For the Hawks' current NHL players, there's no help coming as the calendar flips to 2025. They'll have to somehow get through their remaining 44 games as competitively and proudly as possible.

The Chicago Blackhawks arrived to the Discover NHL Winter Classic at Wrigley Field in the most Chicago way possible. The team rode to the stadium on the iconic CTA train, the classic way for fans to arrive to the ballfield, wearing a custom collection of “Team Chicago” gear.

St. Louis coach Jim Montgomery walked around before the Winter Classic. He looked at the growing crowd soaking in the festive atmosphere.