The Washington Capitals will host the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2015 Winter Classic.

The Maple Leafs and the Red Wings clashed in the last Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium. The NHL sold 105,491 tickets for that game.

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.