FanNation - The Republic of Sport

So next year's Winter Classic will be the Red Wings (Defending Stanly Cup Champs, by then) vs. Blackhawks (Didnt even make the playoffs) ..... Should be really entertaining .... Bettman's a **** ...

the thing about a gimmick is that it can only be used once in a while. They had better be careful how often they go to this well. When it was to be in Yankee Stadium, it was understandable as a last chance to go there, or as a chance to see the last even ever held there, but Wrigley isn't going anywhere. It should still work, as I think Chicago is getting hockey hungry again after this past season, and of course the Red Wings are as popular a team as there is in the league (with more and more fans every day, funny how that happens, eh?), but I hope the NHL doesn't start going overboard with these things - its about the game after all, not the gimmicks

Act ually I think the Blackhawks have a pretty entertaining team with a lot of young talent. Kane could be rookie of the year this year, and Teowes would likely have been if he wasn't injured for a large part of the season. They'll make the playoffs next year.

I totally agree with GoCan about this being done too often. I said in another thread that they should make these outdoor games every 2-4 years so it doesn`t become stale. But I`d rather see the Wings/Hawks then a game at Yankee Stadium. Chicago has a solid foundation of young talent that`s only going to get better, and the city need something like this to get their fans back into the game.

but I hope the NHL doesn't start going overboard with these things - its about the game after all, not the gimmicks
goCanada! lost a bet with BGM

Alas, with Commisioner Mini Me, it's ALL about the gimmick, the sale, the push. The game is secondary. Just a vehicle for some other ridiculous idea to "get the casual fan more interested" I believe is how this moron phrased it. If Bevis and Bettman really want to do the game a good turn, start by getting a new Comissioner that has at least some minor connection to the game.

I don't know that they are going to grow old or stale for me. I see it as a good tradition and like the possibility of neutral site games, in Winnipeg for example. But maybe after a few more years my opinion will change.

Just do it at Yankee Stadium. How can it be any worse than the ice at Mellon Arena?

another vote for yankee stadium

how about one at fenway (boston vs. an original 6)

I like the wrigley field idea...we just need to have one at yankee stadium while we still can. Can't rangers/devs schedule one on their own?

I think I like the Original Six Ideas, but the novelty can wear off in hurry
If they really want to try a gimmick to keep the fans, make it all (games, jerseys, etc) affordable to a working family.

the thing about a gimmick is that it can only be used once in a while-
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Gocan--If what you are saying is..."You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can't fool all of the people all of the time."
It's actually been said before & not by Bettman's mentor or Alma mater from The P.T Barnham School of shameless self promotion.
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Seriously, the Winter Classic is supposed to be an annual event.
I have no problem with it. Its a good day for hockey for all & not just about who's playing on the ice.
A Hawks/Wings game will be good. Though in the cold outdoors....I'd give the edge to the younger Blackhawks. LOL

Spiny I like that gimmick, I,d like to actually get a decent seat at a game for a decent price

I know it's against alll the marketing (alleged) wisdom, but I still say if the must do this every year..make it the All Star Game. The NHL All Star Game has probably the lowest tv ratings of all of those games, but it's the most fun (skills comp., etc). Nothing personal to the fine fans in Dallas, Phoenix, Fla., etc, but play the games outside That would be fun, especially the Skills part

I think I like the Original Six Ideas, but the novelty can wear off in hurry
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Cripes...I need a coffee. I thought Spiny was talking about Otherone there on my first read through this thread.

Cripes...I need a coffee. I thought Spiny was talking about Otherone there on my first read through this thread.

Baun-ded
Trying desperately to stay moderately on topic, at least for a little while...
Good morning, by the way

It should be Wings and Habs at Comerica Park, or on the Detroit River if it freezes over--the defending Cup champs against the greatest franchise in history which is also going to be celebrating it's 100th anniversary. Oh wait, this is Bettman's NHL. It will probably be the Preds and the Kings at the Playboy Mansion on rollerblades.

Oh wait, this is Bettman's NHL. It will probably be the Preds and the Kings at the Playboy Mansion on rollerblades.

PopKing |
I believe this plays right along with what I said in my first post today. Bettman is a disgrace and an embarassment, and I'll have words with anyone that says any different (because they can't prove it) The sooner he goes, the better off the league would be. (and especially fans of the league) And I hope someone in the league office reads this to him. He is an idiot and shouldn't be trusted to run anything more than a grocery store...in Prague
Wow, I needed that. Sorry about the rant folks.

It should be Wings and Habs at Comerica Park, or on the Detroit River if it freezes over
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Popking...The City of Detroit is like hades to most teams to play in...
So to answer you question...It would be a long time till that river in H...Detroit, "freezes over"

It will be a great game, wherever it's played. The Hawks always manage to play like a bunch of superstars against Detroit. Great rivalry.

The only problem is the venue. A baseball stadium is not condusive to hockey because of it's shape.

Now, if they decide to play at Soldier Field, that'd be a different story!

I think I know a vacation day I might be taking from work next year.

Bettman's a jerk-off!