This was the only game in theStadium Series scheduled during the2016–17 NHL season, although there were three other outdoor games previously played in that season. It was one of the most attended outdoor NHL games in history, with an attendance of 67,318.[2]
The game was played to help mark the 50th anniversary of theExpansion of 1967, in which the Flyers and the Penguins, along with four other teams, were formed to double the league's size. ThisFlyers–Penguins rivalry matchup was originally considered for the2017 NHL Winter Classic in January, but scheduling conflicts with theNational Football League in both cities, along with the belief thatBeaver Stadium (a neutral site venue mentioned as a potential site for a Flyers–Penguins outdoor contest) was not properly equipped to host an event during the winter, led to plans for a matchup being moved to a later date as a Stadium Series game in February.[3]
Heinz Field previously hosted the2011 NHL Winter Classic. This was also the Penguins' fourth outdoor game (after the2008 and 2011 Winter Classics, and the2014 Stadium Series), and the Flyers' third (after the2010 and2012 Winter Classics).
Before the game the Steelers' drumline Pittsburgh Steeline performed
During the team intros the Steelers' wide receiverAntonio Brown introduced the Penguins
The anthem was performed by a member of the Los Angeles Kings' ice crew Courtney Daniels (who filled in forFifth Harmony at the2017 NHL All-Star Game atStaples Center after one of the members had fallen ill)
Train (band) performed during the first intermission (OneRepublic originally was supposed to perform but one of the members had fallen ill)
