Winter Classic and Where Do We Go from Here
Posted 1:21 PM ET | Comments 4
While listening to HTM on XM radio this morning on my way to work, Ron Rimmer made mention that people were complaining about the Winter Classic. Didn't hear why but it made me think. If this is going to be an every year event, what can be done to spice it up.
First thing I thought was make it an Original 6 matchup every year. We have Det v Chi this year so why not Rangers v Boston or Tor v Mon etc... Reason I say this is because they keep saying we must grow the game, so why not give a history lesson of the Original Franchises as a pre-game show. Show the old arenas they played at, show clips of the greats, interview alumni from both teams. I just think people would be interested to see the old Forum in Montreal, The Garden in Boston, Maple Leaf Garden et al.. with all their quirks and what made them special in their fans eyes.
Second, start the pregame show at 1pm est, with what was mentioned above and start the Game at 3pm est. esp if kept on New Years Day. That way all the partiers would be awake.
These are just some of my thoughts. What do you guys think?
First thing I thought was make it an Original 6 matchup every year. We have Det v Chi this year so why not Rangers v Boston or Tor v Mon etc... Reason I say this is because they keep saying we must grow the game, so why not give a history lesson of the Original Franchises as a pre-game show. Show the old arenas they played at, show clips of the greats, interview alumni from both teams. I just think people would be interested to see the old Forum in Montreal, The Garden in Boston, Maple Leaf Garden et al.. with all their quirks and what made them special in their fans eyes.
Second, start the pregame show at 1pm est, with what was mentioned above and start the Game at 3pm est. esp if kept on New Years Day. That way all the partiers would be awake.
These are just some of my thoughts. What do you guys think?
Well, too bad if Rangers fans are complaining. They get to start their season in Europe. The whining fans can save the complaining for when they return. Anaheim got a lot of mileage explaining the Ducks poor early season performance by saying they were "tired" from starting the season in London, so it ought to work for others teams, as well.As far as starting the game at 3pm EST - don't think so. Keep in mind that throughout the country New Year's Day is a big college bowl day, with some of the bigger ones get going by 4pm and through prime time. While there are bowl games on from 11AM onward, 1PM is a great time for the hockey as it fits in after the Rose Parade and should entertain those who aren't necessarily hockey fans while there is a lull in the bowl action. Plus, considering that it is Chicago and Detroit - both locales have plenty of college teams to root for in bowl games so let's not split the loyalties too much.
Good idea,but I'm sure the NHL is gonna push for as many Sid games as possible just look at VS. I hope Rangers and Bruins make the move next year
Anne I didn't say it was Ranger fans complaining. Yeah we are miffed that we got passed over but the logistics this year were messed up with Yankee Stadium being torn down and all. As for football, the major bowl games have been pushed to 9pm and played over the course of days.
Original six matchup every year doesn't exactly grow the game. It excludes WAY too many teams.