{mosimage} Finally, the NHL gets it right. After years of serving up a virtually lifeless product that has included glowing pucks on television screen, work stoppages and personality deficient European players, the NHL got a major marketing boost from its Winter Classic, New Year's Day, outdoor game in the snow.

With more than 71,000 fans in the stands at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y, and millions more watching on TV in both Canada and the US, the Pittsburgh Penguins weathered the elements to win a thrilling shootout against the Buffalo Sabres. And as if the excitement generated by a few snow flakes and the biggest crowd in league history was not enough, the NHL got an even bigger boost when talented superstar Sid Crosby put in the game winning goal in the overtime shootout.

Like a kid having fun on a frozen pond, Crosby nonchalantly skated up the Sabre’s goaltender Ryan Miller and slid the puck in for the game winning goal. The game itself had some unique moments that included the two teams swapping sides of the ice at the midway point of the 3rd quarter to help negate any added advantages gained by the team that started the quarter with the wind at its back. There were also moments when they had to work a little extra repairing the ice in certain spots. Yet as a fan of the game watching on TV, hockey does not get any better than watching Sid Crosby skating with the puck on his stick, as large snow flakes flutter past the television camera. If there were any drawbacks to this historical contest it may have been the date chosen for the contest.

Despite the record setting live crowd, one can’t help but think that the NHL could have drawn a bigger share of TV ratings if it had not picked a day filled with major College Bowl to play on. Still, in a season in which even the perennial fan favorite Detroit Redwings have had difficulties filling their arena, the game provided the NHL with a badly needed booster shot. Already there is talk about making this type of game a yearly event, with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman adding that “with the inquiries we're getting from other clubs for similar activities, this obviously is something we're going to look at again." One can only hope that the Bettman doesn’t go over board and over do a good thing.

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Bugeatersteve said:

	GDK, I watched this game more than even the Michigan/Florida game, at least the first period. After that I played "flashback" with my remote as the game just captured my imagination, with the weather elements. The players looked like 10 year olds in their back-yard playing that game. It was fun to wach as most NHL games are not. Great article.
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January 03, 2008
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onearmedbandit said:

This was a spectacular game and a great idea. Buffalo is home to some of the most passionate, loyal fans in hockey, and the turnout and enthusiasm they displayed was tremendous. As a Penguins fan, more specifically a Crosby fan, I couldn't have asked for much more. The game had excellent pace and the added complications the elements provided made for a memorable experience. I would like to see another outdoor game, though I don't want them to beat it into the ground. If this becomes a yearly thing it may begin to lose its luster. Then again, the shootout is still pretty damn entertaining despite its frequency. Ty Conklin and Ryan Miller were great in goal, and Sid scoring the game winner in the shootout put a cherry on top for what was a great day for the NHL. Hockey is normally not broadcasted well, and the lazy people who complain about not knowing the rules or not being able to follow the puck compound the problem of broadcasting the NHL. Despite these difficulties, hockey is the best live sport in the world, and to me it isn't even close. The speed and skill that these guys display is unparalleled by athletes in any other sport. The outdoor game was great, even if it was a gimmick, because it did something different that has the potential to create fans. People who start watching hockey often become lifelong fans. It's the nature of the beast. As a hardcore hockey fan, I'm hoping that this game expanded the NHL fan base at least slightly. I'm sure Sid earned a few fans with his early assist, great moves, and game winner.

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January 04, 2008
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