x

Already member? Login first!

Comments / New

The Blackhawks should play outdoor games forever because it irritates everyone else

So in case you haven’t heard, the Chicago Blackhawks are going to play another Winter Classic in 2019. This time, it’s reportedly at Notre Dame Stadium against the Boston Bruins. We’re generally excited around here, because that’s what we do when fun things involving the Blackhawks happen.

Not everyone is thrilled that the Blackhawks will be playing their fifth outdoor game in six years, however, something that you’ll quickly realize any time this is mentioned. The people, you see, are extremely sick of the Blackhawks and their enjoying the fresh air and what not.

Even the SB Nation mothership got in on the action:

However, there’s an important thing none of those people have considered yet: It’s rather funny seeing how frustrated they get over the NHL regularly scheduling one of its most popular teams, from one of its largest markets, to play in one of its biggest games of the regular season. This is the kind of low-stakes nonsense upon which I thrive.

So instead of not scheduling the Blackhawks to play outdoors at any point, the NHL should keep doing it into oblivion. Do it until nobody, from the Chicago fans to the Blackhawks themselves, wants to be doing this anymore. Sure, we could all be sitting inside a heated arena, but who doesn’t love that early January weather?

You’re probably thinking, “Why the hell would we want this, the Blackhawks are 1-4 in these games?” But consider this — one game in an 82-game season isn’t that big of a deal, and what about jokes? Think of all the jokes we’d lose if the NHL started scheduling Hurricanes-Panthers and Coyotes-Avalanche outdoor games instead. Maybe this isn’t in hockey’s best interests, but hey, skipping the Olympics probably wasn’t ideal, either.

So I say screw it, let’s embrace the Blackhawks Outdoor Barnstorm Tour and have them play outdoors in a different part of the country every year. It’s fun, and it irritates just about everyone who isn’t a Blackhawks fan. Let us cherish these special moments.

Talking Points