Future Winter Classics and the Boston Bruins

by Michael Taylor on Jan 3, 2012 4:47 PM EST

I'm not ashamed to admit. I love the Winter Classic. I've watched all of the last 4, missing only the first one. Having attended the 2010 Winter Classic at Fenway, I readily admit it was one of my favorite sporting events I've ever attended live (although nothing will top the Snow Bowl at the now defunct Foxboro Stadium). That despite the fact that I had ideal baseball seats for the game, which meant I was mostly only able to see Zdeno Chara's helmet. So, while most hockey-centric sites are focusing on future sites they'd like to see and future matchups, I'd like to focus on games that could potentially involve our defending Stanley Cup Champion (never get tired of saying that) Boston Bruins.

Yankee Stadium The Bronx, NY - The first and possibly most obvious match for the Bruins and the Winter Classic would be Bruins-Rangers at what is the latest version of Yankee Stadium. From an NBC Standpoint. This one would be a total no-brainer. Two Original 6 teams, two major American media markets, and of course the association that those two cities and that particular venue have via their storied baseball rivalry. Yankee Stadium, as most know, is unavailable to host a Winter Classic until January 1, 2015, but you'd have to imagine that the NHL and NBC would do whatever they could to get these two together there. Especially considering the fact that it's very possible that the Bruins and Rangers could be Stanley Cup contenders in each season leading up to that game.

Notre Dame Stadium South Bend, IN - Personally, I love the idea of the Winter Classic in iconic venues, and Notre Dame Stadium is absolutely one of those. This particular venue would represent a change from the NHL/NBC's tried and true method of having it in an existing NHL city in a professional football or baseball stadium. Chicago is less than 2 hours from South Bend, and would make the sensible choice for the "host" team. I also believe that the Bruins, another original 6 franchise that hails from a very Irish-American city make for a tremendous opponent for the Blackhawks. A Notre Dame-Boston College Hockey East game could also be on the docket for the week's festivities.

Harvard Stadium Cambridge, MA - Obviously with the Bruins recently having hosted a game at Fenway Park, a return of the Winter Classic to New England would likely be years down the road. Whether the next trip to Boston will include a return to Fenway or a visit to Gillette will probably depend on whether the NHL and NBC want to go for the nostalgia or the increased gate receipts. But for me, I'd rather go for what for me would be the cool factor of having the game in the Nation's Oldest Stadium. And who better to take part than two of the league's oldest rivals in the Bruins and the Canadiens. Obviously the league would have to forgo what would be increased ticket sales (by a huge margin) at Gillette in order to play in a unique venue, but in my mind that would be well worth it to prevent the Classic from going stale from having it in yet another nondescript NFL Stadium.

The possibilities for the Winter Classic are endless and these are just the potential games that stand out in my mind. I hope I'm lucky enough as a fan to even see one of them come true and I'm sure there are fans that have completely different visions for the Bruins and the NHL's showcase game.

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Comments

Bruins-Red Wings?

Michael, I agree with the fact that the B’s should be able to participate in another outdoor game. The Flyers and Penguins have each participated in two, one home and one away, so why not the Bruins? I do think the most likely destination for next year’s classic is Comerica Park in Detroit, and as many have speculated recently, the B’s would make a great opponent for the Wings. An original Six match-up that features two very good goaltenders (Thomas/Rask and Howard) would be a good storyline, making the game highly marketable, and the fact that Thomas hails from Michigan would make for an even better sub-plot, don’t you think?

Kenneth Fenderson
Bruins blogger
Beantown Banter
@Save_By_Thomas

by Save_By_Thomas on Jan 3, 2012 6:24 PM EST reply actions

yes please, although it should be at the Big House

by TomServo42 on Jan 3, 2012 7:01 PM EST up reply actions

I tend to subscribe to the thought that Detroit is next on the list, and if the NHL doesn’t want to be repeating matchups, and wants an old-school rivalry game, then Wings-B’s is logical. I’m guessing the next 3 Classics will be in Detroit, Minnesota (vs. Dallas, maybe?) and NYC.

In Memoriam: Dan Wheldon 1978-2011

by Arenacale on Jan 3, 2012 7:06 PM EST up reply actions

Minnesota (vs. Dallas, maybe?)

