Caps, Blackhawks to play in Classic

The Washington Capitals will host the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2015 Winter Classic, a source told ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun on Friday.

It was announced in September that the Jan. 1 outdoor game would be hosted by the Capitals, but an opponent and venue were not immediately disclosed.

The source said a venue has not been finalized, but Nationals Park remains the front-runner. NHL officials visited three D.C.-area venues after the announcement: RFK Stadium, FedEx Field and Nationals Park.

It's likely that Nationals Park -- home to the Washington Nationals -- will be the chosen venue because of possible scheduling issues with the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field and because Nationals Park presents a relatively new venue, according to the source. Nationals Park opened in 2008.

The average high temperature on Jan. 1 in Washington is 44 degrees, with a record of 69 set in 2005.