NHL Winter Classics: My Take
Alright, so the Winter Classic appears to be something that the NHL wants to stage every year now, in order to inject some life into the TV-viewing audience numbers. Here are my proposals for Winter and Heritage Classics, which include all 30 current teams.
1. Chicago-Vancouver (BC Place)
Killer matchup. As well, it would showcase the spiffy newly-repaired BC Place with retractable roof.
2. Islanders-Rangers (Meadowlands Stadium)
I think this one is a no-brainer, because the Rangers are an Original Six team that has not played in a Winter Classic game yet. They are also in one of the two largest TV markets in the States, which would bring good ratings. Finally, the Islanders need some big way to showcase John Tavares, or they'll be off to Kansas City before you know it.
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3. Pittsburgh-Philadelphia (Beaver Stadium)
Same as above with this one, which could also set an attendance record. The Battle of the Keystone State would be a huge draw all over Pennsylvania.
4. Dallas-Minnesota (Cowboys Stadium/TCF Bank Stadium)
A match-up made out of old and new. It's been waiting to happen for years.
5. Toronto-Ottawa (Rogers Centre)
Good for the Canadian fans, probably not so good for US ratings. (Side note: If Toronto ever makes the playoffs again, they should also try to stage at least one game at Rogers Centre. I'm sure the Jays wouldn't mind. They never play in October anyway.)
6. Montreal-Boston (Gillette Stadium/Montreal Olympic Stadium)
An Original Six matchup is always good, whether or not they go to Foxboro or the Big O. Of course, they might pick Foxboro because it doesn't have chunks of concrete falling from its roof, but I digress...
Not sure if an "outdoor" game would fly in Dixie, so here's 7 and 8.
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7.Winnipeg-Carolina (Canad Inns Stadium)
8. Buffalo-Florida (Citrus Bowl or Ralph Wilson Stadium)
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9. St. Louis-Detroit (Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI)
The Big Chill worked wonders. Let's repeat that success with the NHL.
10. Columbus-Nashville (Buckeye Stadium or Volunteer Stadium)
This one could also have a record attendance, and would probably inject some much-needed exposure into both expansion franchises from 2000.
12. Colorado-New Jersey (Invesco or Meadowlands)
Whether it's a Rocky Mountain high or a precursor to Super Bowl 48, this would be cool, and probably give Brodeur one last day in the limelight.
13. Anaheim-Los Angeles (LA Coliseum)
Alright, this one's stretching it, but Anze Kopitar could use the national spotlight.
14. San Jose-Phoenix (Candlestick Park, San Francisco)
The Bay Area needs a chance in the limelight. Phoenix? Ehh. They're just there.
15. Washington-Tampa Bay (FedEx Field)
Considering the amount of snow DC gets, this one would work just fine.
I also think the date should be moved. Jan. 1st directly interferes with the bowl games in NCAA football, which probably does more harm than good. Perhaps Jan. 15 would be better.
Let me know what you all think!