Not gonna happen, neither draw well enough on a national level

Your 2011 Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins

Hockey Blog Adventure is my blog but I'm way more active on Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)

by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 4, 2012 8:42 AM EST up reply actions

Never say never. There was a time when the Washington Capitals didn’t draw well enough on a national level. This is where the NHL needs to be smart with it’s matchups (which actually runs completely counter to my article), when you have a major venue and a major market involved, I’d actually subscribe to the theory that for those games that’s when you want to sneak a non-traditional team in with a star you want to promote.

An example of this would be. Detroit’s game next year. Major Hockey Market, traditional Hockey power. If you wanted to make sure the Winter Classic never got stale, I’d actually push the Tampa/Yzerman/Stamkos angle there.

by Michael Taylor on Jan 4, 2012 8:45 AM EST up reply actions

Full agreement. Instead of matching two strong fanbases, pair a strong with a weak. Boosts the weaker fanbase and many of them can’t host anyways so gets them involved.

by BobbyOrrsBastard on Jan 4, 2012 9:06 AM EST up reply actions

+1

This also makes me think Wild-Pens would be a good future matchup based on the 1991 Finals, and would help the Wild out nationally big time.

In Memoriam: Dan Wheldon 1978-2011

by Arenacale on Jan 4, 2012 9:10 AM EST up reply actions

The 1991 finals team now plays in Dallas :(

Your 2011 Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins

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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 4, 2012 9:10 AM EST up reply actions

The Wild would have been the team I would have sent Detroit or Chicago on the road for. I think they’ll get a game once Granlund breaks out though, so maybe 2016?

by Michael Taylor on Jan 4, 2012 9:12 AM EST up reply actions

The NHL has shot itself in the foot with all of the “promising” they do. For example. Boston Bruins – Big Market, Marquee Franchise
Fenway Park – Historic Venue

Why would they waste the Philadelphia Flyers as a road team in that game?

For me, I’d have chose San Jose. (Cup Contender, Big Market you want to Grow, Joe Thornton and Boston, etc.)

Blackhawks at Wrigley? Should have been Los Angeles or Anaheim. Did anyone else fail to notice that Detroit rarely plays baseball games in Wrigley Field.

I get that NBC wanted to hit it big with the first few, but now they run the risk of a bust game or a stale game.

by Michael Taylor on Jan 4, 2012 9:11 AM EST up reply actions

I think the big thing to think about is that they aren’t marketing to hockey fans. They’re marketing to people they would like to turn into hockey fans, but aren’t currently. Since Wayne Gretzky left, nobody cares about the Kings that isn’t either
a) a hockey nut like us
b) from LA and follows them casually
c) a wil wheaton twitter follower
so it’s unlikely they get into one soon.

Your 2011 Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins

Hockey Blog Adventure is my blog but I'm way more active on Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)

by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 4, 2012 9:20 AM EST up reply actions

I mean, selfishly, as a fan of a team who the NHL likes to market. I’m fine with this. The more WC’s for the Bruins the better. It’s also easy to understand that the same fans who think the matchups would get stale are the same ones that are going to watch DAL-DET on NBC Sports last night anyway.

by Michael Taylor on Jan 4, 2012 9:28 AM EST up reply actions

c) a wil wheaton twitter follower

And who wouldnt’ follow Gordie Lachance?!

Kick his ass, Seabass!

by phonymahoney on Jan 4, 2012 11:01 AM EST up reply actions

I should start by saying that I’d WANT the Bruins to play in every Winter Classic. So I’d have no problem with Bruins-Red Wings at Comerica or better still the Big House. That being said, if you were to tell me the Bruins were going to play in 1 of the next 3 Winter Classics on the road, I’d want the Yankee Stadium one, and it’s not even close.

Personally, part of me hopes that while Columbus sucks, Detroit plays their first Winter Classic at Comerica, and the one in Ann Arbor is against the Blue Jackets (with a rematch somewhere down the line at Ohio Stadium or vice versa).

by Michael Taylor on Jan 3, 2012 8:19 PM EST up reply actions

Honestly

Spare me the Bruins at Rangers thing. I’m sure the ratings would be gargantuan, but NBC is going to turn that away from hockey and rehash Sox-Yanks, Pats-Giants/Jets, etc. It’s really a bit negative for the NHL if you ask me.

