Nothing brought in the new year better than a pond hockey game in a snowy Great Lakes city. Buffalo, forever linked to those early 90's Bills playoff games where the temps were low and the turf was covered in snow. Fans still coming out in droves, some in the skimpiest of attire (the men usually).
But the great sight last New Year's was seeing Ralph Wilson stadium packed with excited hockey fans. Who couldn't have been excited, not only was Sid the Kid coming to town but so was NBC and the whole hockey establishment. The Winter Classic was the NHL's opportunity to reintroduce itself as being different but most importantly a fun, exciting sport again. Though there was little scoring, the feel and the players made up for it. The ending, a shootout goal by Crosby, sealed the deal for the league. No better way than to have the games biggest star score the first game winner of 2008.
Now the NHL has done something smart and are trying to replicate it. Wrigley Field will host the second Winter Classic. The Blackhwaks will host the Detroit Red Wings, a match up of divisional rivals, both of which are tops in the league.
Chicago is trying to rebuild it reputation in the league as a force of youth. Patrick Kane and Jon Toews are the stars of tomorrow.
Detroit is the defending champs led by a veteran core of Lidstrom, Datsyuk and Osgood. These guys are the steady contenders.
Either way it is great to see an Original Six match up. Outdoor games being played in great hockey cities. Obviously it won't be long before we see Toronto-Montreal or Calgary-Edmonton, but those are difficult to draw an American audiance in.
The fact remains these games are great for hockey and great for television. It happens once a year on a holiday with the possibility of a great viewing crowd. Let's keep up the good work NHL, it's been a hell of a comeback.
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