Blues to play Blackhawks in 2025 Winter Classic; Roger Goodell deliberates on concussion effects

In the second and final hour of tonight’s show, Matt Pauley shares the news that the St. Louis Blues will be facing off against the Chicago Blackhawks at Wrigley Field in the 2025 Winter Classic. Despite the spectacle that the Winter Classic is, is it starting to get lost in the national sports landscape, especially amid the huge college football bowl games happening that day? Daniel Kaplan, sports business reporter whose work you read in Front Office Sports, then joins the show to discuss NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s deliberation on concussion protocol and league safety, and the future of sports telecasting as more and more streaming services pick up the rights to games. Also discussed: SLU men’s basketball coach Travis Ford’s seat gets hot as the team continues to struggle in conference play; and a story of Toby Keith’s love for Oklahoma.

Sports Open Line with Matt Pauley airs weeknights 6-8PM CT on KMOX barring any Cardinals, Billikens, or NFL games. Join the show by calling or texting (314) 436-7900 or by tweeting to Matt @MattPauleyOnAir. Listen live at 1120AM, 98.7FM, or on the free Audacy app.