2012 Winter Classic Draws Near
First and foremost, I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas that was filled with joy and great blessings. I know mine was…
As we quickly approach the New Year (can it be 2012 ALREADY?) the NHL’s center of attention is the Winter Classic, this year held in Philadelphia where the Rangers and Flyers clash in a division showdown. In just short five years, this marquee event has quickly turned into a must see game for all sports fans.
The NHL has smartly moved the game away from January 1st this year. With that date being filled with the final week of regular season NFL games, the viewership would be less than desirable. Even the NCAA moved the dates of the bowl games usually slated for New Year’s to the second day of January. Also, I’m sure NBC had some say in moving it to the following day – in case of bad afternoon weather and the game needing to be moved to the evening, as was the case last year, the hockey game and Sunday Night Football on NBC would clash.
For those not up to snuff on the brief history of this event, here’s a rundown: Back in 2003, the Oilers and Canadians played in the inaugural Heritage Classic in Edmonton in temps that reached -22 degrees Fahrenheit. The ratings for CBC were a huge success, with 2.7 million watching the game in Canada. In 2008, the Penguins and Sabres squared off in Buffalo in a snow globe like atmosphere as Sidney Crosby scored the game winning shootout goal to give the Pens the victory. In 2009, the game was at historic Wrigley Field in Chicago where the Red Wings beat the Blackhawks in a barn burner, 6-4. The following year, the League went to another famous baseball stadium and had the Flyers and Bruins play at Fenway Park in Boston. Pittsburgh played in the Classic again in 2011, this time facing off versus Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals, this time losing 3-1. That game was moved into prime time due to poor weather conditions during the day. Only time will tell what this Classic has in store…
A poll on NHL.com recently named the 2008 Winter Classic has the best. By now, the newness has worn off, but the intrigue and excitement leading up to the day is still there. The Super Bowl and March Madness have been around forever, but there is still a buzz that doesn’t compare to much else in sports. Somehow, the League has to find a way to get the successful west coast and Sun Belt teams involved (Los Angeles, San Jose, Dallas, and Tampa Bay, to name a few). I understand some of those teams don’t draw for media ratings, but keeping the game in the East will only create re-runs of matchups we’ve already seen. THAT, my friends, is when the intrigue and excitement will wear off.
Originally, when the Rangers and Flyers were announced, a lot of people got a case of the yawns. Big markets, yes, but two teams that didn’t have a lot to offer as far as star power and something or someone to get hyped about. Now with only a few points separating them and the division lead up for grabs, this game should bring the nastiness out of both clubs. The Rangers have defenseman Marc Staal out of action and the Flyers will be missing Chris Pronger, another d-man, both out with a concussion.
Personally, I don’t like or hate either of these teams, but I guarantee you I will be tuned in to see the pomp and circumstance of this annual celebration of hockey. I wish all of our readers a safe and fun New Year’s Eve (hopefully with a big Blues win in Motor City) and a prosperous New Year!
