The Penguins are in Boston today for the NHL Winter Classic, to be played at Fenway Park. Faceoff is scheduled shortly after 2 o’clock.
The temperature will be about 50 degrees when the puck drops and will drop to about 45 by the time the game ends. Skies will be partly cloudy with a slight chance of rain.
The Penguins have lost four games in a row and sit in a three-way tie with the Rangers and Islanders for fourth place in the Metro Division, with 44 points. The Bruins have the best record in hockey, with only four losses, and their 60 points top the Atlantic Division by 8 points over Toronto.
Coach Mike Sullivan is thrilled with playing in his hometown ballpark, but says the Penguins have a job to do.
Sullivan says the Penguins have to focus on playing hockey, not their surroundings.
While the coach’s number one priority is winning the game, lifelong Red Sox fan Sullivan also appreciates getting to play at Fenway.
This will be the sixth outdoor game the Penguins have participated in since they played the NHL’s first Winter Classic in 2008 at Buffalo, winning that game 2-1 on a Sidney Crosby shootout goal. Crosby says playing in Fenway Park is exciting.
Goaltender Tristan Jarry says playing in Fenway Park a thrill.
Kris Letang is with the team but did not skate yesterday. Sullivan says he is still day-to-day with an upper body injury. Fellow defenseman Chad Ruhwedel was suited up but did not skate a regular shift. Defenseman Jeff Petry also sat out. He’s on injured reserve and cannot return until next week. Injured forward Josh Archibald, a new dad, also sat out.
Penguins pregame airs at 1 o’clock on 92.5 FM, U92 and the U92 Sportschannel.
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