I'm Boycotting the Winter Classic...

[Wing Across The Pond 196]

I don't want them to do an indoor game and I don't think they would. Part of the thing is being outdoors. But that not withstanding, the problem with kings/ducks is that across the US people wouldn't watch it, I don't think. While it might draw some interesting in SoCal, it probably won't anywhere else.

Would argue the point that that's the same for Pit-Wash. Although it will be interesting to see the 'Top 2' go at it (Crosby/Ovie) but really, who cares about the outcome of the Pittsburgh - Washington rivalry other than their own fans? As has been stated, a lot of fans around the whole of North America don't particularly like them, so probably wouldn't care. But fair points too.

Indoor game could work very well if Dallas played in the Astrodome. Now THAT would be something to watch. That way you could well get rink-side seats, the same way people like the WWE do.

[SouthernWingsFan 854]

Would argue the point that that's the same for Pit-Wash. Although it will be interesting to see the 'Top 2' go at it (Crosby/Ovie) but really, who cares about the outcome of the Pittsburgh - Washington rivalry other than their own fans? As has been stated, a lot of fans around the whole of North America don't particularly like them, so probably wouldn't care. But fair points too.

Indoor game could work very well if Dallas played in the Astrodome. Now THAT would be something to watch. That way you could well get rink-side seats, the same way people like the WWE do.

That got me thinking. The NCAA Championships were played in Ford Field so it is obviously doable from a functional standpoint. If we are just focusing on that...

Cowboys stadium is in Arlington, roughly a 15 mile drive from Dallas without traffic. Stadium is ridculously big with giant TVs actually hanging from the ceiling. I'll be going there on Labor Day weekend as my college actually opens up their football season there with a "neutral site" game. Cowboys Stadium has already hosted a basketball tourney (I believe the Big 12 basketball tournament). Not sure of the exact success of it in terms of attendance but the point is the functionality of it worked in terms of hosting an event with a smaller playing surface in a big stadium.

Phoenix Coyotes could play at University of Phoenix stadium (Arizona Cardinals/Fiesta Bowl is played there) literally across the street from Jobing.com arena.

I don't think any other NHL markets have large indoor stadiums that NFL teams play in, at least in the South.

Probably just a gimmick idea but doable nonetheless.

[Hockeytown0001 7,652]

I would have loved to have seen a Dallas-Minnesota WC at TCF Bank Stadium (Golden Gophers), or a Devils-Rangers WC at Giants Stadium. Not fracking Pittsburgh again.

[edicius 3,269]

I would have loved to have seen a Dallas-Minnesota WC at TCF Bank Stadium (Golden Gophers), or a Devils-Rangers WC at Giants Stadium. Not fracking Pittsburgh again.

You better believe I would have been camping out for tickets for that one.

[FireCaptain 563]

I read it..

For the record, I'll probably watch it but not as intently as I would if the Wings were in it.

When the Wings were in it, we made a whole day of it at my house - grilling out, etc etc.

It sounds to me like most dislike the fact that it's a repeated team.

There's a few who say they wouldn't cause the wings aren't playing, but that makes them part of the percentage of fans who only watch their team.

I already stated my personal answer to this already question, but since you didn't read that... you probably won't read this either.

[JayUp88 1]

I'll watch because I'm a hockey fan. Every sport has their stars that are in the spotlight. No one would complain if the spotlight was on anyone wearing the winged wheel

[Guest CaliWingsNut]

I'll watch because I'm a hockey fan. Every sport has their stars that are in the spotlight. No one would complain if the spotlight was on anyone wearing the winged wheel

I don't think that's the case. Most of the league would likely be crying why detroit again. Much like I am about Pittsburgh.

I would have loved to have seen a Dallas-Minnesota WC at TCF Bank Stadium (Golden Gophers), or a Devils-Rangers WC at Giants Stadium. Not fracking Pittsburgh again.

I would love to see either of those.

[Guest CaliWingsNut]

I don't want them to do an indoor game and I don't think they would. Part of the thing is being outdoors. But that not withstanding, the problem with kings/ducks is that across the US people wouldn't watch it, I don't think. While it might draw some interesting in SoCal, it probably won't anywhere else.

I agree... duck - kings wouldn't be very successful. LA's not a great hockey market, regardless of two successful teams. It's also not very winter like. However I'd love to say... see Kings vs Aves in outdoor denver.

