Winter Classic 4

[furlanitalia 1]

When was it last year, late spring early summer? I just remember seeing Toews and Kane and they were discussing how Toews is the Captain.

[Steve_v3 289]

It should be the Habs for sure. The Caps would be a great game but I think it would be better to have more of a rival like the Habs.

[furlanitalia 1]

That would definitely be marketable. Just hope all the guys would be at the top of their game.

[Chadd 916]

It should be the Habs for sure. The Caps would be a great game but I think it would be better to have more of a rival like the Habs.

Montreal played in the game against Edmonton, the league is trying to spread around participation.

[chilaxin12 2]

I can see it being Boston vs either caps or flyers this year, then a couple of western teams, then possibly in new york against whatever one of those teams doesnt play (caps or flyers)

[Jason Harris 31]

I understand they might want to spread around the participation, but there would be far more passion among the fans if it were the Habs, which would make for better marketing.

[Chadd 916]

I understand they might want to spread around the participation, but there would be far more passion among the fans if it were the Habs, which would make for better marketing.

The Pens - Sabres game showed there is no need for a rivalry. It's going to sell out and it's going to get "good" ratings no matter who plays.

[RadioGaGa 162]

I understand they might want to spread around the participation, but there would be far more passion among the fans if it were the Habs, which would make for better marketing.

The Pens - Sabres game showed there is no need for a rivalry. It's going to sell out and it's going to get "good" ratings no matter who plays.

The fact that Pittsburgh and Buffalo are 2 of the Top 3 US markets...Detroit is the other I think...(as far as viewers of NHL hockey) didn't hurt that decision either.

[Chadd 916]

I understand they might want to spread around the participation, but there would be far more passion among the fans if it were the Habs, which would make for better marketing.

The Pens - Sabres game showed there is no need for a rivalry. It's going to sell out and it's going to get "good" ratings no matter who plays.

The fact that Pittsburgh and Buffalo are 2 of the Top 3 US markets...Detroit is the other I think...(as far as viewers of NHL hockey) didn't hurt that decision either.

And that's another strike against Montreal, they're too far north to help the ratings in the US.

[RadioGaGa 162]

I understand they might want to spread around the participation, but there would be far more passion among the fans if it were the Habs, which would make for better marketing.

The Pens - Sabres game showed there is no need for a rivalry. It's going to sell out and it's going to get "good" ratings no matter who plays.

The fact that Pittsburgh and Buffalo are 2 of the Top 3 US markets...Detroit is the other I think...(as far as viewers of NHL hockey) didn't hurt that decision either.

And that's another strike against Montreal, they're too far north to help the ratings in the US.

But, Habs and Leafs always draw well on the road (even in the States...).

[Chadd 916]

I understand they might want to spread around the participation, but there would be far more passion among the fans if it were the Habs, which would make for better marketing.

The Pens - Sabres game showed there is no need for a rivalry. It's going to sell out and it's going to get "good" ratings no matter who plays.

The fact that Pittsburgh and Buffalo are 2 of the Top 3 US markets...Detroit is the other I think...(as far as viewers of NHL hockey) didn't hurt that decision either.

And that's another strike against Montreal, they're too far north to help the ratings in the US.

But, Habs and Leafs always draw well on the road (even in the States...).

Attendance doesn't matter, it's going to sell out if Boston plays Providence.

[RadioGaGa 162]

I'm just saying interest in seeing them on the road could translate to an interest for a US audience to watch the game even if it isn't 2 US based teams.

[Chadd 916]

I'm just saying interest in seeing them on the road could translate to an interest for a US audience to watch the game even if it isn't 2 US based teams.

Given their large number of UFAs, unsettled ownership, previous participation and the fact that it would prevent one US-based team from participating it would be an extreme risk to pick them as one of the teams in a marquee event next season. Could it happen in an effort to market a rivalry? I guess so, but there are a lot more viable options at this point. Either another original six match-up with the Rangers (and obvious sox-yankees tie-in), though I see the Rangers hosting their own game soon, or the Caps with Ovechkin or even the Flyers with all of their young talent harkening back to the rivalry of the 70s would all seem more likely to me.

