Winter Classic 2008 Thoughts
Something to randomly update as the game goes on…
- This is a great idea. It’s getting coverage, the fans love it, it’s fun to watch on tv. The media bashing it must forget hockey is entertainment.
- The puck is slow, and it’s not necessarily a bad thing. Shots are happening, and plays are still happening.
- The snow looks great. If the crowd’s ok with it, I’m ok with it.
- This game on New Year’s day is going turn into a great tradition, at least for 5-10 more years.
- The vintage jerseys look better than the current ones.
- For those that don’t know: Buffalo always does both the Canadian and American national anthems. I think all teams should, from Anaheim to Washington.
- Ronan Tynan singing God Bless America instead of the national anthem was a nice touch. Nicer song, amazing singer. Yankees fans are familiar with him.
- Visors are not a good idea with the snow out there. For those concerned with eye protection, the NHL should allow cages for this game. Normally a player needs medical clearance to wear one.
- NBC’s coverage is very good so far. The little stories and filler info has been on-point or fun.
- As there are no fans directly behind the glass, there are no nets at the ends of the rink.
- By the second period the snow has all but stopped and the game has noticeably sped up.
- Great crowd reaction when the Sabres scored.
- I hope NBC puts some of non-game segments online. Bob Costas’ story about Bill Goldthorpe, the inspiration for Slap Shot’s Ogie Oglethorpe, was a good one.
- Who doesn’t love the clip of Milbury beating a fan with his own shoe?
- The third period saw more snow, and play slowed down again.
- The ice effected the shootout, but it wasn’t too bad, just a little slower and fewer attempted moves, but still enjoyable, at least to me (and I’m not the hugest shootout fan to begin with). It ended as only NBC could have hoped: on a shot by Sidney Crosby.
- The game was long. I don’t think it was 4.5 hour Yankees-Sox painfully long, but very long for a hockey game. The pace was ok, but I looked at the clock from time to time.
- The ratings will play a big factor in whether or not we see another one next season.
Some Classic-related links:
Sabres, Penguins arrive early, party hard outside before Winter Classic
Laraque prefers to keep his gloves on in the cold
NBC has NHL’s Winter Classic in tough TV time slot
NHL players excited to go outdoors in Buffalo’s chill
League considering ‘semi-regular’ Winter Classic
New rules for outdoor game
Comments:
I voice the Buffalo Sabres’ opening intros on MSG-TV. Here is “Winter Classic” footage from our perspective:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvqAB0rfRJg
It is a montage of 3 clips (the best is last)showing the transformation of Ralph Wilson Stadium before - and ON - the day of the big game.
Enjoy!Posted by Ralph Hass on Jan 24, 2008 at 03:31 PM
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