Kings vs Anaheim at a frozen Lake Tahoe might work tho... it isn't a stadium, but I'm sure they could wrangle up some seats.

A lot of other teams still unmentioned.... nashville, columbus, florida, NC, atlanta, islanders, coyotes, sharks...

[JayUp88 1]

I don't think that's the case. Most of the league would likely be crying why detroit again. Much like I am about Pittsburgh.

My bad, I meant no one here on the forums would be complaining

[Kira 451]

I would love to see some other teams get into this. I second Minnesota - Dallas in Minnesota. That game would sell out in a heartbeat. How about Colorado and Vancouver in Denver, Islanders - Rangers in, oh, Yankee Stadium. Devils and Flyers in Philly. And if you really wanted some rivalries, include the Canadian teams. Toronto - Ottawa/Montreal. This series has the potential to come up with some real great games, but by shoving Washington - Pittsburgh down our throats, the League (read Bettman) is turning off a lot of potential watchers. Me included.

I say the Wings in would be nice, but only after other teams have had their fair turn.

[jollymania 162]

If you absolutely must see an outside hockey game this season, watch this one.

college hockey though, no matter what the team, ill take NHL over it anytime, ditch the cages, allow fighting, tell the refs not to be f***in pansies because it is "academic".

[55fan 5,133]

It's hockey on the television. The only time I get to see that is when it's on NBC or if I'm watching Wild games.

I'm there no matter how much they stroke Sid's ego.

[MichWingz 0]

I don't know about anyone else (only read the first page of posts) but it's a new year's DAY game. I will be hungover and not watching anything except the inside of my eyelids As far as the teams playing goes.... I don't see a problem with the game being in pittsville. If I recall wasn't the first game in Buffalo with pittsville as away team. I have to accept them getting a home game if I ever want to argue that Detroit deserves a home game. Even though they played an outdoor game they also were the road team. Fair is fair, and the NHL never had any intention of taking the winter classic outside the US. Sorry canada that's just the way it is.

[HankthaTank 1,100]

I will still give it a look as I love hockey and on New Years that is something to tune into as I recover. Did the double duty with last year's flicking back and forth between the classic and bowl games. My family usually makes some good eats to soak up the night before's mess and its mostly a relaxing day. The WC is getting way too much hate but its also getting valid points to why. Especially with said player who wears 87. Just makes it less appealing.

[MulesWillFly93 199]

I'll watch it. I don't like that they're repeating teams already, and yes, I'd still be complaining if it was the Wings again instead of the Pens. It just makes the day seem a little less special because you know it's less about tradition, which I thought was sort of the point of an OUTDOOR hockey game, and more about having it be an all-star game type of situation. I know this is philosophical BS and that the NHL is just trying to make money, but the WC seems like the one day where they ought to throw a bone to the knowledgeable fans with a sense of history (since it is a throwback sort of game and all) and stop trying to wow us with the latest & greatest. Whatever...it's hockey, it's outdoors, it's fun...I'll watch. Plus I hate football. Habs/Leafs for 2012, dammit.

Edited July 28, 2010 by MulesWillFly93

[Original-Six 254]

Hardest drinking game in the world. Take a shot every time Pierre McGuire creams his pants over a Crosby replay. Last one to go into liver failure before the end of the 1st period wins.

Edited July 28, 2010 by Original-Six

[HankthaTank 1,100]

Hardest drinking game in the world. Take a shot every time Pierre McGuire creams his pants over a Crosby replay. Last one to go into liver failure before the end of the 1st period wins.

Right next to a line combo thread for blueadams and a Don Cherry Euro hate fest.. Yes.

[GMRwings1983 8,803]

As I've said before, a US vs. Canada annual game should replace the Winter Classic.

[GoOzzieGo 22]

Their two biggest draws, eh? Would you like to know the two biggest fanbases in the league?

1. The Maple Leafs

2. The Red Wings

Yeah, two traditional fan bases that are going to be there regardless.

Would you like to know the players with the top two positions in jersey sales?

1. Crosby

2. Ovechkin

It's all about money and marketing and those two are going to bring in more new fans than either the Leafs or the Wings. Simple marketing 101. The band wagon hockey fans could give a rat's ass about tradition....they want whats hot in the here and now. THAT is what the NHL is banking on by giving the Winter Classic Pittsburgh/Washington.

[Shady Ultima 40]

While financially Wash/Pitt makes sense, it's not the smartest.

Philly/Boston was poor in ratings compared to Wings/Hawks. Boston/Montreal would have been HUGE.

