Newspaper articles and commentators were focusing too much on Sidney Crosby and were not paying enough attention to the other players and activities in the game itself. For example, why didn’t they focus more on Ty Conklin, former Oiler’s and now Penguin’s goalie, who played in both of the NHL’s outdoor games?
There was also a significant difference between the first outdoor game and the second one. The first involved a heritage game between present and former Edmonton Oiler and Montreal Canadian players; while, the current game was a match between two opposing NHL teams competing for the infamous two points. The winter classic involved more hitting, tight checking, and less scoring.
Both games involved poor weather conditions resulting in more delays and stoppages stretching the time over usual NHL games. While the first game was played in minus twenty degree temperatures, it had no precipitation, but had chunks of ice. During the second game it snowed heavily throughout the game. Both of these weather conditions made it harder to skate and control the puck.
Here are some challenging questions to consider for future outdoor games. NHL hockey is played during three seasons –fall, winter, and spring. To make weather conditions more favourable to the game, why not play the outdoor game in the fall when it is cold with less extreme weather? The rink will be more suitable for players. Or, the game could be played in the spring when there is less chance of precipitation.
My second suggestion is to figure out which teams will play in the next outdoor event. The league should have a process similar to the NHL Lottery. Two winning teams will be chosen from a random draw of thirty teams. The NHL Commissioner will then select the winning team by drawing once more from the two choices. This selection will represent the home team for the event.
These ideas will make the game more enjoyable and less stressful for all participants.