In Memoriam: Dan Wheldon 1978-2011

by Arenacale on Jan 4, 2012 9:19 AM EST up reply actions

You have a good point. Especially since there is no real rivalry between Rangers and Bruins… I mean, both teams are way down the others list.

by BobbyOrrsBastard on Jan 4, 2012 9:22 AM EST up reply actions

Bruins rivals

Montreal
Montreal
The Habs
Montreal

I’d say Rangers are top 8, though. For both “fuck new york” reasons and also that the games are usually pretty good between them no matter how the teams are doing.

Your 2011 Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins

Hockey Blog Adventure is my blog but I'm way more active on Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)

by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 4, 2012 9:24 AM EST up reply actions

Exactly. The Milbury incident is really the extent of the “rivalry”. Now, if the Isles stick around long enough for one, NYR-NYI at Yankee Stadium would be cool, except for the NYC love-fest.

In Memoriam: Dan Wheldon 1978-2011

by Arenacale on Jan 4, 2012 9:25 AM EST up reply actions

Tell that to the NHL network who jumps at any opportunity to compare hockey and football.

Remember that Peverley-to-Pouliot set play against the Habs on the offensive zone faceoff where they went forward and Pevs Dispensed it over and pouliot had a back-door tap-in?

Kevin Weekes called a very similar play “like a red zone offense” on NHL Network and then when I called him out on it on twitter, and then said it’s more like a corner kick in soccer, he called me legally blind.

I love twitter

Your 2011 Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins

Hockey Blog Adventure is my blog but I'm way more active on Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)

by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 4, 2012 9:23 AM EST up reply actions

To be fair, Kevin Weekes can’t watch soccer, with the small goalie and huge goal it’s too much of a reminder of his own career.

In Memoriam: Dan Wheldon 1978-2011

by Arenacale on Jan 4, 2012 9:28 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs

rec

Your 2011 Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins

Hockey Blog Adventure is my blog but I'm way more active on Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)

by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 4, 2012 9:32 AM EST up reply actions

I think we’re headed for a Bruins-Rangers Eastern Conference Finals. We’ll see how we all feel about that subject then.

by Michael Taylor on Jan 4, 2012 9:30 AM EST up reply actions

That could very well change matters.

As of now, I see Montreal, Toronto, Philly, Dallas, Pittsburgh, Vancouver and Buffalo all considerably higher on the ‘hate’ list than the Rangers

by BobbyOrrsBastard on Jan 4, 2012 9:33 AM EST up reply actions

By 2015 there’s a solid likelihood that the Bruins have zero heat with Dallas or Vancouver, and it’s possible NBC won’t carry a Canadian team. That leaves you with Philly, Pitt, and Buffalo.

by Michael Taylor on Jan 4, 2012 9:37 AM EST up reply actions

I agree. Boston-NY is a baseball and football thing… and the focus would be on the benue and the baseball rivalry rather than the the two hockey teams playing the game.

That said, it would be a great game. They’re a team I’d choose to play against, but only after a handful of others.

Kick his ass, Seabass!

by phonymahoney on Jan 4, 2012 11:03 AM EST up reply actions

Personally, I can’t stand Bruins-Rangers games. They are always like Bruins-Wild game…. incredibly boring.

by BobbyOrrsBastard on Jan 4, 2012 11:14 AM EST up reply actions

Look at the teams this year, though. I don’t see it not being a good one.

Kick his ass, Seabass!

by phonymahoney on Jan 4, 2012 11:21 AM EST up reply actions

That I will grant you. But in the past few years they have always been snoozefests and not just because they are low-scoring.

by BobbyOrrsBastard on Jan 4, 2012 11:23 AM EST up reply actions

Really? I completely disagree

Your 2011 Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins

Hockey Blog Adventure is my blog but I'm way more active on Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)

by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 4, 2012 12:30 PM EST up reply actions

+1

possible ECF opponents this year. the rivalry might pick up some steam now that the rangers a relevant again

I piss excellence

by NYC Jim347 on Jan 4, 2012 4:03 PM EST up reply actions

I totally agree with you that Detroit is the most likely next winter classic team. I would love for it to be with the Bruins and I think a Detroit Bruins match-up would be a ratings boon for NBC given that both teams have large media markets and a lot of fans in places other than the immediate media market.

