Winter Classic 5

[n3ss 0]

i liked the airplane view but overall i thought it was terrible. Also, both the local (/tv) and online streams were far from HD for me :/ maybe they should get versus to do it next year? lol

[jds 20]

I liked the blimp view at times since it was like looking at a chalkboard with live players on it. Used sparingly of course. The size of the field just doesn't allow for the same camera placement that I am used to for arena games. It's amazing how the camera location can totally change the "look" of the game. Ever watch a CFL game on TV? Compare that to an NFL game where there are twice as many cameras with better placement and the NFL game looks way better (please let's not start an argument about CFL vs NFL here).

[DarkStar50 679]

according to NHL.com stats, Crosby and Malkin each had over 24 minutes of ice time. I thought Malkin was invisible and Crosby seemed nowhere in the 3rd period after that hit at the end of the second.

Some of those overhead camera angles would cause me to NEVER watch a hockey game on TV again if I was a casual fan trying to get into the game.

[WSjo22 1]

Overhead cam except for the blimp was awful. I could have got tickets and went to the game but I didn't because I wanted to be able to actually see the game well and enjoy it that way instead I get NBC showing me a camera view that almost replicated the view I would have had from the seats I had a chance to get

[mug25 2]

according to NHL.com stats, Crosby and Malkin each had over 24 minutes of ice time. I thought Malkin was invisible and Crosby seemed nowhere in the 3rd period after that hit at the end of the second.

Some of those overhead camera angles would cause me to NEVER watch a hockey game on TV again if I was a casual fan trying to get into the game.

Malkin scored the Pens only goal.

As for blimp cam, I liked the blimp cam if it's used every now and then but the timing was awful. I think they "did it" just b/c they "could".

[bandits_5 18]

according to NHL.com stats, Crosby and Malkin each had over 24 minutes of ice time. I thought Malkin was invisible and Crosby seemed nowhere in the 3rd period after that hit at the end of the second.

Some of those overhead camera angles would cause me to NEVER watch a hockey game on TV again if I was a casual fan trying to get into the game.

All in all i just thought it was a bad WC compared to Buffalo ( which i thought was the best ), Chicago ,and Boston. I know they want to play in the elements ( buffalo ) , but you just cant play hockey in the rain.

Spot on annaylisis IMO. i coach some mites that woulda got over the boards faster than the 10-15 seconds it took 87 , after fleurry got to the bench.

[Dr. Funk 6]

Coming from someone who attended the game, the NHL put on a fine event. The pagentry was pretty cool, even for someone who's been to tons of big sporting events. Loved the classy touches, such as a very nice pre-game rendition of "O Canada." Sightlines were great (for a hockey game held in a football stadium, of course), in-stadium amenities were first-class, scoreboard replays and such were well-done, and fans were passionate yet amiable. Lots of good-natured ribbing, but I didn't see any beer-throwing, fights in the stands, or anything crazy.

I just re-watched the game on my DVR, and I totally agree with DarkStar50; the camerawork was occasionally dizzying and often infuriating. I don't understand why the powers-that-be feel that those types of things are necessary to "sell the game." You'd never see such "tricks" during live action NFL games. Hockey sells itself, as long as you can get people to stop flipping the channel; the Winter Classic is great the way it is. Leave it alone.

With respect to the game itself, I think it's difficult to take much away from the on-ice action other than the two points and bragging rights. The broadcast didn't do the rain justice; it was a pretty steady/escalating downpour from early in the second. These are obviously two extremely skilled squads, and the track was just too wet/rough for either team to play "their game." Coming from a Pens season ticketholder, I think that this contest was fairly tame and unexciting compared to "typical" Pens/Caps games. Bravo to both teams for soldiering on through less-than-optimal conditions.

What it comes down to is that both of these teams are likely going to be at the top of the standings come season's end, and we'll all get to enjoy more spirited play in the spring. Looking forward to the rest of the season.

Note: Edited for spelling.

[Larry54 243]

i liked the airplane view but overall i thought it was terrible. Also, both the local (/tv) and online streams were far from HD for me :/ maybe they should get versus to do it next year? lol

The HD image was pretty much better on CBC than on NBC... and I didn't have to listen to Pierre McGuire.

