The Chicago Blackhawks have had terrible luck in outdoor games over the years. Whether it’s the Stadium Series or Winter Classic, they don’t play at their best in these situations.
That doesn’t only apply to their rebuilding era either. Multiple Stanley Cup-contending Blackhawks teams lost big outdoor games.
Now, playing for the Detroit Red Wings, Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat had an opportunity to have a better outdoor experience. They took on the Columbus Blue Jackets at the University of Ohio State in the 2025 NHL Stadium Series.
The point of this game was to recreate the rivalry that the OSU Buckeyes have with the Michigan Wolverines, specifically in football. The intensity that they were looking for was there.
Lucky enough for the NHL, this game also came in with big standings implications. The Red Wings and Blue Jackets were both tied with 66 points and in Wild Card position. Coming away with two points was pivotal for both sides.
Although Alex DeBrincat scored twice and Patrick Kane scored once, the Red Wings did not win. Justin Danforth of the Blue Jackets scored with under three minutes remaining in regulation to break the tie before Adam Fantilli sealed the 5-3 win with an empty-netter.
In typical Blackhawks fashion, Kane and DeBrincat played well on an individual level but they weren’t winners with their team.
Chicago will always love Patrick Kane due to the success that he helped deliver. DeBrincat was also a great player in his own right. Following the rest of their careers will interest fans for a long time. They performed well on a big stage and should be proud.
Both Kane and DeBrincat will play a big role in Detroit’s push for the playoffs. If they are going to end their long drought that dates back to 2016, these two will need to continue playing at a high level.
Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay updated on the latest news, game-day coverage, player features, and more.
