On January 1st, 2018, hockey fans will lay witness to the Battle of New York state, as the New York Rangers take on the Buffalo Sabres in this season's NHL Winter Classic.
Since the game was first announced back in May, one of the major talking points has been surrounding the Sabres being officially listed as the home team, despite the event taking place at Citi Field in New York City. The unveiling of the Winter Classic logo did nothing to cool that discussion, as the New York City skyline is featured prominently in the design.
The Sabres were on hand at Citi Field on Friday for the unveiling, with Jack Eichel, Jason Pominville and Ryan O'Reilly all making the trip to Queens.
Apart from O'Rielly's wicked beard and slacks combo, astute observers went full CSI, zooming in and enhancing on the Sabres logo in the background, before pointing out the addition of an "NY" at the bottom of it.
With the game taking place in Queens, many fans have pondered why the Islanders aren't taking part in the game in place of the Sabres, especially considering the fact that Buffalo is technically the home team.
Back in May, USA Today's Jon Campbell unearthed what some analysts deem to be the real reason the Sabres are featured as the home team, despite the game taking place in the Rangers' backyard -- it's reportedly a tax break for Madison Square Garden.
Whatever the actual reason is, it's the Rangers and Sabres who will take part in the 2018 Winter Classic for the rights to crown themselves as the Kings of New York (City) State.