[shotty 7]

Malkin scored the Pens only goal.

As for blimp cam, I liked the blimp cam if it's used every now and then but the timing was awful. I think they "did it" just b/c they "could".

absolutely. its a novelty.

The HD image was pretty much better on CBC than on NBC... and I didn't have to listen to Pierre McGuire.

same. i switched from NBC to CBC about 2 minutes into the game and it was a better quality all around. clearer picture and far better audio quality.

[MLSman 22]

+1 for Pierre...he makes me want to throw a beer bottle at a TV.

I was pleased with the outcome, but from a game perspective it was not great hockey on the skills side. One side of the ice was so wet and the puck was bouncing around like a tennis ball on the ice...come to think of it the tennis ball drill on the ice is the perfect way to prepare for the game in above average temperatures. You just can't predict the weather, so it had to be a huge relief for the NHL to get the game in and not interfere with the Sunday football schedule.

I thought Varly played a very smart and safe game. He stayed away from the corners and pretty much focused on his crease exclusively. It was nice to see Fehr rewarded for his personal generosity during the holidays with a standout performance. The one thing I did enjoy about the game was the grit...these guys battled like it was a playoff game.

NHL...please pick a place with a better guarantee for colder weather next year...and a place with a little more history than Heinz field.

[jds 20]

absolutely. its a novelty.

same. i switched from NBC to CBC about 2 minutes into the game and it was a better quality all around. clearer picture and far better audio quality.

I still liked the overhead blimp view to see the play develop but only when used sparingly. One of the Washington goals was scored during a high angle view and you couldn't really see it. Oops. I have to agree with the Pierre comment as well. It was a neat perspective at first but now he is just having to come up with shit to say when they cut to him. Then the fact that he does these on-ice interviews during the freaking game really burns me. I hate how TV has taken over sporting events. I get the money involved and all that, but things like TV time outs for Chrissakes, have changed the game. The sporting event existed and TV decided to cover it. Now they have taken over it and the game is dictated by the broadcaster. I hate that. I especially hate when the network talent presents the damn trophy like in the Superbowl. Let the game take place and record it. Get your asses of the playing field please.

[Steve_v3 289]

The HD image was pretty much better on CBC than on NBC... and I didn't have to listen to Pierre McGuire.

McGuire at one point was talking about Letestu & how he was concerned with him wearing #10 (because of Ron Francis). But now he's OK with it because of how Letestu has played. Wow I didn't know that NHL teams should discuss who they give certain numbers out with McGuire first.

[Chadd 916]

All in all i just thought it was a bad WC compared to Buffalo ( which i thought was the best ), Chicago ,and Boston.

The first two periods were the best hockey I've seen played at any of the winter classics. The third period sucked with all the rain.

[dsjunior1388 81]

same. i switched from NBC to CBC about 2 minutes into the game and it was a better quality all around. clearer picture and far better audio quality.

I was watching CBC at 7:55 or so and they were still on the Leafs and Sens. Never checked back because I figured they would never have abandoned one game for another, especially on HNIC. Damn.

[RadioGaGa 162]

I was watching CBC at 7:55 or so and they were still on the Leafs and Sens. Never checked back because I figured they would never have abandoned one game for another, especially on HNIC. Damn.

Only CBC-Ontario kept the Leafs game...the rest of the country flipped to WC. Then the Alberta viewers saw Calgary-Edmonton in it's entirity and everyone else joined it after the WC finished.

[Machinehead2k5 32]

+1 for Pierre...he makes me want to throw a beer bottle at a TV.

NHL...please pick a place with a better guarantee for colder weather next year...and a place with a little more history than Heinz field.

You do realize that Pittsburgh is having abnormally warm weather for the winter right? It's about 10-15 degrees warmer than it should be on a given day.

[Chadd 916]

You do realize that Pittsburgh is having abnormally warm weather for the winter right? It's about 10-15 degrees warmer than it should be on a given day.

