CHICAGO -- The Chicago Blackhawks were a frustrated and disappointed group after their 6-2 loss to the St. Louis Blues in the Discover NHL Winter Classic at Wrigley Field on Tuesday. Back at their practice facility on Thursday, their mood wasn’t much better.

For the Hawks' current NHL players, there's no help coming as the calendar flips to 2025. They'll have to somehow get through their remaining 44 games as competitively and proudly as possible.

St. Louis coach Jim Montgomery walked around before the Winter Classic. He looked at the growing crowd soaking in the festive atmosphere.