<p>With 32 teams and seemingly infinite storylines, it’s hard to keep track of all the weekly goings on during the NHL season. That’s why I’m here to help. Every Monday from October to April, I’ll preview the key events, games, narratives and milestones in play for the week.</p>



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<p>So what’s on tap for Dec. 30 –&nbsp;Jan. 5?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Dec. 31: Blackhawks host 2025 NHL Winter Classic</h2>



<p><strong><a href="https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/teams/st-louis-blues/line-combinations">St. Louis Blues</a> @ <a href="https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/teams/chicago-blackhawks/line-combinations">Chicago Blackhawks</a>, 5:00 p.m. ET</strong></p>



<p>For the first time ever, the Winter Classic will fall on New Years Eve and not in early January, meaning the “2025 Winter Classic” will technically take place in late hours of 2024. The Blackhawks will host the Blues at legendary Wrigley Field in the 42<sup>nd</sup> outdoor game in NHL history.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Dec. 31: Cam Fowler’s 1,000<sup>th</sup> game</h2>



<p>He played 991 of ’em as an <a href="https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/teams/anaheim-ducks/line-combinations">Anaheim Duck</a>, second in franchise history and more than any other Ducks defenseman. So it feels strange to see Fowler hit the 1,000-game mark as a Blue. But at least he’ll do it on a dramatic stage, playing in the Winter Classic. He has logged more than 22 minutes a night across his first eight games as a Blue, picking up five points.</p><div class="injected-ad injected-video" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="0" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="187"></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Jan. 5: World Junior Championship gold medal game</h2>



<p>Who will be crowned as the top under-20 hockey nation on the planet? Canadian Tire Centre hosts the gold medal game Sunday at 7:30 p.m. ET.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Connor Hellebucyk’s 300<sup>th</sup> win</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/teams/winnipeg-jets/line-combinations">Winnipeg Jets</a> play four times this week, with one back-to-back, so we can assume the workhorse Hellebuyck will start three games. The two-time – and soon to be three-time? – Vezina Trophy winner sits at 298 victories. When he gets his 300<sup>th</sup>, he’ll become the 41<sup>st</sup> netminder to do it. The <a href="https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/teams/carolina-hurricanes/line-combinations">Carolina Hurricanes</a>’ Frederik Andersen is stuck at 298 as he works his way back from a knee injury.</p>
