Connor Bedard, the standout player for the Chicago Blackhawks, is in the spotlight as he competes in Tuesday’s Winter Classic against the St. Louis Blues.

The reigning 2023-24 NHL rookie of the year and the first overall pick in 2023 is the highlight of this annual outdoor match, which is making its return to Wrigley Field, the venue that hosted the second Winter Classic back in 2009.

Although Bedard was selected for last season’s NHL All-Star Game, he couldn’t participate due to a broken jaw and played only a minor role during the skills competition. Unfortunately, he was not chosen for the 4 Nations Face-Off by Canada.

However, he is entering the Winter Classic on a high note, having amassed 17 points across his last 16 games, with six of those occurring in the last four matches.

The Blues are headlined by Jordan Kyrou, who notably gained four points in the 2022 Winter Classic.

Here’s what to know about the 2024 Winter Classic matchup between the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues:

Watch the 2024 Winter Classic on Sling

Current Score: Cam Fowler from the Blues Scores in 1,000th Game

Blues defenseman Cam Fowler started the scoring with a power-play goal just 1:40 into the game, taking advantage of Chicago’s Louis Crevier being penalized for delay of game.

Fowler celebrated his milestone in a historic setting after being traded. He played his first 991 games with the Anaheim Ducks before being exchanged for Jeremie Biakabutuka and a second-round pick in 2027. With the Blues, he has recorded a goal and four assists in eight games, marking his second goal with the team.

Who Performed the National Anthem?

Jim Cornelison, the regular anthem singer for the Blackhawks, performed at the Winter Classic.

Players Enter the Ice for the Winter Classic

The Blackhawks and Blues took to the ice as The Smashing Pumpkins played “Tonight, Tonight,” with Chance The Rapper scheduled to perform during intermissions.

When Does the Winter Classic Start?

The Chicago Blackhawks will face off against the St. Louis Blues at 5 p.m. ET (4 p.m. local) on Tuesday, December 31, at Wrigley Field in Chicago. The game is typically held on New Year’s Day, but this year it has been scheduled earlier due to the College Football Playoff quarterfinals taking place on January 1.

What TV Channel is the Winter Classic On?

The game will air nationally on TNT and truTV, with a pregame show starting at 4 p.m. ET.

Where to Stream the Winter Classic?

The game will be available for streaming on Sling and Max.

Performance of the Blackhawks and Blues in Outdoor Games

The Blackhawks have participated in the Winter Classic four times (2009, 2015, 2017, and 2019) without a victory, achieving a record of 0-4. In the Stadium Series, they are 1-1. The Blues have a perfect 2-0 record in Winter Classics (2017, 2022), their only outdoor matchups so far.

Coaches in Transition for the Winter Classic

Neither coach started the season with their current teams. Chicago’s interim coach Anders Sorensen, the first Swedish-born head coach in the NHL, took over for Luke Richardson on December 5. Jim Montgomery was hired by the Blues on November 24, replacing Drew Bannister. Montgomery had been released from his previous job with the Boston Bruins just five days prior. This is the first instance where both coaches in a Winter Classic are in-season replacements.

Winter Classic Weather Update

As the game nears its commencement, light rain is currently falling, with potential snowfall expected.

Future Winter Classic Location

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman mentioned that details regarding the next Winter Classic venue are likely to be announced next week, due to pending agreements. He assured fans, “It’s going to be unique. It’s going to be special, I promise that,” he said while shielding himself from the rain with an umbrella. “People may think we’ve lost our minds, but it’s going to be really good.”

Arrival Outfits of the Blues and Blackhawks Players

The players from both teams arrived at Wrigley Field in stylish, coordinated outfits—a growing tradition for outdoor games. Here’s what they wore:

The Blues donned gray sweatshirts and ski caps featuring the number 99, paying tribute to Wayne Gretzky, the NHL’s all-time leading scorer who played in part for the St. Louis team. He will also be part of the game broadcast as a TNT studio analyst.

The Blackhawks players traveled to the game via train, expressing gratitude for Chicago’s first responders on their sleeves, while showcasing names of their favorite charities on their hats. They were seen carrying their skates using their sticks.

Projected Starting Goalies for the Winter Classic

For the Blackhawks – Petr Mrazek: He holds a record of 1-1 in outdoor matches, with a goals-against average (GAA) of 3.55 and a save percentage of .891. His stats for the 2024-25 season are: 7 wins, 13 losses, 1 overtime loss; GAA: 3.09, save percentage: .897.

For the Blues – Jordan Binnington: He has one win and no losses in outdoor games, having triumphed in the 2022 Winter Classic, with a GAA of 4.00 and a .879 save percentage. His stats for the 2024-25 season are: 9 wins, 14 losses, 3 overtime losses; GAA: 2.93, save percentage: .895.

Previous Winter Classic Matchup Between Blues and Blackhawks

The Blues previously defeated the Blackhawks 4-1 in the 2017 Winter Classic, which was held at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.

Winter Classic Returns to Wrigley Field

The previous Winter Classic at Wrigley Field saw the Detroit Red Wings defeat the Blackhawks 6-4 in 2009. This Chicago Cubs stadium is not the first venue to host multiple Winter Classics, as the games in 2010 and 2023 were hosted at Boston’s Fenway Park.

Update on Winter Classic Weather

Snow showers are possible just before and during the first period, and the game will see overcast skies as it progresses. The temperature is expected to be around 37 degrees when the puck drops and will cool down to about 35 degrees.

Performers for the Winter Classic

The Smashing Pumpkins are lined up to play before the game, while Chance The Rapper will take the stage during the intermission.

Winter Classic Betting Odds

Odds sourced from BetMGM

• Point Spread: Blues -1.5

• Moneyline: Blues -140, Blackhawks +120

• Over/Under: 5.5