Hope for the Coyotes; Winter Classic preview; more news and notes

World Junior Championship phenom Max Domi offers hope to the Arizona Coyotes, 2015 Winter Classic preview; more NHL news, notes and highlights.

Author:
Allan Muir
Publish date:
Jan 1, 2015

Off The Draw

Even as they capped off 2014 with a disheartening 6-0 loss in Dallas, the Arizona Coyotes were buoyed on Wednesday by the potential for a fantastic 2015.

Hours before that shellacking, the team learned that an agreement for IceArizona to sell 51% of the franchise to hedge fund magnate Andrew Barroway had been finalized by the NHL's Board of Governors.

It's hard to say yet exactly what the deal will mean for the organization. Barroway has been quiet throughout the process, offering little beyond “this is a dream come true” platitudes. But there's hope that his arrival will finally bring the stability that the team's small but die-hard fan base has craved for years.

It might also allow GM Don Maloney the financial flexibility to finally execute his vision of team building. After years of clipping coupons, he could soon have the means to attract and retain the top-end talent he needs to grow a contender.

With top center Antoine Vermette steaming toward unrestricted free agency, Maloney could use that budget boost soon. Many expected that the veteran would be in play ahead of the trade deadline, but as a consistent two-way forward and one of the game's most effective face-off artists Vermette is exactly the sort of player this team needs moving forward. It won't be easy to retain him—no one would blame the 32-year-old if he wanted to explore the market and chase the Stanley Cup—but a bold offer is exactly what this new ownership needs to get off to the right start. One could come soon.

There's also reason for hope in Montreal, where the Coyotes' top prospect is putting on a masterful performance at the World Junior Championship.

Max Domi has been Team Canada's most consistent offensive threat throughout the round-robin, using his speed, skill and surprising physical strength to create space and generate scoring chances. He put it all on display in Canada's 5-3 win over Team USA on Wednesday, highlighted by a brilliant sequence that saw him shrug off the check of massive 6'-4” defenseman Brandon Carlo to get to the net and bury a brilliant pass from Sam Reinhart for the game's opening goal.

“He's answering a lot of questions,” a scout said of Domi, Arizona's 2013 first rounder. “There's so much desire in his game right now. He's winning battles, he's earning his ice, he's making things happen. There aren't many quiet shifts when his line is on the ice. He's been dominant.”

Despite being a late cut at camp last fall, Domi's still a few years away from making that kind of impact in the desert. But his showing at the WJC, along with the addition of Barroway's financial might, hints at the better days that lie ahead for the Coyotes.

What to watch

Winter Classic: Blackhawks at Capitals (1 p.m. EST tentative; NBC, CBC, TVA)

For Capitals coach, it's a matter of trust in Brooks Orpik

Yeah, it lacks the thrilling frisson of a natural rivalry and the location is as impressive as a McMansion, but what else are you gonna watch today? College football?

If you've got part of your day carved out to catch the action from Nationals Park, you might want to keep your plans flexible. The scheduled 1 p.m. start is up in the air with cloudless skies and bright sunshine in the forecast. There are concerns about a potentially dangerous glare that could make the puck, not to mention ill-intentioned opponents, hard to see, so a decision to push the start back 90 minutes is expected. Or we could get the greatest ad ever for Oakley sunglasses. We'll see.

The other game-time decision is the status of Washington's Brooks Orpik. The defender, who hurt his knee in the team's last game, will make the call after the pregame skate. Nate Schmidt is at the ready to step in, but odds are Orpik will give it a go.

The Caps come into this one off an 8-2-4 December that featured some of their best hockey of the season. It also featured some promising play from Braden Holtby, who posted a ridiculous .941 save percentage for the month. It'll be interesting moving forward to learn if that was just a hot stretch or an indication of improvements made under new goalie coach Mitch Korn. If the Caps are going to take this one today against a Chicago team that's on a 15-3-1 tear, he'll have to be special.

GALLERY: Ranking the Winter Classic jerseys

Ranking the NHL's Winter Classic Jerseys

16. Philadelphia Flyers 2012

Philly's second trip to the Classic produced the worst jersey to date, a Brach's candy corn nightmare of orange marred by thick black and white piping. The keystone-shaped captain's patches looked like a forced concession to vintage integrity.

15. Detroit Red Wings 2009

Too much white space and a dull gothic D logo sank what should have been a classic.

