10 memorable photos from fittingly frigid Winter Classic
Target Field in Minneapolis was already going to serve as a picturesque backdrop for the 2022 NHL Winter Classic, but the freezing temperature produced even more compelling images than the league's typical stadium spectacles.
The open-air contest, which the St. Louis Blues won 6-4 over the Minnesota Wild, was the coldest outdoor game in NHL history based on the minus-8 degrees Fahrenheit reading recorded at puck drop, according to Bally Sports Midwest.
Here are 10 indelible images from the chilly tilt:
The Blues hilariously arrived at the ballpark in beach clothes despite the subzero conditions.
Eliot J. Schechter / National Hockey League / GettyThe cold left several of the players, including Blues captain Ryan O'Reilly, with some frozen facial hair.
David Berding / Getty Images Sport / GettyJordan Kyrou could see his breath, but he had the hot hand, too. The Blues forward ultimately collected two goals and two assists, setting an NHL outdoor game record with four points in the win.
Eliot J. Schechter / National Hockey League / GettyThe spotlight shone on Wild star Kirill Kaprizov during pregame introductions, and he would ultimately be the best player for the home squad, notching a goal and two assists.
Patrick McDermott / National Hockey League / GettyPlaying under the lights is always scenic, and Saturday night was no different.
Harrison Barden / Getty Images Sport / Getty Scott Rovak / National Hockey League / GettyKyrou celebrated his second goal of the game in style.
Patrick McDermott / National Hockey League / GettyThe Blues' Robert Thomas and Wild's Ryan Hartman got acquainted after falling to the ice together in the third period.
Patrick McDermott / National Hockey League / GettyThe aerial view of the field showed off the full scope of the hockey setup.
NHL Images / National Hockey League / GettySure, the Wild lost, but that didn't stop the Target Field crew from setting off some impressive fireworks.
Eliot J. Schechter / National Hockey League / GettyCopyright (C) 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.