What's next? That's the natural question after the league's second successful Winter Classic. Here are five things I think the league should consider going forward.
1. Ovechkin! When I talk to people who have seen a lot of NHL games during their careers as players, coaches, executives, journalists or broadcasters, they all agree Alex Ovechkin is among the most dynamic performers the league has ever seen. The combination of skill and raw emotion that he brings to the ice pulls you out of your seat … literally. The league should make it a priority to get Ovechkin and the Capitals into next year's tilt. That shouldn't be a big problem. Owner Ted Leonsis says he wants in, and the team is among the most entertaining in the league. If I close my eyes, I can see Caps coach Bruce Boudreau wearing an old-school bowler hat behind the bench.
2. Baseball. I think it makes the most sense to keep the event in a baseball stadium. Commissioner Gary Bettman seems to agree: "Being in a baseball stadium gives us an advantage of more time, and with the benefit of more time, we were able to do a much better job of constructing the rink." Getting into the venue early is critical to creating an NHL-level ice surface. Is the outdoor ice ever going to be perfect? No. Heck, the indoor ice isn't perfect. Still, when you have more time, you have a better chance for good ice. In Chicago, the ice wasn't a big issue. It was a vast improvement over the situation in Buffalo.
3. Yanks-Sox. New York's Yankee Stadium or Boston's Fenway Park would be logical spots for a future Winter Classic. The new Yankee Stadium would probably be even money for next year, because ongoing winter construction at Fenway probably keeps it off the list for the immediate future. There are obstacles. Namely money. What a surprise! The league, team and venue have to agree on the finances. That might be difficult when you consider the three parties involved. Also, the league's relationship with the Rangers isn't good, and the Yankees aren't exactly a philanthropic organization. Hopefully, the three parties can find a way to work together.
4. Let's play two … or three … or four. No, not Winter Classics. Not yet, at least. But it would be great to see the league find a way to get more use out of the rink. After all, they spend a lot of time and money to set it up. This year, there will be some youth games and public skating-type events over the next two days. That's great. I say let's expand that to a week, if possible. I can't imagine a kids' group or an old beer leaguer (like me) that wouldn't want to play a quick game on that rink.
5. Pregame. Sorry, but I love all the pregame stuff. It's great. Years from now, when fans think back on their experience at Wrigley, they might not remember every goal, but they will remember the national anthems, the big flags, the fireworks and the flyover (totally cool!), among other things. The players certainly will. Detroit captain Nicklas Lidstrom, who has been around the rink a time or two, said he was blown away by the lead-up, which gives the game an "event" feel. I even liked the card "stunts" that were performed for the aerial TV shots. There were two color-coded cards on each seat. On cue, fans held up the cards, which spelled out things like "Happy New Year." There was a funny moment, however, when fans on the first-base side of the field realized they were holding cards that helped to spell out "Red Wings." The Hawks fans revolted, throwing their cards into the air. I have to say, I thought that was a very funny scene.
E.J. Hradek
