WASHINGTON -- A person familiar with the NHL's plans says the Chicago Blackhawks will be the Washington Capitals' opponent when the Winter Classic comes to D.C. on Jan. 1.
The person Friday spoke on condition of anonymity because the league has not announced the schedule for the upcoming season.
The NHL awarded the game to Washington in September. This year's Classic was played at Michigan Stadium.
The league has been considering three venues in the Washington area: Nationals Park, RFK Stadium and FedEx Field. Capitals owner Ted Leonsis has said he would prefer to play the game in D.C., which would rule out FedEx Field in the Maryland suburbs.
The Blackhawks have played in the New Year's Day game once before, having hosted it at Wrigley Field in 2009.
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