I think fan wise a Bruins/Rangers match-up in New York would be a good one because it is pretty easy for Boston fans to travel to New York if they are inclined to attend.

by TCL40 on Jan 4, 2012 6:21 AM EST up reply actions

also, yes please to Yankee Stadium

by TomServo42 on Jan 3, 2012 7:01 PM EST reply actions

Harvard Stadium isn't in Cambridge, y'know...

It’s in Allston.

Actually, if they were going to do another Classic here in Boston, I’d suspect that the non-Gillette option would be BC’s Alumni Stadium. It seats 44,500 (more than Fenway), has way more luxury boxes than Harvard, and is actually pretty unique atmosphere-wise and I think would look good dressed up in Bruins tinsel.

In Memoriam: Dan Wheldon 1978-2011

by Arenacale on Jan 3, 2012 7:16 PM EST reply actions

Learn something new every day. Pretty interesting.

In regards to Alumni Stadium, can’t say I agree at all, I’ve been there twice for BC Football games, it’s pretty much a generic football stadium to me. If you aren’t going to have it at Fenway or Harvard, they should have it at Gillette and take advantage of the bigger seating capacity and much more convenient parking for the fan fests.

by Michael Taylor on Jan 3, 2012 8:16 PM EST up reply actions

Don’t see the Patriots allowing that.

Would mean they were forced to the road for week 16 and 17 and could potentially have an absolutely horrid field for a first-round playoff game.

by BobbyOrrsBastard on Jan 3, 2012 9:20 PM EST up reply actions

Gillette has FieldTurf now, so quality is not an issue. But the scheduling would be, and Gillette is too remote from Boston to accomplish what the NHL and the Bruins would want to do.

In Memoriam: Dan Wheldon 1978-2011

by Arenacale on Jan 4, 2012 8:25 AM EST up reply actions

Don’t think scheduling is as much of an issue as people are making it out to be. There’s already been two Winter Classic’s in NFL Stadiums. One of which took place at the home field of a perennial (ugh) playoff team in Pittsburgh.

I’m also not sure what being in Foxboro prevents the Bruins and NHL from doing? The MBTA runs there as it is, and there’s much more space for a fan fest type of atmosphere.

by Michael Taylor on Jan 4, 2012 8:43 AM EST up reply actions

The “Patriots Train” runs on commercial freight tracks and only for special occasions.

Your 2011 Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins

Hockey Blog Adventure is my blog but I'm way more active on Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)

by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 4, 2012 8:44 AM EST up reply actions

Which the Winter Classic and it’s fan fest likely would be. They ran a train out there for the US-Spain friendly this June.

by Michael Taylor on Jan 4, 2012 8:46 AM EST up reply actions

The Classic has evolved into a community event as well, with the HS and college games and public skating as well. The Bruins (and presumably Menino) would want to keep the game as close to the inner city as possible. Can’t hop the Green Line to Foxboro, unfortunately.

In Memoriam: Dan Wheldon 1978-2011

by Arenacale on Jan 4, 2012 8:48 AM EST up reply actions

As someone who lives outside of the city, It would be nice for some of the fans (and HS teams) who are outside of the city limits to get some love with the Winter Classic as well. People play hockey in those areas also. If anything, I think it’s more convenient to the hockey playing population of Massachusetts. Most hockey players drive/ride instead of using the green line.

by Michael Taylor on Jan 4, 2012 8:52 AM EST up reply actions

Just because a HS team doesn’t play in Boston proper, that doesn’t mean they can’t play at frozen fenway/whatever the new venue is. If you make the “people who are outside city limits” argument, then the same can be said about people who live on the north shore or in Western Mass.

The Bruins are a Boston team, Boston is the most populated city, and most of the population of MA is in Middlesex county/greater Boston – soooo, Gillette really isn’t the “fairest” by your measurements.

Also, it’s about fan convenience, not player convenience. They want people from other cities to be at this game, too, and making them hop on the commuter rail to go to Foxborough isn’t really ideal when you could have them play inside the city, or closer to it.