It's not uncommon for any city to be 10 degrees above or below average temperature on any given day. Playing it somewhere where the temp is still ok if it is 10-15 degrees above normal would be ideal, but they've pretty much run out of places like that. The only real options left in the US are Minnesota and Colorado and those are tough teams to try and market right now.

[Machinehead2k5 32]

It's not uncommon for any city to be 10 degrees above or below average temperature on any given day. Playing it somewhere where the temp is still ok if it is 10-15 degrees above normal would be ideal, but they've pretty much run out of places like that. The only real options left in the US are Minnesota and Colorado and those are tough teams to try and market right now.

You're right as I misstated myself. The whole winter up in Pittsburgh has been pretty warm.

[bandits_5 18]

You're right as I misstated myself. The whole winter up in Pittsburgh has been pretty warm.

Not really . Im about 90 miles east of pgh and for the month of december , we was actually about 5-10 degrees(f) below the average. Just so happens , that it warmed up 2 days b4 the classic

I saw 1 interview w/ dan craig where he said something like, the temp doesnt bother us ,we can keep ice in the desert, its the rain thats the te problem. So i say , why not LA or Tampa. Both teams are marketable at this time. I remember the Kings and rangers playing an exibition in vegas ,when i was a kid. Why not have the kings / ducks or kings / rangers in the rose bowl with a 9pm est start????? C'mon GB , make it happen.

[Chadd 916]

Not really . Im about 90 miles east of pgh and for the month of december , we was actually about 5-10 degrees(f) below the average. Just so happens , that it warmed up 2 days b4 the classic

That is pretty much what I've seen here in Harrisburg/Hershey area as well. My wife was in the Pittsburgh area with her family over x-mas and said it was fairly cold and there was some snow.

[Hordie Gowe 17]

It's not uncommon for any city to be 10 degrees above or below average temperature on any given day. Playing it somewhere where the temp is still ok if it is 10-15 degrees above normal would be ideal, but they've pretty much run out of places like that. The only real options left in the US are Minnesota and Colorado and those are tough teams to try and market right now.

While they are running out of US locations Detroit remains a viable option for this kind of event. Weather is usually cooperative (for outdoor hockey), the previous collegiate outdoor hockey events held in the area were great successes (both broke attendance records) and the Red Wings are one of the premier draws in the league. Although it's sight lines for hockey could be a problem, Comerica Park would likely have to be the choice with its downtown location and being Ilitch owned. With the New Years Day date of the event you would be able to also tie in the Great Lakes Invitational college hockey tournament and/or an OHL game (Plymouth V Windsor?) into the weeks events to get more use out of the facility. The area has plenty of experience hosting major sporting events. Having hosted the Super Bowl, Final 4, MLB All Star Game, and Frozen 4 in recent years. Make the game Detroit VS Toronto and tie in the proximity and relative easy access to Canada into the event.

[Chadd 916]

While they are running out of US locations Detroit remains a viable option for this kind of event.

I was only looking at teams that had not yet participated in a winter classic.

Make the game Detroit VS Toronto and tie in the proximity and relative easy access to Canada into the event.

That would have been a good idea before they decided to have a second outdoor game for the Canadian markets, but wouldn't make sense now.

[DarkStar50 679]

http://slapshot.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/02/a-modest-proposal-for-the-next-winter-classic/?ref=hockey

[Machinehead2k5 32]

I went up to Pittsburgh for Christmas and my sister (lives in Plum/New Ken) and friends (Monroeville) said it was unusually warm for most of the December month until Christmas week. When we went shopping the day after Christmas it was 55ish when we had an late lunch (3ish) then dropped to about high 30s/low 40s by 6ish. Crazy stuff.

[Chadd 916]

I went up to Pittsburgh for Christmas and my sister (lives in Plum/New Ken) and friends (Monroeville) said it was unusually warm for most of the December month until Christmas week. When we went shopping the day after Christmas it was 55ish when we had an late lunch (3ish) then dropped to about high 30s/low 40s by 6ish. Crazy stuff.

The official temps don't match up with that.

http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/monthly/USPA1290?month=-1