New Year’s Day is a big part of the NHL’s season. January 1^st is when a game known as the Winter Classic is played: an outdoor game played in the elements just as hockey had originally started. The 2015 Winter Classic was right here in Washington D.C. and featured none other the Washington Capitals and the Chicago Blackhawks.

The Winter Classic is one of the biggest events in the NHL, and a win over the Chicago Blackhawks is truly something to be excited about. The Capitals prevailed over Chicago 3-2 with only 12.9 seconds left in the game. Hockey is a game full of excitement, but this game brought a whole new level of excitement to Washington.

The game started roughly around 1:30 p.m. with clear skies and 43̊ temperatures. Because it was so sunny out, many fans believed the game would start an hour late to allow the sun to go behind Nationals Park, but the opening was played in the sun due to the game running late past it’s original 1 o’clock start time. Both goalies switched nets at exactly the 10 minute mark in the first period to reduce any unfair competition from sun glare.

Washington winger Eric Fehr gave the Capitals a one-nothing lead scoring a goal 7 minutes into the first period. His goal was an unassisted breakaway that started the buzz of cheers from Washington fans. Capitals captain Alexander Ovechkin scored a goal 12 minutes into the first period to give Washington a two-nothing lead over Chicago.

Chicago winger Patrick Sharp answered Ovechkin’s goal less than two minutes later to reduce the gap and bring the score to 2-1. In the second period the Blackhawks scored again when left wing Brandon Saad tied the game up at 2-2.

With time running out in the third period of the game, it started to look as if the game would go into overtime, however a goal was scored. Alexander Ovechkin was skating with the puck towards the Chicago net when he was slashed and lost the puck. The referee threw his arm up to signal a penalty, but Washington right wing Troy Brouwer scored the game winning goal with only 12.9 seconds remaining.

This was the first Winter Classic Washington has hosted, and Nationals Park was electrified. Seat cushions were thrown in the air, hugs were exchanged, and cheers could be heard up and down the streets. The 2015 Winter Classic was a fantastic game played in a fantastic city.