14. Boston Bruins 2010

For a team with such a rich sartorial history, it's hard to understand why they went with this melange of mismatched vintage elements rather than embrace one of their classic heritage sweaters. Plus: yellow!

13. New York Rangers 2012

Another faux vintage special that centers on a slight updating of an old logo slapped onto a cream-colored sweater. And nothing says retro like cream.

12. Washington Capitals 2011

It's not a particularly great design, but at least it's true to the team heritage theme of the event.

11. Philadelphia Flyers 2010

It worked well enough to become the team's permanent design. Clean and simple. But the nameplate box on the back was one of the worst design ideas in years and really tough to read from a distance.

10. Chicago Blackhawks 2015

An updated take on the team's 1956 home sweaters, this one holds true to the throwback spirit of the event. We like the way the secondary logo appears lower on the sleeves, but the decision to stick to the team's current main logo as opposed to the reductivist original cost them the chance to make it feel truly special.

9. Pittsburgh Penguins 2011

Love the expansion-season logo, the lettering and the navy blue base, but that wacky waist striping would look better matched with a vintage tuxedo.

8. Chicago Blackhawks 2009

The black, red and cream base won't make anyone forget the team's current sweaters, and the logo is waaay too small. Still, it's a solid entry that captures the feel of the team's mid-'30s look.

7. Buffalo Sabres 2008

Nice to see this classic look pulled out of mothballs. Sharp colors and one of the best logos in sports.

6. Detroit Red Wings 2014

A little more spacing between the Detroit wordmark and the winged wheel might have moved this even higher up the list. Even though this design didn't exist in the team's past, it looks the part.

5. Washington Capitals 2015

A team with a limited history to draw on needed to get creative to make this jersey special ... and succeeded. The logo is pinched from the Glenn Hall-era Windsor Spitfires, but with the stars above the W it feels like it could have been native to the Caps. Creative shoulder piping and a discrete tribute to the Washington monument make this one really special.

4. Montreal Canadiens 2016

It’s a curious mix of disparate elements from four historical Habs sweaters ... but somehow, it works. The 1909-style blue chest stripe really pops, as does the white C and the “World Champions” globe sleeve patch. Unlike the organization’s previous outdoor designs, this one lives up to the event.

3. Toronto Maple Leafs 2014

Some take issue with the piping overdose on the sleeves, but as a tribute to the team's 1927 sweater it's nearly flawless.

2. Boston Bruins 2016

This is as close to perfection as it gets, from the throwback logo (crafted in felt and chenille, no less) to the vintage neckline that mimics early sweater styles. Even the one concession to modern times, the oversized numbers, are off-white with old school stitching. Dit Clapper would be proud.

1. Pittsburgh Penguins 2008

penguins.2008.jpg — Dave Sandford/Getty Images

Love those baby blues. A truly bold choice at the time, this near replica of Pittsburgh's 1970-71 sweaters set the standard for retro-outfitting a team at this event and became a staple in the Pens' repertoire.

Kings at Canucks (10 p.m. EST; SN, FS-W)

How bad are the Kings on the road? Only the Oilers—a team that added to L.A.'s misery on Tuesday night—have fewer wins than their four.

It would be nice to say that the opposition is ratcheting up its play when the defending Stanley Cup champs are in the building, but that's letting the Kings off too easily. It's understandable that there's little urgency in their game right now. The bigger issues are their inattention to detail and slow starts that have seen them allow the first goal in 12 of their away 18 games. Keep an eye on Jonathan Quick in this one. His play has reflected the struggles of hid team—he's been dominant at home, going 13-3-2 with a 1.79 GAA and three shutouts at Staples Center but id just 2-6-5 with a 2.94 GAA on the road.

The numbers game

Brad Richards finds chemistry and comfort in Chicago

• Blackhawks forwards Brad Richards and Daniel Carcillo and Capitals defenseman Brooks Orpik have each played in three NHL outdoor games, the most of any players.

• Road teams are 10-2-1 in outdoor games. The Blackhawks were the only home team to win in the league's six outdoor contests last season.

• Of the six highest-rated regular season NHL games since 1975, five have been Winter Classics.

• The Capitals and Blackhawks are each making their second appearance in the Winter Classic; Chicago lost 6-4 to Detroit at Wrigley Field in 2009. Washington topped the Penguins 3-1 at Pittsburgh's rainy Heinz Field in 2011.