[Jason Harris 31]

Doesn't mean it won't happen, but an interesting quote by Charlie Jacobs:

"Contrary to published reports, at this time we have not finalized plans for a Bruins game at Fenway Park on New Year's Day," said executive vice president Charlie Jacobs in a statement issued by the club in the afternoon. "It is no secret that I would love to bring the Winter Classic to the city of Boston - and I have been working with the NHL to consider a number of venues in the area. We believe we are close to accomplishing this. Bruins fans deserve to have an outdoor game, and we hope to deliver one to them in the near future."

Chadd, I don't agree that the opponent needs to be another U.S. city to pull in its fans. I think what's most important is the game captures the passion of the sport, which I've noticed has been bolstered somewhat in the previous Winter Classics by the buzz of the crowd. And, in Boston, no other opponent would bring out the fervor of the fans quite like the Habs do.

[chippa13 1844]

I'm just saying interest in seeing them on the road could translate to an interest for a US audience to watch the game even if it isn't 2 US based teams.

Do they pick an opponent for the smattering of interest in other hockey markets or do they pick a team with a large US market plus a smattering of interest elsewhere?

[furlanitalia 1]

I'm gonna go with large US market. its a give Canada is gonna watch, even if it was phoenix/tampa bay, in phoenix, in the summer

[Ovie17 0]

How about a good Rangers vs Flyers/Islanders at Yankee Stadium? =]

[dumbpolak9 1]

i say devils vs rangers in Yankee stadium

[DCott 0]

I bet it will be the habs. They aren't American, but I see a winter classic in NYC in the near future, so putting the Rangers in twice doesn't make much sense. If you want to honor the tradition of hockey, it is ridiculous to exclude Canadian teams.

[Chadd 916]

I bet it will be the habs. They aren't American, but I see a winter classic in NYC in the near future, so putting the Rangers in twice doesn't make much sense. If you want to honor the tradition of hockey, it is ridiculous to exclude Canadian teams.

You don't want a repeat appearance by the Rangers, but a repeat by the Habs is ok? Remember, they played Edmonton in the game that got this whole thing started.

Chadd, I don't agree that the opponent needs to be another U.S. city to pull in its fans. I think what's most important is the game captures the passion of the sport, which I've noticed has been bolstered somewhat in the previous Winter Classics by the buzz of the crowd. And, in Boston, no other opponent would bring out the fervor of the fans quite like the Habs do.

The event is the buzz, not the matchup. As I've noted, there are too many factors against Montreal and only the "legendary matchup" thing in favor of it. The NHL is very cautious about these things and will go with what they feel will provide the best US ratings. If it isn't Washington, then they will play the Rangers the following year in NYC.

[DCott 0]

I bet it will be the habs. They aren't American, but I see a winter classic in NYC in the near future, so putting the Rangers in twice doesn't make much sense. If you want to honor the tradition of hockey, it is ridiculous to exclude Canadian teams.

You don't want a repeat appearance by the Rangers, but a repeat by the Habs is ok? Remember, they played Edmonton in the game that got this whole thing started.

Not many people remember that game.

[Chadd 916]

I bet it will be the habs. They aren't American, but I see a winter classic in NYC in the near future, so putting the Rangers in twice doesn't make much sense. If you want to honor the tradition of hockey, it is ridiculous to exclude Canadian teams.

You don't want a repeat appearance by the Rangers, but a repeat by the Habs is ok? Remember, they played Edmonton in the game that got this whole thing started.

Not many people remember that game.

The other teams do, and they all want to be part of an outdoor game.

[Darshu 0]

You want to know who's gonna play in this game? Just keep an eye out for where Ty Conklin gets traded in the off season.

[Ovie17 0]

He's played in all 3 so far, that's pretty funny

[furlanitalia 1]

Lol, that's funny. Could be true though..