2009 Winter Classic really couldn't be better. Two of the Original Six teams, as well as division opponents, the Red Wings and Blackhawks will be able to provide some real vintage jerseys and also (hopefully) some fierce division play. There is another thing that could make this game more exciting: the 2008 Stanley Cup Final. How does last season's SCF play into next season's game? Well, besides the fact that the winner will be playing in the game, I've noticed a number of similarities between the recent Blackhawks team and the Penguins team a few years ago, as they began to become a legitimate playoff team, and later a Cup contender. I feel the Blackhawks are ready to breakout in a big way this season, especially with their success in free agency (though I thoroughly believe they may have overpaid in some cases, perhaps including Brian Campbell). If my hunch is correct, then you may have a Winter Classic that will be comparable to last season's Stanley Cup.
Although somewhat irrelevant, it's also interesting to note that Ty Conklin, now a member of member of the Red wings, could potentially play in all three outdoor NHL games (The Heritage Classic as a member of Edmonton, The 2008 Winter Classic as a member of Pittsburgh, and The 2009 Winter Classic as a member of Detroit). It probably won't have much impact on the game, but Ty Conklin has become one of my favorite players recently, so I find that fact intriguing.