• The highest total of goals that two teams have combined to score in a single Winter Classic fame is 10—four were scored by the Blackhawks in their 6-4 loss to Detroit.

• There are 14 players on the Capitals' roster who have skated in an NHL regular-season outdoor game. Of those 14, only two have played in more than one: Jason Chimera (2003 Heritage Classic, 2011 Winter Classic) and Orpik (2008 and 2011 Winter Classics, 2014 Stadium Series game in Chicago).

• A total of 21 players on the Blackhawks roster who have played in a regular-season outdoor game, including 18 who appeared in last season's Stadium Series contest at Soldier Field in Chicago.

• The average temperature in Fahrenheit at puck drop for the six Winter Classics has been 34.7 degrees (2008 – 31.1°; 2009 – 31.9°; 2010 – 39.6°; 2011 – 51.7°; 2012 – 41°; 2014 - 13°).

• A total of 370,716 fans have attended the first six NHL Winter Classic games.

GALLERY: THE NHL OUTDOORS

The NHL Outdoors

Stadium Series 2016

Since the NHL staged its first Winter Classic on Jan. 1, 2008 outdoor games have proved to be extremely popular with fans as well as players. Minnesota got its first on Feb. 21, 2016, a tilt against the Central Division rival Chicago Blackhawks at TCF Bank Stadium on the campus of the University of Minnesota.

Stadium Series 2016

A boisterous crowd of 50,246 enjoyed relatively comfortable 36-degree weather and a romp by the hometown Wild.

Stadium Series 2016

Center Jason Pominville and his linemates Nino Niederreiter and Erik Haula had a big day, combining for three goals and eight points in Minnesota’s 6–1 rout. With a goal and two assists apiece, Pominville and Haula tied the NHL outdoor game scoring record held by seven other players.

Stadium Series 2016

A tough day for Niklas Hjalmarsson and the rest of the defending Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks, who were held at bay by Wild goalie Devan Dubnyk (31 saves), who lost his shutout on a goal by Patrick Kane with 7:55 to go in the third period.

Winter Classic 2016

In 2016, the traditional New Year's Day event returned to Boston. Fenway Park hosted the Bruins and visiting Philadelphia Flyers in 2010. This time, the site was the more modern Gillette Stadium, home of the NFL's Patriots. The Bruins' foes were their traditional bitter rivals, the Montreal Canadiens.

Winter Classic 2016

There was a surprising warm, communal spirit to the day as nearly 70,000 Bruins and Canadiens fans gathered at Gillette Stadium, tailgating and partying from the early morning until the 1:30 p.m puck drop. The weather was reasonably mild (about 40 degrees) and the ice condition was excellent and fast.

Winter Classic 2016

Canadiens goalie Mike Condon (left) was the big story of the day. A Massachusetts native, he had the unenviable task of replacing the injured Carey Price while the Habs tried to crack his counterpart, Tuukka Rask in Boston's net. Both teams wore special throwback jerseys for the game.

Winter Classic 2016

2016-Classic-Canadiens.Meyer.jpg — Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

The return of the injured Brendan Gallagher sparked Montreal's offense to an easy 5–1 win. Constant pressure on the Bruins and a goal off a batted puck enabled the Habs to open a 3-0 lead by the end of the second period. Boston drew within 3-1 on a Matt Beleskey tally at 3:36 of the third, but the game was never in doubt.

Winter Classic 2015

The 2015 edition was awarded to Nationals Park in Washington D.C. with the Capitals hosting the Chicago Blackhawks.

Winter Classic 2015

A crowd of 42,832 fans filled the park on a brilliant winter afternoon with a game time temperature of an almost balmy 44 degrees.

Winter Classic 2015

Ice conditions were very good. Despite concerns about dangerous sun glare, the game started on time, though the teams switched ends at the 10-minute mark of the first period.

Winter Classic 2015

After the Blackhawks tied the score at 2-2 in the second period, the game settled into a defensive battle. Winger Troy Brouwer would prove to be the man of the hour.

Winter Classic 2015

Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin put Washington up 2-0 midway through the first period, but Chicago goalie Corey Crawford settled down and proved tough to beat after that.

Winter Classic 2015

With 12.9 seconds left in regulation, Troy Brouwer delivered the game-winning goal for the Capitals. The ending was even more special as Brouwer's father, who had been recovering from a stroke, attended the game—the first time he had seen his son play in Washington.

