When the Blackhawks take the ice Thursday, Kris Versteeg has a chance to make history.
You see, the forward is the only Hawk to score at the United Center, Wrigley Field (2009 Winter Classic) and Soldier Field (2014 Stadium Series). He can add Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., to that list with a goal against the Capitals in the 2015 Winter Classic.
"It's something that your brothers and your friends and family definitely bring up a lot more, and when they talk about it it's pretty neat," Versteeg said.
The winger won't let the thought of the outdoor tally trifecta consume him, however.
"For the upcoming outdoor game, it's not like I'm thinking about only scoring a goal just to keep it going," said Versteeg, who had nine goals this season entering Monday. "It's mainly going out there and try to get two points first and then take in the atmosphere second.
"[You need to] realize where you are and how privileged you are to be there and hopefully if a goal follows, that would be great. [I have] been fortunate enough to play in two outdoor games; not many get to even play in one."
Teammate Patrick Sharp, riding a streak of his own after scoring on his second consecutive birthday on Sunday, said Versteeg is a sure thing.
"It's pretty funny, he was telling everybody before the Soldier Field game how he's scored everywhere in the outdoor games and then sure enough he scored in that one," Sharp said. "So you can pretty much chalk him up for a goal in that game [at Nationals Park] we're hoping. Steeger hopefully continues the great year he's having. He's in great shape, he's playing well and he's a fun guy to be around."
Sharp doesn't think Versteeg will change his approach for the upcoming Winter Classic, but how he's fared in outdoor games certainly could boost his confidence.
"I think he plays the same way, but there's definitely a confidence boost when you hear things like that," Sharp said. "I know that there's some teams in the league that I've personally had some success against, there's teams that I've done very poorly against offensively. When you see those teams on the schedule, even though you prepare and act and do all the right things to play the best you can, those things do creep in your mind and can either help or hurt you if you let them."
Scott King is a RedEye special contributor. @ScottKingMedia