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Analysis: Despite problems, Winter Classic a success

More than 70,000 fans took in the Winter Classic.

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More than 70,000 fans took in the Winter Classic.

Adam Proteau

Adam Proteau
2008-01-01 18:39:19

During the second intermission of the NHL’s “Winter Classic” outdoor game in Buffalo Tuesday afternoon, NBC host Bob Costas wondered whether the Pittsburgh Penguins’ complete and utter absence of scoring chances in the second period would be pointed to by hockey purists as another reason the league shouldn’t play a regular-season game in a football stadium.

Obviously, Costas hasn’t paid enough attention to the league of late to understand the absence of scoring chances in any particular NHL contest has zilch to do with its location, and instead denotes the chronic over-coaching of players and other structural ailments of the game.

Let’s fry that fish another day. Today, let’s pronounce the Winter Classic a success.

Sure, there were several road bumps along the way. Technical TV glitches, referees whose whistles apparently couldn’t be un-frozen in time for the game, and more ice repair work than Nicole Kidman’s latest plastic surgery were a few signs signaling room for improvement in the NHL’s overall entertainment package.

However, from the moment those first images from above Rich Stadium came in, it was clear the day would be remembered by more people than those who braved the snow-bound elements to attend. Players and coaches were frequently smiling and taking in the scene; fans filled the joint, setting a league single-game attendance record; and in the end, the designated hero (Sidney Crosby) followed the script to the letter and won the game for his team.

Though it was a mid-season match-up between two teams whose performances this season could be only occasionally described as actual performances, it had the tone, tension and texture of a playoff game. Best of all – and directly as a result of the setting – it was the sport at its most ideal, rosy-cheeked and sniffly, with a cold spark in the lungs that helped players and fans hold their focus.

It was hockey as grand spectacle, and I haven’t had nearly enough of it. To hell with the cynics and warm-weatheristas among us; the league should make this a yearly deal, and give every one of its teams a shot at the really big time.

COMMENTS (15)

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Dave B Posted
(2009-04-30 05:58:06)



The game was awesome, the winter wonderland setting was perfect. I did an informal survey of the non-hockey types at my office and most said they either did not watch it or just fliped to it when there was a timeout or it was half time of the football game they were watching. As such I think they should schedule the next game the weekend after the NFL conference games and before the superbowl. There is no football that weekend to interfere which increases the potential audience.
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Sam Glick Posted
(2009-04-30 05:58:04)



If the NHL really wanted to make it a big deal they should think about holding the next event at the Big House - U of M Stadium - 110K WOW! that and the Red Wings vs an orgional 6 Chicago - Toronto - Boston
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Leah Rizzo Posted
(2009-04-30 05:58:03)



Great game to watch. I taped the game so I could watch it again sometime in July...Should be every 2 years to keep the interest, and I have to say this one for being the first in the US was like a playoff game,, having it go down to the wire with the last shot being the one that counted. Loved the atmosphere, the yelling of the crowd really being into the game,and look forward to another one down the line. Which team plays makes no difference but being a winter game in a colder spot would make it more interesting. Couldn't wait for this game to get here and was very pleased at the results of a "first try" in the US
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Latvian eel Posted
(2009-04-30 05:58:01)



It is the best what I've ever seen in American sports. That was beautiful!
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Ted Burns Posted
(2009-04-30 05:57:53)



Big Rink Hockey: The Winter Classic was great but it could have been even greater if the NHL had taken advantage of the opportunity to play the game on a larger ice surface. Here at last was the chance to free up the players to really play a game of shinny on the pond without the limits of the 200 X 85 rink. It would have been great to see the league try something like a 230 X 100 surface or one even larger. There is a great need to determine just what is the ideal size of the playing surface for 5 man hockey. The outdoor games may not be the best way to find out but it is evident that the games could be improved by playing them on a larger surface.
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Mark Cooney Posted
(2009-04-30 05:57:53)



The Winter Classic, was a classic. Kudo's for the Sabres Fans and the city of Buffalo, the NHL and Sid the kid for scoring the winner according to the script. I think that this should be a bi-annual event with a trophy for the winner. It's great that the game recieved some exposure in the States, it is definately needed. By making it an "event" turned it into a Television Spectacular, bring on the half time show....more snow and maybe some bad blood between the teams and we may have the makings of a New Years Day Classic!
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Dave Owens Posted
(2009-04-30 05:57:52)



I believe every year event would be too much too soon-Redo it in 2 years and then run w/ it. Another Canadian matchup would be good-Vancouver
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Suzanne K. Taylor Posted
(2009-04-30 05:57:51)



I was lucky enough to be there, and it was a perfect day through and through. OK, except for that last goal... To keep the event unique, perhaps play it every four years, like the Olympics. And keep it in Buffalo, akin to Dallas always playing football on Thanksgiving. We never get to host a Super Bowl because of the weather, but we sure know how to tailgate in al temperatures and how to make it a city-wide event (11,000 fans watched at HSBC Arena on the big screen). I would also suggest an annual game that would coincide with CBC's Hockey Day in Canada, a day on which the Canadian teams only play other Canadian teams. Buffalo has a very strong Canadian connection (we're just across the Niagara River and plenty of Canadians attend our games), so it would be a perfect homage to the Canadian celebration. HDiC is in February, so there will never be a football conflict, and the day is all about the roots of hockey.
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Tom Orem Posted
(2009-04-30 05:57:51)



I feel this should be yearly. Most of us are home on New Year's day and many of us don't give a hoot about football. What a great way for the NHL to go after the "other fans" and to kick off the second half of the season and the Sunday games. I like the idea of the Flyers and Rangers as NYC is already a major New Year's hub. I would also like to see my team (Capitals, with Ovechkin) maybe at Boston. Also it's a perfect idea if one of the three HDiC games is outdoors. Also, Detroit is certainly cold enough (lived there) and so is Minnesota. Colorado could easily host as well, with the mountains in the background. A similar experience would be the NBA in a schoolyard or MLB in a sandlot, but no way do you get 70,000+ fans for that. The city of Buffalo was a big winner in this - congrats to all the fans up there. Sure was way more exciting than the NFL playing in London or MLB opening in Tokyo. One game a year doesn't ruin the "uniqueness," but adds to it if you change the venue. The NHL has a hot item here (pun intended) and needs to skate with it.
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Eric Payne Posted
(2009-04-30 05:57:51)



As a hockey fan, and a hockey fan only, I got a little worried that the ice issues would drive away possible would-be fans. I mean, if 'other sport' fans already complain that there isn't enough scoring, stopping every 5 to 10 minutes to patch the ice had to almost be excruciating for an outsider to watch. Another comment might be to give the players something else to talk about besides just saying "boy, this brings me back." again, if you put yourself in the shoes of an outsider, that might get a little boring to hear over and over. If this event is put on to draw in new fans, I think there are some things that need to be tweaked. But overall, I enjoyed every minute of the game. Would have loved to see a scrap and to hear the 72k cheer for that, but it was an amazing game with plenty of intensity. I say do it every year and move it to a different spot every year. Even though it would move it further from my home, I think this is something every fan should at least have a reasonable chance to get to see in or near their home. Great job - and Thank You - to the folks who made this happen!
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