Stadium Series 2015

Levi's Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers, in Santa Clara hosted Northern California's first outdoor game, a clash between the local favorite San Jose Sharks and the Los Angeles Kings on Feb. 21, 2015.

Stadium Series 2015

Stadium-Series-Levis-Beck-action.2.jpg — Robert Beck/Sports Illustrated

A crowd of 70,205 looked on in 57-degree weather as the puck dropped on a game that had playoff implications for both teams. (Neither would qualify.)

Stadium Series 2015

Musical entertainment has been a staple at outdoor games. The Kings-Sharks tilt at Levi's Stadium featured former Creedence Clearwater Revival front man John Fogerty (seen here) as well as Melissa Etheridge.

Stadium Series 2015

The Kings prevailed, 2-1, on goals by Kyle Clifford and Marian Gaborik, who potted the game-winner at the 4:04 mark of the third period.

Stadium Series 2014

In 2014, the league pulled out all the stops and scheduled six of outdoor games. Four were part of a Stadium Series with one at Soldier Field in Chicago, one at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, and two at New York's fabled Yankee Stadium.

Stadium Series 2014

140303100906-soldier-field-fans-brian-kersey-single-image-cut.jpg — Brian Kersey/Getty Images

The game at Soldier Field on March 1 drew a sellout crowd of 62,921 for the hometown Blackhawks' battle with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The fans didn't seem to mind the heavy snow, swirling wind, and 17-degree cold.

Stadium Series 2014

Robin Alam/Icon SMI

Snow accumulated quickly on the ice, turning the Chicago game into a glorified game of pond shinny. But there were no complaints, at least not from Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville. "Probably the greatest setting you could want," he later said. "With how hard it was snowing it was like, 'Wow, these are amazing conditions. I think everybody went back to when they were kids." Added Hawks forward Patrick Sharp. "The ice was very good, but that first period it was tough to see and handle the puck. It really felt like a real outdoor game. There were no real systems or structure. We were just kind of hoisting the puck, slapping it around and having fun."

Stadium Series 2014

140303100901-sidney-crosby-brian-babineau-single-image-cut.jpg — Brian Babineaux/Getty Images

For Sidney Crosby (right), his third outdoor appearance wasn't quite as magical as his first (Buffalo, 2008). Playing his first game in Chicago since his rookie season (2005-06), the Penguins' captain was held to a mere three shots by the Blackhawks' defense.

Stadium Series 2014

Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews was the scoring star for Chicago, beating Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury for two goals and tacking on an assist in his team's 5-1 win that dropped Pittsburgh's all-time mark to 1-2 outdoors. The Blackhawks are evened theirs to 1-1.

Heritage Classic 2014

The NHL's third edition of the Heritage Classic, the game that first took the league outdoors in 2003, was held at Vancouver's retractable roofed B.C. Place on March 2. Unfortunately, the weather did not conspire to create a winter wonderland setting. Rain required a closing of the roof, turning the year's final outdoor game into an indoor match.

Heritage Classic 2014

140303100841-bettman-collins-light-single-image-cut.jpg — Kevin Light/NHLI via Getty Images

Commissioner Gary Bettman (center) and league COO John Collins may have pressed the league's luck by scheduling so many outdoor games in one year. Tickets were still available the day of the Heritage Classic and fake snow was used to create the proper atmopshere. There were also some complaints about the ice. "I was glad (organizers) had the option to close [the roof|, because it probably would have ruined the game if it was raining out," Ottawa captain Jason Spezza said. "The ice got bad as it was with it closed."

Heritage Classic 2014

140303100853-heritage-uniforms-vinnick-single-image-cut.jpg

The game between the Ottawa Senators and hometown Canucks was billed as a celebration of some ancient hockey history: the 1915 Stanley Cup championship series between the original Senators and Vancouver's Millionaires. For this occasion, the teams wore throwback uniforms from that time period.

Heritage Classic 2014

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After allowing two early goals, Senators goalie Craig Anderson (29 saves) and Ottawa's defense stifled the Canucks the rest of the way. Rookie Cody Ceci eventually put the Sens ahead for good as they rallied for a 4-2 win.

