NHL schedules two games in Yankee Stadium
Let's play two in Yankee Stadium. Two hockey games, that is, and not baseball.
The NHL announced Wednesday a twin bill is scheduled outdoors in New York early next year. The New York Rangers will face the New Jersey Devils on Sunday, Jan. 26, at 12:30 p.m. ET and the Rangers will play the New York Islanders on Wednesday, Jan. 29, at 7:30 p.m. as part of the league's outdoor stadium series.
"The teams playing in these two games -- the Rangers, Islanders and Devils -- have tremendously loyal fans and the rivalries are intense because of their proximity and playoff history," said Mathieu Schneider, NHLPA special assistant to the executive director. "Yankee Stadium is a landmark venue in New York City, and to see hockey played in such a celebrated setting will be extremely memorable to the players and everyone involved."
Three other previously announced games will be played outside next year. The Detroit Red Wings will take on the Toronto Maple Leafs on Jan. 1 in Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich., in the NHL Winter Classic, the Anaheim Ducks will face off against the Los Angeles Kings in Dodger Stadium on Jan. 25 and the Chicago Blackhawks will play host to the Pittsburgh Penguins on March 1 in Soldier Field.
"The innovative nature of the Stadium Series affords the opportunity to have all three NHL teams in the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area play, outdoors, at one of the most-celebrated stadiums in the world," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said. "We'll be able to create a multifaceted, multi-day experience for our fans."
The Rangers played an outdoor game in the 2012 Winter Classic in Philadelphia, defeating the Flyers 3-2.