Kick his ass, Seabass!

by phonymahoney on Jan 4, 2012 11:10 AM EST up reply actions

Right off the bat I’d say Gillette is more “fair” than any other Boston Stadium, because you can get 23k more Bruins and fans from other cities into the game. Making someone hop on the commuter rail is a MUCH less of an inconvenience than telling them they don’t have a seat.

I don’t buy for a second that the same schools that can afford to play at Frozen Fenway can’t afford to also play at Frozen Gillette.

by Michael Taylor on Jan 4, 2012 11:34 AM EST up reply actions

Agreed with Taylor. I think the extra 20K tickets available more than makes up for the ‘unfairness’ of having to hop the commuter line.

Also, its an area that is accustomed to heavy traffic and has the parking to support 70K fans and tailgating. Would be far easier for fans to reach than Fenway for the most part seeing as the vast majority of MA lives outside of Boston and beyond the reaches of the T.

by BobbyOrrsBastard on Jan 4, 2012 11:41 AM EST up reply actions

I didn’t say they couldn’t afford it, I was just playting devil’s advocate to ths:

As someone who lives outside of the city, It would be nice for some of the fans (and HS teams) who are outside of the city limits to get some love with the Winter Classic as well. People play hockey in those areas also. If anything, I think it’s more convenient to the hockey playing population of Massachusetts. Most hockey players drive/ride instead of using the green line.

I’d like to see us host another, regardless of where it is… although I hate football and have zero love for Gillette, so I don’t really care if it’s there. Meh.

Kick his ass, Seabass!

by phonymahoney on Jan 4, 2012 11:51 AM EST up reply actions

The outdoor game makes the most sense at a football stadium. Offers better sightlines than MLB stadiums do and allows for higher attendance. The higher attendance also means that ticket prices can be cheaper (the price of good seats won’t change but bad ones can cost less).

The hard part, of course, is scheduling with the resident NFL team. Its why collegiate stadiums are the best bet but there is no real viable option near many traditional hockey markets (BC is too small)

by BobbyOrrsBastard on Jan 4, 2012 11:54 AM EST up reply actions

And the ManU-Revs game, yeah.

But that would be for just the main game, I think.

Your 2011 Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins

Hockey Blog Adventure is my blog but I'm way more active on Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)

by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 4, 2012 8:49 AM EST up reply actions

Gillette is too remote from Boston

Always and forever.

Your 2011 Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins

Hockey Blog Adventure is my blog but I'm way more active on Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)

by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 4, 2012 8:43 AM EST up reply actions

I don’t like it being at Gillette. I’d like it closer to the city. Has to have a Boston feel, IMO.

Kick his ass, Seabass!

by phonymahoney on Jan 4, 2012 11:06 AM EST up reply actions

I would love to see it at Alumni

There really isnt a bad seat in the house IMO. You would be right up on the action.

Keep Calm and Tim Tom

by Big Bad Me on Jan 3, 2012 10:22 PM EST up reply actions

Lower Allston is like cambridge lite

Your 2011 Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins

Hockey Blog Adventure is my blog but I'm way more active on Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)

by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 4, 2012 8:42 AM EST up reply actions

True.

In Memoriam: Dan Wheldon 1978-2011

by Arenacale on Jan 4, 2012 8:53 AM EST up reply actions

except more awesome.

Link ninja/occasional writer of useful things at Stanley Cup of Chowder
Coverin' the bb B's at Something's Bruin
Watch me yell about stuff on the twitters
(also: Let's Go Bluuuuuuuues!)

by sarahconnors on Jan 4, 2012 10:06 AM EST up reply actions

ehhh

I’ve lived in lower allston

if I could move to either spot it would be cambridge

Your 2011 Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins

Hockey Blog Adventure is my blog but I'm way more active on Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)

by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 4, 2012 10:13 AM EST up reply actions

As much as I hate BC, I would go for this.

Kick his ass, Seabass!

by phonymahoney on Jan 4, 2012 11:05 AM EST up reply actions

CLS

Rogers Center – Toronto

by Steve Tracy on Jan 3, 2012 10:11 PM EST reply actions

They can’t do one in Toronto or with Canadian teams. Has something to do with TV rights to the game.