Heritage Classic 2104

140303130022-heritage-classic-fans-single-image-cut.jpg — Kathleen Hinkel/Icon SMI

Despite the weather setback, the 54,194 fans on hand enjoyed themselves. Well, given the final score, Senators fans likely had a better time than the hometown faithful, but conditions were certainly more comfortable than they'd been at most of the year's outdoor games. "It was a pretty cool setting, just to have that many people watch the game, and it was loud all game long," said Sens defenseman Cody Ceci. "We were in Vancouver, but there was a lot of Ottawa fans, so it's good to see fans come out all that way."

Stadium Series 2014

The first game at Yankee Stadium on Jan. 26 had featured an installment of the Hudson River rivalry between the Rangers and New Jersey Devils in daylight. Three frosty nights later, the Islanders arrived to battle the Broadway Blueshirts.

Stadium Series 2014

With the Big Apple trapped in a week-long Arctic vortex, fans were forced to bundle up against temperatures that started at 22 degrees for the opening puck drop and steadily descended toward zero as the wind chill played its part.

Stadium Series 2014

Both teams' offenses were cold as the puck danced unpredictably across hard ice pockmarked with holes and cracks, but the Rangers managed to score twice and that was enough to edge their rivals, 2-1.

Stadium Series 2014

Though the Rangers were officially the visiting team, most of the sell-out crowd of 50,027 was firmly in their corner.

Stadium Series 2014

Now customary at the NHL's outdoor events, a touch of spectacle was provided by postgame fireworks and an earlier musical performance by Cee Lo Green.

Stadium Series 2014

Having secured a precious two points, the Rangers headed home to the warmth of Madison Square Garden, where they hosted a rematch against the Islanders two nights later.

Stadium Series 2014

Yankee Stadium wasn't much warmer for its first NHL game on Jan. 26, which featured some sunshine, but the glare delayed the opening face-off by an hour or so.

Stadium Series 2014

Though the tilt was held in the Rangers' home city, it was technically a Devils home game. A sellout crowd of 50,105 braved temperatures that dropped below 20 degrees with occasional snow flurries.

Stadium Series 2014

The entertainment lineup had a distinct New Jersey flavor with Southside Johnny and The Asbury Jukes on the bill along with the cast of the Broadway musical "Jersey Boys." Radio City Music Hall's famed Rockettes declined to perform due to the cold.

Stadium Series 2014

Once the puck was dropped, the Devils rushed out to a quick 3-1 lead. Patrik Elias (with puck) scored twice on Rangers netminder Henrik Lundqvist.

Stadium Series 2014

It turned out to be an ugly day for Martin Brodeur, who was strafed for six goals on 21 shots as the Rangers roared back for a 7-3 win, doing their part to set an outdoor game scoring record by two teams. The Devils' iconic netminder was pulled for backup Cory Schneider after the second period. Brodeur later complained that the quality of the ice in the rink was the worst he had ever played on.

Stadium Series 2014

140126123623-dodger-stadium-aerial-single-image-cut.jpg — Jeff Gross/Getty Images

The most exotic locale for an NHL outdoor game to date was surely sunny L.A. and Dodger Stadium, where the Stadium Series opened on January 25 with a game between the Kings and the Anaheim Ducks. Despite climate concerns, this event proved to be a widely hailed success.

Stadium Series 2014

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LA's iconic ballpark was transformed into an entertainment palace featuring such distinct California touches as beach volleyball and yoga.

Stadium Series 2014

What would a game be without a little music? The USC Marching Band was the most unorthodox part of a lineup that included KISS and Five For Fighting.

Stadium Series 2014

Wayne Gretzky and his family were among the luminaries in attendance. After his landmark trade to the Kings in 1988, the Great One envisioned an outdoor game being played in LA some day. The Dodger Stadium event also marked his public return to the NHL spotlight after a lengthy dispute over pay that he was owed to him from his years as coach of the Phoenix Coyotes.

Stadium Series 2014

With game time temperatures in the 60s, the 54,099 fans were considerably more comfortable than their counterparts were at the January 1 Winter Classic in Ann Arbor, Mich., where snow fell throughout the day.

Stadium Series 2014

140126123632-ducks-kings-game-beck-single-image-cut.jpg — Robert Beck/Sports Illustrated

Despite temperatures in the 60s, the ice was in pretty good shape for the game in which netminder Jonas Hiller stopped 36 shots as his Ducks shut out the Kings, 3-0.

Winter Classic 2014

The edition between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings on New Year's Day at 109,901-seat Michigan Stadium was the biggest yet.

