The Dallas Stars were announced to host the 2020 Winter Classic at the Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas earlier this month. There was a lot of speculation as to who their opponent would idealistically be and who people would like to see. But whoever betted for the Nashville Predators, we applaud you.

Nashville was officially announced as the opponent Friday afternoon via Gary Bettman’s NHL press conference from the All-Star Game in San Jose.

It makes sense, two southern teams vying for glory at the Cotton Bowl. It will attract fans from Nashville as they won’t have to make too much of a trip and will, of course, attract Dallas fans as the Cotton Bowl usually does.

Bringing in the Predators will also bring in some great country music stars from Nashville, more than likely, as this is setting up to be a spectacle. Two states well-known for their country music, the iconic Cotton Bowl venue, and the Winter Classic, now that sells tickets, ladies and gentleman.

While nothing will stack up to a good ole in-state rivalry (which Texas lacks in hockey), a Central Division opponent is the next best thing. Especially since the Stars don’t really have a major rivalry like the Boston Bruins v. Montreal Canadiens.

But with the Central Division, everyone hates each other right? I mean how could you not with the division always so crowded in the standings and the playoff race.

When Nashville came into the league, the Stars were playing the best hockey they’ve ever played. Although fast forward to the present, and now the script is flipped.

The Stars still hold an eight-game edge over the Nashville Predators in the two team’s 81 regular season game history. But if the Stars continue to lose the season series like they did last year (1-3 season series), the Predators will continue to creep up and pass Dallas.

Only time will tell as the two have three remaining games left against each other this season (February 2, Feb 7, Feb 19) after splitting two earlier this season. That and next year’s season series, plus the Winter Classic could prove to be the transition in who owns that series edge.

Next Order of Business, Jerseys

With the Winter Classic announced and the teams playing in it released, the next thing to look forward to is what jerseys we will see on the ice. It’s the aspect that many look forward to as they usually bring out a little recreation of a heyday uniform.

The league’s jersey producers, Reebok and now Adidas, have done good jobs at recreating some vintage looks for the game. So will Dallas maybe see a recreation of some old looks? Or will Adidas get Dallas on board to make something inherently unique?

With Dallas being the home team, we can assume we will see a darker colored jersey. So we are looking at either victory green, the old school darker green, or all black.

Personally, the league should recreate the jersey used from the Stanley Cup win that was used from 1999-2006. It ran for the longest tenure of any Stars jersey and in my mind is the most iconic. Why not use the iconic jersey to showcase the Stars in their first Winter Classic game.

If past jerseys feature team’s throwback uniforms for a great era, it makes sense and its what I put my bid on.

What might look really nice is an all-black look, whether that is uniquely done or they use the older black jerseys to represent. Like for example, using the all-black look with the logo in the center Dallas used from 1993-1999. Or maybe a recreation of the all-black look Dallas used from 2007-2013 with Dallas written above the letter just in victory green.

Without a third jersey in quite some time, it’s exciting to think what could be on a Stars sweater coming up. Other teams usually only bring in a third option to drive money when jersey sales are low, and the victory green jersey seems to be pushing well, but with the Winter Classic, comes new jerseys for the teams participating.

What would you guys like to see the Stars wear in the 2020 Winter Classic?