‘The Detroit Red Wings’ dating back to 2009, have been in four of the thirty five Winter Classic games. Since 2017 they have been left out of the Winter Classic conversation.  Detroit was the away team f0r three out of four of their appearances, their lone home game was at the Big House in Ann Arbor in 2014. The Red Wings hosted the Toronto Maple Leafs where they play in front of an NHL record 105,000 fans. With the Detroit’s young roster gaining so much traction around the league, is it time for the Winter Classic to return to Hockeytown?

If the Winter Classic Does Return, Who Should They Play?

If the Winter Classic was to return to the Metro Detroit Area, there is one team that I believe that would make for interesting matchup for some outdoor hockey. That is the Tampa Bay Lightning. This is a rivalry that has been brewing dating back to their 2016 playoff matchup. Meanwhile, has made an even bigger resurgence with Head Coach Derek Lalonde coming over along with  Steve Yzerman.  With so many ties between the two teams, this would be the perfect way for the Red Wings to return to the Winter Classic.

Where Should the Red Wings’ Host It?

As much as I loved going to the game in Ann Arbor, and wouldn’t mind it returning their due to the awesome environment back in 2014. I think it would awesome to see an NHL game at Comerica Park. While they hosted the Alumni events there when the Red Wings last had the Winter Classic, it would be great to see the whole weekend being spent there. Detroit as a whole, is on the uprise. With so many great things going on around the city, the Winter Classic would be just the cherry on top.

Follow Detroit Red Wings Beat Reporter (@MichaelGentryJr) for more content & updates!

Photo Credit: AP