Posted on 01/01/2008 12:29:20 AM PST by BurbankKarl
At first blush, the idea of trying to pit hockey head-to-head with college football on New Year's Day seems ill-advised.
But the closer the Amp Energy Winter Classic gets, the more it seems to make sense.
When the Pittsburgh Penguins and Buffalo Sabres play an outdoor game Tuesday before 70,000 fans at the Buffalo Bills' Ralph Wilson Stadium, the NHL will truly have a novelty on a day when most sports fans are content to sit on the couch.
Yes, hockey will take on the likes of Michigan vs. Florida and Texas Tech vs. Virginia when the puck drops at noon Dallas time. But the NHL has the power of NBC behind the game with a star-studded production anchored by Bob Costas.
So this has a shot to draw in some interesting ratings and could become a talker, which is just what the league needs.
First, the game itself should be fun. The temperature is expected to be around 30 degrees. That's a little warm for an outdoor game, but it will be much better than the weather the league experienced the last time it held an outdoor game Nov. 22, 2003, in Edmonton. Temperatures that night hovered around minus-15, and actually made the game somewhat difficult to play.
(Excerpt) Read more at dallasnews.com ...
1-1 Started watching at the start of the second period and the action has been pretty good. It’s funny but the CBC HD picture seems better than NBCs for some reason.
This is the way football...err ice hockey was meant to be played. Anyone who disagrees is a hoser, hey. U.S. Army Retired |
Thx for the pix. Openning was great...esp. the Irish Tenor...wonderful commentary.
From my understanding, HD pictures can vary depending on how much compression is used
Indeed...there is certainly variability over the many channels available these days.
I think your 3rd period flurries have hit early
I would expect nothing less for "the worst goon in hockey", per Reggie Dunlop!
Go Pens!!!
My flurries? Gee...I’m feeling Rovian :)
Wow. That looks much better and more fun than an ordinary hockey arena.
are they going to zamboni when they switch sides at 10:00
The snow is knocking out the uplink!
The Zamboni drivers should be interviewed, and give autographs...they have been an intregal part of this game :)
We have a Winter Storm Warning up for SW Pa thru tomorrow (about 6 inches expected). Since I really havent gotten my Rove weather skillz honed, how is the weather in SoCal today (I am a glutton for punishment)?
Former coach and commentator Don Cherry attends the NHL Winter Classic between the Buffalo Sabres and the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Ralph Wilson Stadium on January 1, 2008 in Orchard Park, New York.
Brian Campbell #51 and Ales Kotalik #12 of the Buffalo Sabres celebrate Campbell's goal as Darryl Sydor #5 of the Pittsburgh Penguins takes the puck out of the bet during the second period of the NHL Winter Classic at the Ralph Wilson Stadium on January 1, 2008 in Orchard Park, New York
it was 42 this morning but 71 right now with a light breeze in my location.
I love how they are describing the the snowfall (poor Eddie O. his face is getting stung by the flurries). Tending the ice again.
What a great day for hockey - wish I could have been there.
What a great game! Happy the Pens won as well, this being a nationally televised event, viewers got a real treat! Great three periods of gameplay; powerplay in overtime, the shootout. Just great all around. Both teams did a magnificent job.
Hollywood ending w/Crosby scoring the winner in the Shoot Out. Great game, no one got hurt, the crowd was wonderful...the NHL couldn’t ask for a better venue :)
Coolest sporting event I’ve seen in quite a while. Great game, too.
The NHL has something good here.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.