Winter Classic 2014

As part of the Michigan edition of the Winter Classic, Detroit's Comerica Park was set up to host a week-long series of Winter Fest events, including college, OHL and AHL games.

Winter Classic 2014

140101203128-winter-classic-fans-schechter-single-image-cut.jpg — Eliot J. Schechter/Getty Images

A record crowd of 105,491 battled massive traffic jams to sit in 13-degree weather with a zero degree wind chill.

Winter Classic 2014

140101203121-red-wings-classic-shamus-single-image-cut.jpg — Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

The Red Wings, playing in their second Winter Classic, emerged from their dressing room to a winter wonderland of constantly falling snow.

Winter Classic 2014

140101203124-winter-classic-action-shamus-single-image-cut.jpg — Dave Sandford/Getty Images

Wind and heavy snow made skating and stickhandling difficult. Goals came at a premium, but it was an entertaining match won by the Maple Leafs, 3-2, in a shootout.

Heritage Classic

130320102823-heritage-edmonton-fan-sandford-single-image-cut.jpg — Dave Sandford/Getty Images

Now let's take a look back at the other spectacles the NHL has staged ...

Heritage Classic 2003

130320160242-edmonton-classic-sandford-lead-single-image-cut.jpg — Dave Sandford/Getty Images

Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton hosted the NHL's first-ever outdoor game, with 57,167 hardy souls braving -20 degree temperatures on November 22. The event was intended to be a one-off.

Heritage Classic 2003

130320102800-heritage-2003-klutho-2-single-image-cut.jpg — David E. Klutho/Sports Illustrated

Where's Taylor? Current Oilers forward Taylor Hall was 12 years old when he attended the game with his dad. They traveled to the event from their home in Calgary.

Heritage Classic 2003

130320102827-heritage-edmonton-sandford-single-image-cut.jpg — Dave Sandford/Getty Images

Wayne Gretzky and Guy Carbonneau were among the Oilers and Canadiens greats who skated in an alumni game. The Great One's squad won, 2-0. Gretzky called the experience "memorable" and Habs Hall of Famer Guy LaFleur told the CBC, "It felt like we were 10 again, but with the legs of 50-year-olds."

Heritage Classic 2003

Just chillin' in the stands: As if it wasn't cold enough, the wind chill made it feel like it was -28.

Heritage Classic 2003

130320114528-heritage-edmonton-sandford-habs-single-image-cut.jpg — Dave Sandford/Getty Images

In the main game, the Canadiens prevailed over the Oilers, 4-3. Habs forward Richard Zednik (not pictured, that's Patrice Brisebois taking a tumble courtesy of Ryan Smyth) was credited with scoring the NHL's first open-air goal—39 seconds into the second period. It was the first of his two tallies on the night.

Heritage Classic 2003

130320102852-theodore-heritage-sandford-single-image-cut.jpg — Dave Sandford/Getty Images

Canadiens goalie Jose Theodore, who made 34 saves in the game, sported a toque in an attempt to stay warm.

Heritage Classic 2003

130320102807-heritage-2003-vinnick-single-image-cut.jpg — Jeff Vinnick/Getty Images

The evening concluded with a fireworks display, and while the event went over quite well locally, it would be five years before the NHL would venture outdoors again.

Winter Classic 2008

130320102725-buffalo-classic-klutho-2008-single-image-cut.jpg — David E. Klutho/Sports Illustrated

On New Year's Day, the NHL unveiled the first of its annual Winter Classics, billed as a return to the game's roots on frozen ponds. The matchup between the Pittsburgh Penguins and hometown Sabres attracted a league-record crowd of 71,217 to Ralph Wilson Stadium.

Winter Classic 2008

130320120615-buffalo-classic-wippert-single-image-cut.jpg — Bill Wippert/Getty Images

It was perfect 33-degree weather for hockey as far as Buffalo's passionate fans were concerned.

Winter Classic 2008

Icon SMI

Snow flurries added a nice atmospheric touch, as did the teams' throwback uniforms.

Winter Classic 2008

130320102715-buffalo-classic-crew-klutho-single-image-cut.jpg — David E. Klutho/Sports Illustrated

At times, the ice in the specially-constructed rink had to be repaired, which made for some lengthy delays. "The only tough part was snow buildup on the ice," said Sabres winger Jason Pominville. "At times there was a lot of snow, and it made it hard for guys to stickhandle and shoot."

