Truth & Rumors > NHL

NHL considers Christmas games

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They've resisted so far, but the NHL is now considering playing at least one-- and possibly two -- games on Christmas Day. No games are currently played on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. However, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly revealed that the league has wanted to play games on the holiday for 10 years. Now, NHL Players' Association executive director Paul Kelly indicated the players are ready to discuss the matter.

Newark Star-Ledger

Gary Bettman, Dave Sandford/Getty Images Gary Bettman, Dave Sandford/Getty Images
January 7, 2009  06:34 AM ET

Make it an outdoor game, New Years Day is full of Football games and there for the NHL outdoor game is not watched by most casual fans. On Christmas there only up against the NBA.

January 7, 2009  06:54 AM ET

As long as the decision is made by the players and not the league. An outdoor game on Christmas would be great.

January 7, 2009  07:49 AM ET

Good idea, see how it plays out.

January 7, 2009  07:56 AM ET
QUOTE(#1):

Make it an outdoor game, New Years Day is full of Football games and there for the NHL outdoor game is not watched by most casual fans. On Christmas there only up against the NBA.

Good point Hank.

January 7, 2009  08:11 AM ET

A Christmas day game or two would be cool. I would watch them while relaxing around the house. As long as one of them is a Pens game my wife will even let me.

January 7, 2009  08:28 AM ET
QUOTE(#2):

As long as the decision is made by the players and not the league. An outdoor game on Christmas would be great.

It will have to be approved by the players....i wouldn't hold my breath on this one. NHLPA will say nuh uh.

January 7, 2009  08:47 AM ET
QUOTE(#5):

A Christmas day game or two would be cool. I would watch them while relaxing around the house. As long as one of them is a Pens game my wife will even let me.

Do I hear a whip cracking in the distance darkstorm? ;)

January 7, 2009  09:39 AM ET

And guess who gets to play Santa's elf!!!!!!

January 7, 2009  09:47 AM ET

I like the idea........

January 7, 2009  09:48 AM ET

I agree with Hank, put the Heritage classic on Christmas Day. Make it the only game of the day. They have to stop playing it on New Years Day, going up against a full slate of college football bowl games. If it's on christmas then it's up solely against NBA games, make sure it's broadcast on network television and not Versus. Also make it the only hockey game played on christmas.

January 7, 2009  10:09 AM ET

Yes, I've been thinking the same thing about the Classic. We don't have even the Hawaii bowls on Xmas any more, and I'm not going to watch NBA, so I need something to watch. Though with combining families with the upcoming wedding would make sitting still in front of the tv a little difficult.

I don't mind the Classic on New Years, it's a nice, new tradition. I am curious as to how much more viewership the game would get on Xmas only competing against the NBA instead of bowls.

January 7, 2009  10:09 AM ET

Let Mike Lange call the game!

January 7, 2009  10:45 AM ET

I hope they do it. i can't stand watching the criminals in the NBA. As for all the comments about not playing the outdoor game in New Years. Who really cares about bowl games. Let's be honest, hockey is not a game on TV for the casual fan anyway. The people watching that game or any hockey game on TV are the hockey fans. So F the college bowls and their worthless games. Those games mean NOTHING!

January 7, 2009  10:56 AM ET
QUOTE(#12):

Let Mike Lange call the game!

Come now TR, that would be a classic move instead of having to listen to the same old tired and boring announcers they usually throw at us.

January 7, 2009  11:31 AM ET

The ol 29er

January 7, 2009  11:38 AM ET
QUOTE(#8):

And guess who gets to play Santa's elf!!!!!!

Are you sure he won't be playing the Grinch?

January 7, 2009  11:45 AM ET

Make it a special "Stanley Cup preview" game...top team in the West vs. top in the East outdoors at a neutral site...like BMO Field in Toronto (since Leafs will never be in it!).

January 7, 2009  12:13 PM ET

How about a game on a Minnesota lake....they a few up there don't cha know ..

January 7, 2009  12:47 PM ET

Hold the phone Linden! That sounds like a serious shot against my beloved Leafs! What you're saying maybe true but, that's besides the point.
I can't see a Christmas day game ever happening. The NHLPA would never go for it.
And another thing, you couldn't call it a CHRISTMAS DAY game (that might offend some folks), and X-MAS game just doesn't cut it as it sounds kind of porno.

 
January 7, 2009  12:56 PM ET

So a team or two would have to work on Christmas... big deal. A lot of people have to work on Christmas. How many people have the option of telling their boss, "no, I will not work on Christmas, and you can't make me." without fear of losing their job? They get paid enough to work an occasional holiday. I'd love to see the game, but I'd probably have to tivo it... why? BECAUSE I'M WORKING ON CHRISTMAS!

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