It’s time to triple-layer, break out the hand warmers and stock up on your go-to hot beverage (or favorite libation).
For the first time in over a decade, the Bruins are set to return to Fenway Park — with the NHL announcing on Friday night that the Bruins will host the 2023 Winter Classic at the Red Sox' home ballpark.
Boston bested the Flyers at Fenway, 2-1, in overtime at the 2010 Winter Classic (courtesy of a Marco Strum tally), but this will stand as the fifth outdoor game for the B’s in the span of 13 years.
The Bruins last hosted the Winter Classic in 2016 — getting pummeled by the Montreal Canadiens, 5-1, in a snoozer at Gillette Stadium. Since then, the B’s have taken the game outside in two other contests — beating the Chicago Blackhawks, 4-2, at the 2019 Winter Classic at Notre Dame Stadium before trouncing the Flyers, 7-3, at the NHL Outdoors Game at Lake Tahoe back in February 2021.
Per the NHL, Boston’s opponent, broadcast information and a confirmed date for the 2023 NHL Winter Classic will be announced when available — although one has to think that the league won’t stray from its usual date of New Year’s Day.
As for an opponent, Mike Grinnell of Barstool Sports reported earlier this week that the Penguins would be Boston’s opponent — which, considering the fact that John Henry and Fenway Sports Group bought the Pens just a few months ago, makes plenty of sense.