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Posts Tagged NHL Winter Classic

Are We Getting Cosby-Ovechkin’d Out?

May 28

Posted by Eddie in Soap Box | 1 Comment

The NHL is finally releasing one of its’ worse kept secrets. As Chris reported in late-March that the next NHL Winter Classic will be between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals. The big question was where would it he held at. Potential sites pretty much came down to Heinz Field, FedEx Field, and Nationals Ballpark. I believe the NHL did a good job in going back to the football stadium because after going to Wrigley Field and Fenway Park the last two seasons, the prestige of going to a baseball stadium was getting played-out. In addition, the Fenway Park classic didn’t do so well in the ratings because it lacked (at the time) contending teams, and big names. That’s what you need to get the casual fan to watch the game amongst the buffet of college football bowl games on January 1. The Winter Classic isn’t for the die-hards like myself or the readers of HWB. The Winter Classic is for the casual “I only know about hockey when they show it on SportsCenter” type of fan. Big, sexy, marketable names and contending teams is what Bettman wants in the Winter Classic to get the viewership NBC wants and needs.

Speaking of NBC, I’d be willing to bet they had a hand in this as they only recognize eight teams: Chicago, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Washington, New York Rangers, Philadelphia, New Jersey and Boston.

Sidney and Alex will get the chance to duke it out at the Winter Classic in Pittsburgh.

Sidney and Alex will get the chance to duke it out at the Winter Classic in Pittsburgh.

I am kinda happy/kinda upset about this. We knew a Crosby-Ovechkin Winter Classic was on the horizon. This game has everything you need in a “one game showcase” of the NHL: recognizable names of Ovechkin, Crosby, Malkin, and Green. I’m actually more inclined to watch because I know Michigan State won’t be playing on New Year’s Day.  But how can the Penguins get to play in a second outdoor game before Original Six franchises New York and Toronto? Those fan bases, as well as perhaps the Canucks have legitimate beef of why they are being left out of the mix. It could perhaps be because those franchises don’t have marketable players (even Vancouver- Roberto Lulongo doesn’t count. You can’t see his face through a goalie mask) or because they simply aren’t good enough to contend on a year-to-year basis.

If you do want to put money on the Caps playing for the Stanley Cup next season, you should do so. Each season of the Winter Classic, the road participant has played for the Stanley Cup that season. Just ask the Penguins, Red Wings, and now Flyers. In addition, TSN is reporting there will be a second Winter Classic next season. Montreal will travel to Calgary in February to take on the Flames at McMahon Stadium.

 

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Philadelphia Flyers

Sep 4

Posted by EB in Season Previews | No Comments

The Philadelphia Flyers have made numerous off season acquisitions that brings one word to mind: “tough”.

Ray Emery joins the Broad Street Bullies this upcoming season.

Ray Emery joins the Broad Street Bullies this upcoming season.

Baby blue eyed goaltender Martin Biron will be replaced by bad boy Ray Emery. Emery played last season in the KHL posting 22 wins in 36 games with a 92.6 save percentage and a 2.12 goals against average. The numbers show immense improvement from playing with the Ottawa Senators in the ’07-’08 season, however the quality of play overseas is questionable in comparison to the NHL. A question that will be answered in time is whether or not his act as cleaned up? This though of course may or may not be wanted by the rough Philly fans.

The blue line has gained size and grit as Chris Pronger and Ole-Kristian Tollefsen will be donning the orange and black this season. Pronger, a seasoned veteran and a Stanley Cup winner, may be the most significant off season acquisition for the Flyers run for the cup. Pronger currently ranks 4th in playoff experience among NHL defenseman with 143 games played.

Offensively the Flyers have lost right wing Mike Knuble to Washington, however have replaced him with Ian Laperriere from the Colorado Avalanche. Tit for tat Knuble puts more points on the board, however when it comes to enforcing, Laperriere takes the cake. Pair him up with last season’s pickup Daniel Carcillo, it will be interesting to see what team dares to take any liberties with goal scorers Danny Briere, Simon Gagne and captain Mike Richards.

This year the Flyers have a very competitive team, a well balance of grit and finesse that will be a force to be reckoned with. Look for them to be competing fiercely for first place within the Atlantic divison as well as the Eastern Conference. The last question to be asked is how soon before the Broad Street Bullies trademark is restored to this season’s roster.

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