NHL’s Winter Classic: Final thoughts

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Chicago -- A number of factors came together Thursday to make this year’s Winter Classic at Wrigley Field between the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks an athletic and artistic success.

Advances in ice-making technology and cooperative weather made this not only possible but competitively compelling. The surface was good, with only minor fixes needed during the game. ‘It was over average,’ Detroit forward Henrik Zetterberg said. ‘Some rinks out there have worse ice.’

The site was distinctive and familiar. Every sports fan has heard of Wrigley Field or seen it on TV or in person. The idea of putting an ice rink in a stadium so strongly identified with baseball added an intriguing twist.

‘It was a special place to be and play,’ Blackhawks Coach Joel Quenneville said after his team’s 6-4 loss. ‘And certainly we are not happy with the way it ended up, but it was a privilege to be here today.’

It was a meaningful game. The Blackhawks, revived after decades of self-immolation, had won nine straight games before they faced the Red Wings on Tuesday in Detroit. The Blackhawks urgently wanted to respond Thursday and rode the crowd’s energy to a fast start. They were stymied by the depth and poise of the Red Wings, who overcame the Blackhawks’ 3-1 lead after the first period.

‘They’re the defending Stanley Cup champs for a reason,’ Chicago defenseman Duncan Keith said. ‘At the same time, we all think we’re a good team, and hopefully, if we keep improving, we’ll be like them.’

The NHL should do this again, and probably will. But where? And which teams should be invited?

Fenway Park should be considered for next season’s site. It’s also a landmark and home to an Original Six team that has enjoyed a renaissance this season.

Yankee Stadium was a candidate to host this game until logistics made it impossible; the new stadium could be next but it doesn’t have the history that the old one did or that Wrigley did.

Other teams beyond the Original Six -- and Original 26 -- deserve a chance to be involved, too. But will they have the widespread appeal of the long-established franchises?

No matter where the next Winter Classic is played, it won’t easily live up to this one.

-- Helene Elliott