Thoughts on the Winter Classic

Although the overall intensity trailed off after one period, I would call the 2nd annual Winter Classic a success. As always, an event like this is extremely important for a sports league that is trying to stick with the big guns (NBA, MLB, NFL), and the NHL impressed. The event sold out in a matter of hours, and the fans braved the chilly conditions, sticking it out for the full game, even with their team down by three goals for much of the third period. Playing at historic Wrigley Field was a fantastic sight to behold. I loved watching the players and coaches emerge from the dugouts to make their trek to the ice. I loved seeing the players tap home plate with their sticks as they passed by it. I loved hearing "Take me out to the ballgame" sung (even if the lyric changes were incredibly cheesy). There are some who feel the Winter Classic shouldn't be an annual event, that it will lose some of its flair and excitement if it's done once a year. I say baloney. We have Christmas once a year, do you see people getting sick of that? Dear NHL: Keep doing the Winter Classic. It's great exposure for the league, and a ton of fun to watch. Next year? Rangers vs Bruins, Fenway Park!

Some random thoughts on the game:

• It was too bad the players couldn't keep the fire going from the first period. It was extremely intense and fun to watch. After that, the Wings took over, sucking the life out of the young Hawks. Still, the play of the game? Daniel Cleary getting knocked head-over-heels in to Chicago's bench, then getting his team a Too Many Men on the Ice penalty when he got out of the enemy bench and on to the ice. As if having your feet sticking up out of the other team's bench wasn't embarrassing enough.
• The helicopter cam was cool, especially for hardcore hockey fans. It was fun to see how precisely the players play their positions, and even more fun to see plays set up. I wish they would have used the shot more on power plays.
• The Blackhawks are fun to watch. Despite losing, the Hawks showed why they will be a premier team in the league for years to come. Patrick Kane has some of the most electrifying moves in the NHL. Duncan Keith is as solid a defenseman in the NHL as any right now. Martin Havlat appeared to have eyes on the back and to the sides of his head - He's seeing the ice as well as anyone right now. And Jonathan Toews... what a captain. He gives 100% every shift. He stickhandles well, has great vision, and even got his nose dirty a few times, throwing checks and being in the middle of scrums.
• The Red Wings are machines. When this team gets into a groove, say goodnight to their opponents. They move the puck better than anyone in the league, and are a model of efficiency. It's inspiring to see stars like Zetterberg and Datsyuk giving it their all at both ends of the rink.
• A fight would have been nice, especially if it included a Chicago native like Brett Lebda. That would have gotten the crowd going again.
• The Chicago Blackhawks will win a Stanley Cup before 2013. You heard it here first, folks.
• Why didn't the Hawks start Khabibulin in the first place?
  
• One minute, 57 seconds: The total time Chris Chelios was on the ice. Ouch.
  

Happy New Year to everyone!