Outdoor hockey all about the money

[doniceage]

By John Mehno Times Sports Correspondent

The Penguins vs. the Blackhawks is a marquee matchup that couldn’t happen this year because the lockout-shortened schedule didn’t allow inter-conference games.

It will happen next season.

Too bad the NHL wants to turn a great game into a marketing gimmick.

http://www.timesonline.com/columnist...48ed302ca.html

[Estovia]

As if the fact that the Penguins have had repeated appearances and the Rangers are scheduled for two, all of three days apart, wasn't proof enough that it's about money and not about creating an experience for the fans and/or players.

It's been a marketing gimmick ever since they saw what the BUF - PIT game could do.

[TheBoxBreaker]

As if the fact that the Penguins have had repeated appearances and the Rangers are scheduled for two, all of three days apart, wasn't proof enough that it's about money and not about creating an experience for the fans and/or players.

It's been a marketing gimmick ever since they saw what the BUF - PIT game could do.

Perhaps, but wouldn't you attend the Winter Classic? Sure, it might be about money for the organizers, but it's also a huge experience for the fans. Some fans love it and some hate it, but the ones that actually attend the NHL Winter Classic enjoy it. Seeing your favourite team take on the rivals, outdoors, and with 70,000 other fans? That's more than just a regular season game.

-Ethan