Winter Classic 2008

130320102719-buffalo-classic-crosby-klutho-single-image-cut.jpg — David E. Klutho/Sports Illustrated

As he so often does, Sidney Crosby seized the big, nationally-televised stage and scored the game-winning goal by beating netminder Ryan Miller in a shootout. Final score: 2-1.

Winter Classic 2009

Warren Wimmer/Icon SMI

The second edition of the Winter Classic was held in the cozier confines of a baseball stadium: Wrigley Field. The conversion to hockey required 20,000 gallons of water cooled by a huge refrigeration truck that was parked out on Sheffield Ave.

Winter Classic 2009

130320102855-wrigley-classic-jamie-squire-getty-single-image-cut.jpg — Jamie Squire/Getty Images

The game between the Detroit Red Wings and the host Blackhawks drew a crowd of 40,818 on a slighly windy, 32-degree day. Fans also jammed the apartment rooftops across the street. Tickets went for as much as $400 apiece.

Winter Classic 2009

The Blackhawks got Wrigley rocking by taking an early 3-1 lead, but couldn't hold it as the Red Wings roared back with five unanswered goals en route to a 6-4 win.

Winter Classic 2009

The teams wore throwback uniforms and the atmosphere was festive on a Chicago winter's afternoon.

Winter Classic 2009

130320102858-wrigley-classic-walker-single-image-cut.jpg — Chris Walker/Chicago Tribune/MCI via Getty Images

"It was amazing—the whole crowd, the whole atmosphere, it was really unreal," Blackhawks winger Patrick Kane said after the game. "It's like it wasn't really happening. But it was really fun to be a part of."

Winter Classic 2010

130320102751-fenway-classic-strohmeyer-single-image-cut.jpg — Damian Strohmeyer/Sports Illustrated

The game's retro feel continued with the next edition played at Fenway Park. A sellout crowd of 38,112 enjoyed almost balmy 40-degree weather as the Bruins did battle with the visiting Flyers. The snow and rain that were forecast never materialized.

Winter Classic 2010

130320102754-fenway-classic-2-sandford-single-image-cut.jpg — Dave Sandford/Getty Images

Some fans were able to get close to the players.

Winter Classic 2010

130320102748-fenway-classic-sandford-single-image-cut.jpg — Dave Sandford/Getty Images

Flyers goalie Brian Boucher spent the game on the bench watching starter Michael Leighton stretch a shutout streak to 154 minutes 7 seconds before he was beaten by Boston's Mark Recchi with 2:18 to go in the third period. The goal tied the game at 1-1.

Winter Classic 2010

130320102743-fenway-classic-michael-tureski-iconi-single-image-cut.jpg — Michael Tureski/Icon SMI

Bruins coach Claude Julien rocked the Toe Blake look by donning a fedora.

Winter Classic 2010

130320102728-classic-fenway-klutho-2-single-image-cut.jpg — David E. Klutho/Sports Illustrated

The crowd went home happy when Marco Sturm scored at 1:57 of overtime to give the Bruins a 2-1 win.

Winter Classic 2010

130320102740-fenway-classic-mcisaac-single-image-cut.jpg — Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

Fenway's ancient scoreboard told the story.

Winter Classic 2011

130320102849-pittsburgh-classic-2-vuich-single-image-cut.jpg — Fred Vuich/Sports Illustrated

Fears about warm, inclement weather came to pass at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh as rain postponed the start of the Capitals-Penguins game from 1 p.m. ET to 8 p.m.

Winter Classic 2011

130320115943-crosby-ovechkin-classic-sandford-single-image-cut.jpg — Dave Sandford/Getty Images

The game offered a marquee matchup of rivals: Washington's Alex Ovechkin and Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby, who didn't mind the delay in getting started. "I don't see anything wrong with playing under the lights here," he said. "I think that'd be pretty nice. We should all be enjoying ourselves no matter what the scenario."

Winter Classic 2011

130320102833-pens-caps-classic-klutho-single-image-cut.jpg — David E. Klutho/Sports Illustrated

The game was a wet, sloppy affair with rain frequently creating puddles on the ice.

Winter Classic 2011

130320114531-pittsburgh-classic-sandford-single-image-cut.jpg — Dave Sandford/Getty Images

The home crowd didn't have much to cheer about as the Capitals won, 3-1.