I don't get why they don't market the Canadian teams vs the American teams. Case in point, the Us Vs Canada World Juniors and Olypmics had more people watch then any of the WC. Get the Canadians involved.

Vancouver/Colorado is a great idea, as someone mentioned. Only Edmonton/Calgary and Toronto/Ottawa should play each other from Canada, and they'd probably bring in more ratings in Canada AND America then Boston/Philly did.

[wings1110 184]

the whole point of the winterclassic is ruined why the f*** would you have 2 outdoor games. leave it to the nhl to f*** up a good thing

[GoOzzieGo 22]

Vancouver/Colorado is a great idea, as someone mentioned.

A great idea for who??? The major markets of the East Coast would snore, much like I'm sure the West Coast did for Boston/Philly. A Crosby/Ovechkin match-up has the ability to draw in the casual fans and their credit cards worldwide. So for the NHL, this is the smartest move whether we like it or not.

[thedisappearer 291]

Yeah, two traditional fan bases that are going to be there regardless.

Would you like to know the players with the top two positions in jersey sales?

1. Crosby

2. Ovechkin

It's all about money and marketing and those two are going to bring in more new fans than either the Leafs or the Wings. Simple marketing 101. The band wagon hockey fans could give a rat's ass about tradition....they want whats hot in the here and now. THAT is what the NHL is banking on by giving the Winter Classic Pittsburgh/Washington.

I hate that you're right.

[T.Low 1,011]

I don't see how you could like hockey and not be somewhat interested in how a match-up between Ovechkin/Semin would fare against Crosby/Malkin. That is an exciting game... interested in how a game unfolds between two highly skilled teams.

Agreed.

Usually I'm traveling home to Bellingham from Detroit on New Years Day, (had to tape Det vs Chi) but not this year. I'll probably go for a mountain bike ride (3hrs) or an enduro ride (6-8hrs). I'll probably tape the game so I can watch it some time when I'm on the ellyptical trainer. I'm certainly not going to schedule my day around it.

I'll be way more interested in the Pitt vs Wash match up than any of the other matchups mentoned on this thread. While I am a diehard Wings fan, I am a casual NHL fan at best. I have much better things to do than watch Pheonix vs Dallas, or Vancouver vs Colorado. And I know my dad would rather watch a bowl game between Pottersville and Iron Mountain than either of those matchups. I am an example of one big demographic the NHL wants to pull in with the WC: the casual fan that they hope is doing family time and could be enticed to watch if the match up is appealing enough.

My inlaws are big sports fans but not hockey fans except for the fact that my wife was playing on one of my beer league teams with me; they are fans of that. They don't know hockey, don't know Nick Lidstrom, Stevie Y, Drew Doughty, or Zdeno Chara, and wouldn't pick up a remote control during a football game commercial to check on a game that any of those guys are in.

But they know Sidney Crosby, even though he plays for a team 3,000 miles from them. They know he never wanted to be in that picture again, and wasn't. They know he is the youngest captain to win the Stanley Cup. They know he scored the Gold Medal winning goal agianst the US. And they actually know that he is getting the better of Alex Ovechkin in their rivalry for control over the NHL. They know that they are watching somebody special when they are watching Crosby vs Ovie (not saying any of this is accurate, just saying what they know[/i beacause ESPN says so). Most important, they want to feel like they know that they are watching something special. Thats the key to television. They like to read about stars and watch stars. They want heroes and villians. They like to read about what a good humanitarian Angelina Jolie is, what a bad guy Mel Gibson is, they like to watch Dancing with the Stars. They like to argue about Kobie and LeBron. The don't even know that Minnesota's team is named the Wild. They are another big demographic the NHL is targeting with this game. They'll check it out for sure. Heck, they'll watch Crosby and Ovechkin and then I'll have to fein more interest than I actually have when they are excited to tell me all about it.

It's not about the sellout crowd of 70,000; it's about the tv ratings and you need a draw for that. s***, I can't even think of one Minnesota player off the top of my head, I'm not watching them, my car needs washing.

Edited July 29, 2010 by T.Low

[TheDetroitRedWings 286]

I agree that NBC's love for Cindy is really annoying. But I'm not gonna boycot an exciting game between two good teams just because Crosby happens to be out on the ice. Plus, you can just do what I do; root on Washington and hope they stomp the Pens.

Edited July 29, 2010 by TheDetroitRedWings