But I do think some match-ups with Canadian teams would be awesome from a fan perspective. A Bruins/Leafs or Habs/Leafs game would be awesome.

by TCL40 on Jan 4, 2012 6:23 AM EST up reply actions

I actually see it feasible for Detroit to host Toronto next year. Detroit holds enough support throughout the states to pull at least semi-decent TV ratings, and it’s a ‘classic’ rivalry with them both being Original 6 teams and in the Norris Division together for a dozen years. Fans of these 2 teams could easily fill the Big House.
Assuming Detroit hosts next year, who is a better suitor as the visiting team?

An escalator can never break. It can only become stairs.

by jjoe1185 on Jan 4, 2012 8:43 AM EST up reply actions

Answering my own question – probably St Louis.

An escalator can never break. It can only become stairs.

by jjoe1185 on Jan 4, 2012 8:44 AM EST up reply actions

I think Toronto is a great fit. One thing NBC is likely going to find eventually is that the two big Canadian teams probably draw as well in the states as some of the mid-market American teams. Unless you’re planning on rotating the 4 US Original 6 teams with Pitt, Philly, and Buffalo, then Toronto and Montreal makes as much sense as any other.

by Michael Taylor on Jan 4, 2012 8:48 AM EST up reply actions

Buffalo only got one because it was their idea.

The NHL actually didn’t want to allow it, and I believe Buffalo went over their heads to NBC directly.

Your 2011 Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins

Hockey Blog Adventure is my blog but I'm way more active on Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)

by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 4, 2012 8:50 AM EST up reply actions

Very interesting. Maybe the NHL is in fact, hoping to keep it between the NBC 7.

by Michael Taylor on Jan 4, 2012 8:53 AM EST up reply actions

I’m pretty sure someone got asked how winning the WC compared to winning the Stanley Cup.

The point is that they’re trying to get as big of ratings as possible. The Stanley Cup Final between Philly and Chicago brought in (at most, for game 6) a 4.7 rating. This was the highest-rated hockey game on television since game 6 of the 1974 final.

The most recent winter classic had an overnight of 2.1, the lowest of any winter classic so far:

Winter Classic Overnights
2008, Pittsburgh vs. Buffalo, 1/1/08: 2.6
2009, Detroit vs. Chicago, 1/1/09: 2.9
2010, Philadelphia vs. Boston, 1/1/10: 2.6
2011, Washington vs. Pittsburgh, 1/1/11: 2.8
2012, NY Rangers vs. Philadelphia, 1/2/12: 2.4

For comparison, Fox’s 2-hour block of House reruns got a 2.2 rating that night between 8pm and 10pm.

So NBC does anything they can to get the ratings up as much as possible for the Winter Classic. Which means teams that draw big US ratings, like Chicago, Detroit, Philly (seriously everyone watches Philly), New York, etc.

I know the NHL has some say in who plays but I’d be surprised if they don’t work very closely with NBC for the selection process.

There’s a positive post about those here on puck daddy: http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Five-reasons-not-to-panic-about-Winter-Classic-s?urn=nhl-211696

Your 2011 Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins

Hockey Blog Adventure is my blog but I'm way more active on Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)

by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 4, 2012 9:09 AM EST up reply actions

http://espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/7421370/winter-classic-new-york-rangers-philadelphia-flyers-was-5th-most-watched-nhl-game-1975

ESPN has it as the 5th most watched game since 75 and having a bigger audience than the Boston WC despite that having higher ratings.

One reason I never completely trust or believe rating numbers.

by BobbyOrrsBastard on Jan 4, 2012 9:30 AM EST up reply actions

most-watched regular season game

they also say it had a 2.1 rating while the NHL press release says 2.4. Ratings are basically voodoo black magic.

Though the Rose Bowl’s ratings went down 15% because it jumped back to the 2nd instead of the 1st, so I guess it’s good the Winter Classic didn’t go down by nearly as much.

Your 2011 Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins

Hockey Blog Adventure is my blog but I'm way more active on Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)

by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 4, 2012 9:35 AM EST up reply actions

okay I have to do work but I love talking about this stuff, it’s fascinating as heck.

This used to be a great blog for all media commentary but now it’s just merely good, though he still does post slightly more than I do: http://puckthemedia.wordpress.com/

Your 2011 Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins

Hockey Blog Adventure is my blog but I'm way more active on Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)

by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 4, 2012 9:36 AM EST up reply actions

oh god that puck daddy link is from the 2010 WC.

