As the New York Rangers and New York Islanders prepare for Wednesday's game at Yankee Stadium, the NHL is looking ahead to next season with plans for several more outdoor events.
4 outdoor NHL games likely next season. Tons of interest. SJ, Phx, Col, Bos, Minn, CBJ, etc. Toronto pushing hard for Winter Classic....
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) January 29, 2014
The decision to continue the trend of multiple outdoor games stems from the fact that these events are a financial boon for the league.
Ballpark number (no pun intended)...6 outdoor games this season should generate aprox $20 million in revenue for NHL and NHLPA.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) January 29, 2014
In short, get used to the idea of regular season games being played outdoors more than once per season. This development does, however, fit with an earlier report suggesting there would be fewer than six outdoor games next season.