Target Field in Minneapolis was already going to serve as a picturesque backdrop for the 2022 NHL Winter Classic, but the freezing temperature produced even more compelling images than the league's typical stadium spectacles.
The open-air contest, which the St. Louis Blues won 6-4 over the Minnesota Wild, was the coldest outdoor game in NHL history based on the minus-8 degrees Fahrenheit reading recorded at puck drop, according to Bally Sports Midwest.
Here are 10 indelible images from the chilly tilt:
The Blues hilariously arrived at the ballpark in beach clothes despite the subzero conditions.
The cold left several of the players, including Blues captain Ryan O'Reilly, with some frozen facial hair.
Jordan Kyrou could see his breath, but he had the hot hand, too. The Blues forward ultimately collected two goals and two assists, setting an NHL outdoor game record with four points in the win.
The spotlight shone on Wild star Kirill Kaprizov during pregame introductions, and he would ultimately be the best player for the home squad, notching a goal and two assists.
Playing under the lights is always scenic, and Saturday night was no different.
Kyrou celebrated his second goal of the game in style.
The Blues' Robert Thomas and Wild's Ryan Hartman got acquainted after falling to the ice together in the third period.
The aerial view of the field showed off the full scope of the hockey setup.
Sure, the Wild lost, but that didn't stop the Target Field crew from setting off some impressive fireworks.