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Washington Capitals set to host 2015 NHL Winter Classic (Report)

In Jan. 2012, Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis wrote on his blog that he had been assured his team would play host to a Winter Classic "in the future." After acting as visitors in 2011 at Heinz Field against the Pittsburgh Penguins, all signs are pointing to the Capitals staying at home on Jan. 1, 2015.

According to 106.7 The Fan's Sky Kerstein, and later followed by the Washington Post's Katie Carrera, the 2015 Winter Classic will be in Washington D.C. Leonsis is scheduled to make the announcement on Saturday during the team's annual Caps Convention.

A location has not been set. While the National Mall was shot down by Leonsis in that 2012 blog, it looks as if Nationals Park will be the venue for the Capitals and their unnamed opponent.

From the Post:

The location of the contest and the Capitals’ opponent for it is still unknown, but considering Nationals owner Mark Lerner is a minority partner in Leonsis’s Monumental Sports and Entertainment, Nationals Park in Southwest Washington may be a likely candidate. The Nationals lease the ballpark from the District, though, and would not have exclusive control over such a decision.

Camden Yards would be a great spot for a game, not only because it's such a beautiful ballpark, but for the hope that the NHL could come up with the hockey version of the famous "Hit It Here" sign.

Seeing as how a specific set of teams are in the "Winter Classic club", you'd figure the Capitals would face off against the New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Boston Bruins, or maybe even a rematch with the Pittsburgh Penguins so NBC can maximize ratings.

We'd love to see the Anaheim Ducks included, if only for the greatness that is Bruce Boudreau and HBO 24/7.

Follow Sean Leahy on Twitter at @Sean_Leahy