Winter Classic showcases NHL's next big rivalry

Jan 2, 2009 - 1:49 PM By Zachary Ingraham PA SportsTicker Staff Writer

For the second year in a row, the Winter Classic brought some much-needed attention to the NHL.

But unlike last year - when the outdoor event showcased the league's biggest superstar in Sidney Crosby - the signature regular-season game featured a storied rivalry, which will only become more intense in the years ahead.

The Detroit Red Wings proved they were still the class of the NHL in front of 40,818 hostile fans and a national television audience, overcoming an early two-goal deficit to record a 6-4 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday at Wrigley Field.

"It was pretty disappointing," Blackhawks right wing Patrick Sharp said of the result. "I think it was a great opportunity for us as an organization to show everyone the strides that we've taken as a team."

While Chicago may not be quite ready to challenge the likes of Detroit - the reigning Stanley Cup champions - the club has proved this season that they are not that far away either.

Before dropping a 4-0 decision in Detroit on Tuesday, Chicago was just four points back in the Central Division standings. The Red Wings' sweep of the home-and-home series extended their lead to eight points nearly halfway through the season.

"The points are very important," Detroit coach Mike Babcock said. "We came in here, Chicago basically with games in hand, if they kept winning, caught us. And suddenly, it was a good swing for us."

Despite dropping all four meetings against Detroit this season, the Blackhawks are earning the respect of their "Original Six" rival.

"The guys really got up for playing the Blackhawks," Detroit captain Nicklas Lidstrom said. "We know they're a good, young team, and you have to be prepared when you play them."

"Growing up a Blackhawks fan, deep down, I like to see Chicago hockey back on the map." said Red Wings defenseman Brett Lebda, who is from Buffalo Grove, Illinois. "And for us and Detroit, it's a rivalry that's been waiting to be rekindled. And now, because of their success, I think it has."

One has to go back more than five years to find an NHL rivalry that generated national interest - Detroit and Colorado.

Their bitter playoff battles were must-see hockey at the time, but the retirement of Colorado's Patrick Roy in 2003 took much of the luster off the rivalry.

But the blossoming Blackhawks appear ready to re-ignite their rivalry with the Red Wings, who have been the class of NHL during the past dozen years.

The Blackhawks have been on the rise since finishing the 2006-07 campaign with one of the worst records in the league and selecting right wing Patrick Kane with the top pick in the ensuing draft.

Chicago made a strong showing last year - missing the postseason by three points - and appears poised to end its six-year playoff drought this campaign.

With a roster loaded with young talent and a front office no longer afraid to make moves (see defenseman Brian Campbell and goaltender Cristobal Huet), the Blackhawks will likely continue to get better over the next few seasons.

The Red Wings, who have won four Stanley Cups since the last time Chicago advanced past the first round of the playoffs, provide a great measuring stick for the improving Blackhawks.

"It was a special game for everybody." Chicago coach Joel Quenneville said. "It wasn't just another game. I thought we brought that intensity knowing that we needed to play against the Red Wings. We had to bring our best game against them."

With eight regular-season meetings per season, plus potential playoff matchups, Detroit and Chicago are sure to play in more "Classics" in the years ahead.

Even if they don't take place at a baseball stadium.