the winter classic

I first want to thank everyone who made this day possible. Who would have thought that such an event would have taken place in Buffalo/Orchard Park, New York? It was definitely a day to remember and I'm thankful that I was able to experience such a historic event.

But enough of that. All in all I thought the Sabres strategy going into that game was extremely poor. The Sabres thought they could treat this game like all the others with careless giveaways and individual efforts. Toni Lydman was a star if you consider giveaways a positive stat and Tim Connolly, Derek Roy and Maxim Afinogenov were doing their usual thing; trying to create something out of nothing and resulting in nothing. These guys disregarding the conditions thought they could just walk through the Penguins D and score highlight reel goals. GIVE ME A BREAK! That almost never happens on a regular basis, so why are doing it now? I thought Pittsburgh played it right with a strong defensive effort and when on the offensive they always had someone parked in front of the net.

The fan reaction after the game was disappointing calling Sidney Crosby names and such. This doesn't happen too often at regular season games in Buffalo (playoff games are another story). It was a Sabres hockey game with a Bills fan atmosphere. I hate going to Bills games because there are so many idiot drunks and the fact that tons were at a hockey game really pissed me off. It’s embarrassing.

There were definitely positives as well. Millions of people were watching an event that was taking place practically in my own backyard, the Sabres were wearing their retro whites, it was snowing at a hockey game, there was tons of entertainment before, during and after the game, and Don Cherry was there. My seats were great; I sat in section 336 row three. I never lost sight of the puck! I guess it helps being a Sabres season ticket holder.

Finally when Sidney Crosby scored the winner in a shootout, several thoughts went through my head, “Surprise! Another game to add to the sad past of Buffalo sports”, 2 “The NHL got what they wanted with a sold out game and a Crosby winner in the shootout”, 3 “Should I tell these Penguins fans to stop screaming in my face (no, just leave)” and finally “Will I ever regain the feeling in my feet?” Luckily today I can walk again.

What I would like to see the NHL do is to get this event in other cities as well. I do realize a city like Miami, Phoenix or Dallas could probably not host such an event, but I think the league should try and get all the teams in on the act. I think it would be an amazing event if a city like Toronto or Ottawa hosted something similar to the Winter Classic. Having said that, I would actually prefer Buffalo never host another outdoor game. I want to keep this day special.