The Best NHL Stadium Series Games: A Celebration of Outdoor Hockey’s Greatest Moments
Outdoor games have become a beloved tradition in the NHL, offering fans a unique way to experience the sport in stunning and unconventional settings. From the iconic Stadium Series Games to the historic Winter Classic, Heritage Classic, NHL Outdoors at Lake Tahoe, and the Centennial Classic, these outdoor spectacles have provided unforgettable moments in the history of the sport.
Outdoor games in the NHL bring the excitement and intensity of the game to massive open-air stadiums, combining the raw energy of hockey with the grandeur of some of the most famous sports venues in North America. These events have become a way for the NHL to celebrate the sport, while connecting with fans in a whole new way. Here’s a look back at the best NHL outdoor games of all time and the moments that have made them legendary.
NHL Stadium Series Games
The NHL Stadium Series debuted in 2014, a series of outdoor games designed to complement the Winter Classic and bring outdoor hockey to more cities and fanbases. The Stadium Series games have showcased intense rivalries and incredible atmospheres, as well as memorable performances on the ice.
- 2014 Stadium Series: Los Angeles Kings vs. Anaheim Ducks
- Date: January 25, 2014
- Location: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California
- The first NHL game ever played at a baseball stadium, this matchup between California rivals the Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks was a spectacle under the lights of Dodger Stadium. The game marked a new era for outdoor hockey in warm-weather cities, and the Kings went on to win 3-0 in front of a sold-out crowd. The picturesque setting of the stadium and the intensity of the rivalry made this an unforgettable moment.
- 2016 Stadium Series: Colorado Avalanche vs. Detroit Red Wings
- Date: February 27, 2016
- Location: Coors Field, Denver, Colorado
- Coors Field hosted a historic clash between two Western Conference foes, with the Avalanche and Red Wings playing a thrilling contest. This was the first outdoor game in Colorado and the atmosphere at the home of the Colorado Rockies was electric. The Avalanche triumphed 5-3 in front of 50,000 fans.
- 2020 Stadium Series: Colorado Avalanche vs. Los Angeles Kings
- Date: February 15, 2020
- Location: Falcon Stadium, Colorado Springs, Colorado
- A truly breathtaking venue for an outdoor game, Falcon Stadium offered a beautiful mountain backdrop for the Avalanche and Kings. The Avalanche won 3-1, providing another chapter to the growing history of outdoor games in the NHL.
NHL Winter Classic
The NHL Winter Classic is the crown jewel of outdoor hockey events, taking place on New Year’s Day each year. These games have grown into an annual tradition, often played in iconic stadiums like Fenway Park in Boston, Notre Dame Stadium, and Cotton Bowl in Dallas. With its unique atmosphere and cold-weather setting, the Winter Classic is a fan-favorite.
- 2008 Winter Classic: Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Buffalo Sabres
- Date: January 1, 2008
- Location: Ralph Wilson Stadium, Buffalo, New York
- The first-ever Winter Classic was a defining moment for the NHL, showcasing the magic of outdoor hockey to a national audience. The Penguins defeated the Sabres 2-1 in a game that instantly became one of the most iconic in hockey history. The game’s success helped establish the Winter Classic as a cornerstone of the NHL’s outdoor schedule.
- 2014 Winter Classic: Detroit Red Wings vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
- Date: January 1, 2014
- Location: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- This matchup between two historic franchises drew an astounding 105,491 fans to Michigan Stadium—setting a record for the largest attendance at an NHL game. The Maple Leafs edged out the Red Wings 3-2 in a thrilling contest. The sheer size of the crowd and the energy in the air made this one of the most memorable Winter Classics of all time.
- 2018 Winter Classic: New York Rangers vs. Buffalo Sabres
- Date: January 1, 2018
- Location: Citi Field, New York City
- A stunning venue for this rivalry game, Citi Field—home of the New York Mets—set the stage for a hard-fought matchup between the Rangers and the Sabres. The Rangers emerged victorious with a 3-2 win in a game that featured breathtaking plays and a crisp winter atmosphere.
Heritage Classic
The Heritage Classic is the NHL’s Canadian outdoor game, celebrating the sport’s roots in the Great White North. The event has been a key part of growing the sport’s presence in Canada and has included some iconic matchups.
- 2003 Heritage Classic: Edmonton Oilers vs. Montreal Canadiens
- Date: November 22, 2003
- Location: Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton, Alberta
- The first-ever outdoor game in Canada, the Heritage Classic featured the Oilers taking on the Montreal Canadiens. The Oilers won 4-3 in overtime, creating a memorable moment for fans in Edmonton and solidifying the Heritage Classic as an important event in NHL history.
- 2011 Heritage Classic: Calgary Flames vs. Montreal Canadiens
- Date: February 20, 2011
- Location: McMahon Stadium, Calgary, Alberta
- With McMahon Stadium as the backdrop, this was a celebration of the Canadian game. The Flames and Canadiens faced off in a spirited contest, with Calgary emerging as the 4-0 winners in front of over 41,000 fans.
NHL Outdoors at Lake Tahoe
In 2021, the NHL took outdoor hockey to a whole new level with the NHL Outdoors at Lake Tahoe series, played on the stunning shores of Lake Tahoe in Nevada.
- 2021 NHL Outdoors at Lake Tahoe: Vegas Golden Knights vs. Colorado Avalanche
- Date: February 20, 2021
- Location: Edgewood Tahoe Resort, Lake Tahoe, Nevada
- The beautiful setting of Lake Tahoe provided a scenic backdrop for this memorable game, where the Golden Knights defeated the Avalanche 3-2. The event faced a weather delay, but it only added to the mystique of playing on such a unique outdoor stage.
NHL100 Classic & Centennial Classic
The NHL100 Classic and Centennial Classic were special events to mark significant anniversaries in the NHL’s storied history. These outdoor games celebrated the league’s past while continuing to write new chapters in outdoor hockey history.
- 2017 NHL100 Classic: Montreal Canadiens vs. Ottawa Senators
- Date: December 16, 2017
- Location: Lansdowne Park, Ottawa, Ontario
- The NHL100 Classic commemorated the league’s 100th anniversary with a thrilling matchup between the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators. The game was filled with emotion as both teams put on an outstanding show for fans, with the Senators winning 3-0 in a dominant performance.
- 2017 Centennial Classic: Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Detroit Red Wings
- Date: January 1, 2017
- Location: BMO Field, Toronto, Ontario
- The Centennial Classic celebrated the NHL’s 100th anniversary and featured the Toronto Maple Leafs facing off against the Detroit Red Wings. The Leafs won 5-4 in an exhilarating game that reminded fans of the rich history and tradition of the sport.
Top NHL Stadium Games of All Time
- 2008 Winter Classic: Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Buffalo Sabres
- 2014 Winter Classic: Detroit Red Wings vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
- 2011 Heritage Classic: Calgary Flames vs. Montreal Canadiens
- 2021 NHL Outdoors at Lake Tahoe: Vegas Golden Knights vs. Colorado Avalanche
- 2017 Centennial Classic: Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Detroit Red Wings
- 2016 Stadium Series: Colorado Avalanche vs. Detroit Red Wings
- 2003 Heritage Classic: Edmonton Oilers vs. Montreal Canadiens
- 2014 Stadium Series: Los Angeles Kings vs. Anaheim Ducks
- 2017 NHL100 Classic: Montreal Canadiens vs. Ottawa Senators
- 2018 Winter Classic: New York Rangers vs. Buffalo Sabres