Let's Go Blues

Rumors are flying about Pittsburgh hosting the Capitals next season.... http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=315816 ....yay.

With that said, who should really play in the Winter Classic next season? Should there even be one?

Honestly, I'd rather see Tampa Bay play Florida in Winnipeg than ANOTHER Pittsburgh/Washington game..

Agreed. Pittsburgh already had their winter classic. The next one needs to in Minnesota or Colorado, hell even maybe a New York vs New York game. But no freaking way in hell should there be one for Pittsburgh or Washington, I'm already sick of the all the hype these teams have.

I would be absolutely shocked if MSP isn't pitching the availability of Target Field (brand new Twins stadium) for a Winter Classic. Although the Wild aren't exactly a showcase team, there is no doubt they would sell the thing out literally 20 times over (Target Field holds about 48k) and play a buttload of high school / college hockey there as well.

I too second the Colorado/Minnesota suggestion. Play it out west next year. The problem is that the NHL seems to have a preference for the "older" teams with a bit more tradition than say Minny or Colorado. Any Winter Classic will sell out anywhere, I'm happy it's so popular, it's good for the sport.

The first 3 years they have rotated east, west, east so if that keeps up I would think it would be a western conference game this year. A Stars vs. Wild game at Target Field would be interesting. Or a outdoor battle of Alberta. I also heard rumors awhile back about the NHL trying for 2 outdoor games. However I think that would lessen the specialness of the event.

Wulfen wrote:The first 3 years they have rotated east, west, east so if that keeps up I would think it would be a western conference game this year. A Stars vs. Wild game at Target Field would be interesting. Or a outdoor battle of Alberta. I also heard rumors awhile back about the NHL trying for 2 outdoor games. However I think that would lessen the specialness of the event.

I heard that about 2 outdoor games, as well. But what I think the NHL had thought about was one in the US and one in Canada. If that's the case, I don't see a problem with it. In fact, the NHL has completely taken over New Year's Day from college football. A double header on that day would give exposure to two more teams and also display the amazing intensity of a Canadian city's crowd.

dmiles2186 wrote:

Wulfen wrote:The first 3 years they have rotated east, west, east so if that keeps up I would think it would be a western conference game this year. A Stars vs. Wild game at Target Field would be interesting. Or a outdoor battle of Alberta. I also heard rumors awhile back about the NHL trying for 2 outdoor games. However I think that would lessen the specialness of the event.

I heard that about 2 outdoor games, as well. But what I think the NHL had thought about was one in the US and one in Canada. If that's the case, I don't see a problem with it. In fact, the NHL has completely taken over New Year's Day from college football. A double header on that day would give exposure to two more teams and also display the amazing intensity of a Canadian city's crowd.

I don't know if they've taken over New Year's from college football just yet. There's still an ass ton of people who would rather watch college sports than pro hockey.

I do like the idea of a Winter Classic doubleheader, though. Once game east, one game west so both are in full daylight.

Pittsburgh hosting the Capitals. Thanks buttman.

WaukeeBlues wrote:I too second the Colorado/Minnesota suggestion. Play it out west next year. The problem is that the NHL seems to have a preference for the "older" teams with a bit more tradition than say Minny or Colorado. Any Winter Classic will sell out anywhere, I'm happy it's so popular, it's good for the sport.

Colorado and Minnesota would be okay, but they wouldn't draw the bandwagon fans that Pittsburgh/Washington would, and it's all about getting the most money to justify the Phoenix disaster that has been the past 10 years...

How about some Pro Beach Hockey San Jose v. Anaheim?

gaijin wrote:I do like the idea of a Winter Classic doubleheader, though. Once game east, one game west so both are in full daylight.

I would disagree, I think it cheapens it by having multiple games.

TSUCookieMonster wrote:

WaukeeBlues wrote: How about some Pro Beach Hockey San Jose v. Anaheim?

Banked corners and 2 point shots!!

Washington v. Ottawa, battle of the Capitals

or just make the all star game the winter classic

glen a richter wrote:Washington v. Ottawa, battle of the Capitals

or just make the all star game the winter classic

frank no.

It's pretty kick ass when it means something, don't you think?

glen a richter wrote:Washington v. Ottawa, battle of the Capitals

or just make the all star game the winter classic

Not a bad idea, but I don't know if the concept would stick because so few Americans actually know that Ottawa is the capital city of Canada...

What about the Flames v. Canucks? I would say Calgary to host since Vancouver just had the Olympics in their stadium...

Going w/the original six idea, Rangers v. Maple Leafs would draw huge numbers, even with the Maple Leafs current streak of bad teams...

Minnesota v. Colorado or Dallas- Dallas definitely no since Modano is the last player from Minnesota and he might be done after this year, plus Dallas doesn't scream hockey like other cities do. Colorado might work, but I still don't see it drawing as many fans as Toronto v. NYR... but I'll admit, an outdoor game in the mile-high city would be cool...

I really just wish they could have had this about 10-12 years ago and had Detroit at Colorado during their rivalry, THAT would have been awesome...

But I'd be happy with Rangers v. Leafs, even though they both suck. It would draw the TV ratings that the NHL needs.

glen a richter wrote:Washington v. Ottawa, battle of the Capitals

or just make the all star game the winter classic

Not a bad idea, but I don't know if the concept would stick because so few Americans actually know that Ottawa is the capital city of Canada...

What about the Flames v. Canucks? I would say Calgary to host since Vancouver just had the Olympics in their stadium...

Going w/the original six idea, Rangers v. Maple Leafs would draw huge numbers, even with the Maple Leafs current streak of bad teams...

Minnesota v. Colorado or Dallas- Dallas definitely no since Modano is the last player from Minnesota and he might be done after this year, plus Dallas doesn't scream hockey like other cities do. Colorado might work, but I still don't see it drawing as many fans as Toronto v. NYR... but I'll admit, an outdoor game in the mile-high city would be cool...

I really just wish they could have had this about 10-12 years ago and had Detroit at Colorado during their rivalry, THAT would have been awesome...

But I'd be happy with Rangers v. Leafs, even though they both suck. It would draw the TV ratings that the NHL needs.