When the puck drops on the National Hockey League’s Winter Classic in Minnesota tonight, fans will hopefully remember how special it is to host an outdoor game. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the league hasn’t hosted an outdoor game with fans since the 2020 NHL Stadium Series in February 2020. With the world returning to normal and the Islanders rising in prominence, the Islanders deserve an outdoor game of their own.

In prior interviews, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has said UBS Arena is a favorite to host either the Draft or All-Star Game within the next five years. Perhaps an outdoor game could fall under that umbrella as well. But who, and where, could they play?

Islanders-Penguins: Heinz Field

One of the most popular ballparks in Major League Baseball is PNC Park. Known for its Alleghany River location and beautiful views of the Pittsburgh skyline, it is one of the prettiest backdrops in baseball to see a game. This would be a great scene for the Islanders and Penguins could renew their rivalry. The scenario makes all too much sense as well considering Pittsburgh’s prior outdoor games. The league has held both a Winter Classic and Stadium Series at nearby Heinz Field, but has never given the nod to PNC.

With the Islanders’ recent history with Pittsburgh, putting them in a matchup makes sense as well. They met in the playoffs three times in the last 10 years and boast a heated Metropolitan Division rivalry. Even for Pittsburgh’s extensive history of outdoor games (they have played the Flyers, Capitals, and Blackhawks), a matchup with the Islanders could provide a breath of fresh air for Pittsburgh fans.

Islanders-Rangers/Devils: MetLife Stadium

Another stadium that has been long in the rumor mill to host an outdoor game is MetLife Stadium. Home to the National Football League’s Giants and Jets, its unique location provides the potential for multiple unique games. UBS Arena, Madison Square Garden, and Prudential Center are all within a 30-mile radius of the stadium, providing the Islanders with two possible opponents. In fact, Wells Fargo Center, home of the Philadelphia Flyers, is also 90 minutes down the New Jersey Turnpike, providing another interesting scenario. However, if the Flyers were to be involved, it’s more likely the Devils will be the home team.

However, regardless of who the opponent may be for the Islanders, there is great potential regardless of their opponent. An Isles-Rangers match could have a near 50-50 split of fans, much like a MetLife Bowl matchup between the Jets and Giants. It is also possible that a split could happen if the Devils hosted the Islanders, but there could be more Devils fans if they hosted the event. However, regardless of home team and opponent, MetLife could be a fine host to an outdoor game. It isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing venue, but 82,500 hockey fans could create a fantastic atmosphere.

Islanders-Rangers: Citi Field

How cool would it be for the Islanders to play an outdoor game where their blue and orange cousins play? However, when Citi Field received the honor of hosting the Winter Classic in 2018, the game featured the New York Rangers and the Buffalo Sabres. In fact, the Sabres were the home team as an homage to the first Winter Classic in 2008. Plus, due to agreements with Madison Square Garden, the arena has to host all 41 Rangers home games, meaning they’ll be the away team no matter where they play. Even though the Isles and Rangers did play at Yankee Stadium in 2014, having the Islanders as the home team there didn’t feel right.

However, with the Islanders now settled 13 miles from Citi Field, the two organizations are closer than ever. It seems natural for the Islanders to host a game there. The one drawback to the plan is that it’s a repeat venue, but to bring the Rangers back for a true rivalry game could be great for the NHL.

Regardless of the venue, the league is clearly willing to give the Islanders exposure. With their recent success, the Islanders are a team to watch again, and this success can be rewarded with an outdoor game appearance. Even if the Islanders don’t enter the 2023 outdoor game scene, the scenarios presented are pieces to watch as the league looks to put the Islanders on the national stage.

Matthew Page

I am a first year student at Hofstra University and an avid Islanders fan. I have been writing for Drive4Five since March 2020. My family has been season ticket holders for the team since 2016, and hockey is my favorite sport. As I expand my knowledge in the field of Journalism, I am writing to express my love for the Islanders and the NHL.