Shameful. A shameful post. I am ashamed.

Please forgive me

Your 2011 Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins

Hockey Blog Adventure is my blog but I'm way more active on Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)

by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 4, 2012 9:38 AM EST up reply actions

I’m still reliving that WC as well. I’m glad they ended the 2009-2010 after that game.

You’re forgiven.

by Michael Taylor on Jan 4, 2012 9:40 AM EST up reply actions

you feel shame!

Kick his ass, Seabass!

by phonymahoney on Jan 4, 2012 11:12 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

I would say that beyond those 7, the two big Canadian teams (Montreal and Toronto) would draw better American TV ratings than the rest of the league. They have enough rivalries with the larger American hockey cities, and because of their size, probably a larger number of (hockey watching) ex-pats than the other 13 or so (subtracting 2 more NY and 1 LA team) US markets.

I’m hoping there’s some equation they’re using. Ratings + Ticket Revenue + Market Growth to determine these things, rather than some NBC Exec throwing darts at the 7 logos they recognize.

by Michael Taylor on Jan 4, 2012 9:02 AM EST up reply actions

Do you think we will see any Canadian teams playing in/hosting the WC?

Keep Calm and Tim Tom

by Big Bad Me on Jan 3, 2012 10:23 PM EST reply actions

Playing in, maybe.
Hosting, no.

It just doesn’t make sense from the league’s perspective, nor from its broadcasters perspective.

by BobbyOrrsBastard on Jan 3, 2012 10:39 PM EST up reply actions

Thats kind of what I figured. It’s all about the $$$ from American markets at the end of the day. It’s too bad really, would love to see B’s vs Leafs and B’s vs Habs up north.

Keep Calm and Tim Tom

by Big Bad Me on Jan 3, 2012 10:57 PM EST up reply actions

Actually, its not all about the money. That is the NBC perspective (which certainly is a big factor).

Its all about driving up interest. Canada is already obsessed with the game. If it were only about money the game would be held in Canada where it could most certainly outdraw any American venue at higher prices too.

No, the league wants to grow new fans in the USA. Only way to do that is to push the American teams and their stars and the WC is an ideal stage for that. Doesn’t make sense to waste the marketing opportunity on already strong fanbases that are unlikely to gain converts in the US.

I even saw a Canadian commenter on PuckDaddy providing this very same view… it simply doesn’t make sense from a marketing standpoint.

by BobbyOrrsBastard on Jan 3, 2012 11:05 PM EST up reply actions

It’s about ratings.

You can’t brag about ratings for viewers in Canada.

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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 4, 2012 8:45 AM EST up reply actions

No, that’s what the heritage classic is for.

Your 2011 Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins

Hockey Blog Adventure is my blog but I'm way more active on Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)

by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 4, 2012 8:44 AM EST up reply actions

I wonder if having a "home team" matters

I heard a suggestion about the Yale Bowl the other day, and it makes me think that, if NBC is only concerned with having “their” teams in the game, that neutral site Classics could be tried in the future. It would certainly open up some new opportunities – the much requested Pennsylvania game in State College, WAS-PHI in Baltimore, etc. etc.

In Memoriam: Dan Wheldon 1978-2011

by Arenacale on Jan 4, 2012 9:08 AM EST reply actions

This makes a ton of sense. Especially if you matchup equidistant teams (down the road BOS-NYR at Yale, WSH-PHI at Camden yards, PIT-PHI at State College)…..and of course my favorite CHI-MIN at Lambeau Field. Although I can only imagine how well that would go over in Green Bay. The Packers are going on the road for two weeks….so Vikings and Bears fans can inhabit our beloved field?

by Michael Taylor on Jan 4, 2012 9:15 AM EST up reply actions

Makes sense to me.

Kick his ass, Seabass!

by phonymahoney on Jan 4, 2012 11:13 AM EST up reply actions

my boss went to the winter classic

and all I got was this lousy seat cushion. I would rather a hat, but hey, I’ll take his free gift. It actually had a pack of cards in the pocket, all flyers and rangers WC cards, and cards of plays from past winter classics.