Winter Classic 2011

130320102846-pittsburgh-classic-vuich-single-image-cut.jpg — Fred Vuich/Sports Illustrated

Despite the elements, the game drew a crowd of 68,111 and a national TV audience of 4.5 million.

Heritage Classic 2011

130320102813-heritage-calgary-dylan-lynch-single-image-cut.jpg — Dylan Lynch/Getty Images

Canada welcomed its second Heritage Classic on February 20, a showdown between the Flames and Canadiens in McMahon Stadium.

Heritage Classic 2011

130320102817-heritage-calgary-gerry-thomas-3-single-image-cut.jpg — Gerry Thomas/Getty Images

The Flames entered to a heroes' welcome from the crowd of 41,022. The event also featured an alumni game between members of Calgary's 1989 Stanley Cup championship team and some Montreal notables, as well as AHL and WHL games.

Heritage Classic 2011

130320102810-heritage-calgary-gerry-thomas-single-image-cut.jpg — Gerry Thomas/Getty Images

Like its predecessor in 2003, this affair was a freezer, with temperatures hovering around -6F. "The stands were full," Flames captain Jarome Iginla said after the game. "I expected some people to go home. I can't imagine how cold they were."

Heritage Classic 2011

130320102820-heritage-calgary-sandford-2-single-image-cut.jpg — Dave Sandford/Getty Images

Flames goalie Miikka Kiprusoff was sharp, making 21 saves while posting a 4-0 shutout.

Heritage Classic 2011

130320102830-hertiage-calgary-gerry-thomas-2-single-image-cut.jpg — Gerry Thomas/Getty Images

Ice conditions proved troublesome at times. The rink had to be flooded with a hose due to fears that the weight of the Zamboni would cause the brittle ice to crack and crumble.

Winter Classic 2012

130320102839-philly-classic-fred-vuich-single-image-cut.jpg — Fred Vuich/Sports Illustrated

Citizens Bank Park hosted the fifth edition, drawing a boisterous crowd of 46,967 for an Atlantic Division rivalry match between the Flyers and New York Rangers.

Winter Classic 2012

130320102757-flyers-pracitce-sandford-nhli-single-image-cut.jpg — Dave Sandford/Getty Images

As happened in Pittsburgh, warm weather delayed the start of the game, this time from 1 p.m. to 3:20 p.m. Game time temperatures were a comfortable 41 with occasional snow flurries.

Winter Classic 2012

130320102836-philly-classic-2012-brian-babineau-single-image-cut.jpg — Brian Babineau/Getty Images

Flyers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky got the start over Ilya Bryzgalov, who became a star for his musings on the universe on HBO's "24/7 Road to the Winter Classic" series.

Winter Classic 2012

130320102843-philly-classic-klutho-single-image-cut.jpg — David E. Klutho/Sports Illustrated

Though Rangers coach John Tortorella famously complained about the officiating, he couldn't argue with the outcome: a 3-2 New York victory,

What you missed last night

[youtube:http://youtu.be/6ek4-QIm2mI]

• Ryan Strome posted a career-high four points and Frans Nielsen scored twice as the Islanders rolled over the Jets 5 (highlights).

• Lightning winger Ondej Palat had a big night while leading his team to a rout of the Sabres (highlights).

• A trio of Rangers chipped in two points apiece in a victory over the Panthers (highlights).

• Phil Kessel bagged his 200th career assist as a Maple Leaf but Toronto needed the shootout to edge Boston (highlights).

• Brandon Sutter's late goal pushed the Penguins past the Hurricanes 1 (highlights).

• The battered Blue Jackets completed their long, painful climb to the .500 mark by beating the Wild (highlights).

• Detroit needed late goals by Darren Helm and Henrik Zetterberg to beat the Devils (highlights).

• Not a good night for the Coyotes in Dallas. (highlights).

• Joe Pavelski's pair and some nifty 'tending by Antti Niemi helped the Sharks blank the Ducks (highlights).

• Flyers defenseman Michael Del Zotto needed stitches after taking a skate to the neck in Philly's OT loss to Colorado (highlights).

• Josh Jooris of the Flames made short work of the Oilers in OT (highlights).

Hot links

• All bubble hockey is great, but only one can be the greatest bubble hockey table ever.

• Patrick Roy says it's time for his Avalanche to play boring hockey. This apparently will be different from what we've seen from them so far this season.

• Both Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel showed flashes of their future brilliance in Canada's 5-3 thumping of Team USA at the World Juniors on Wednesday.