The Winter Classic

Happy New Year! Whether you were nursing a hangover or just celebrating the new year in good spirits, the NHL had the Winter Classic on the television and it was a great way to open up 2008.

The score opened up fairly early, 26 seconds in fact. Colby Armstrong (non-pool) opened the scoring in the falling snow when he picked up a rebound from a Sidney Crosby (Benson) shot. The snow didn't fall for too long and when it did stop, the play really did pick up.

The first period was slowed by some ice issues, but overall, the period moved with some really good pace. It really looked like it was fun to be out there and I was sure wishing that I was there to watch it.

The second period opened with some falling mist, but that didn't stop the Sabres from finally getting on the board. Brian Campbell (Dale C.) took a pass from Tim Connolly (Chris) early on in the second to tie the game.

The weather went from mist to some more falling snow in the second, but that didn't stop the Sabres from taking it to the Penguins. At a late point in the second, the Sabres were outshooting the Penguins 14-0, but the Penguins did a good job of keeping the puck out their net... with a little bit of luck.

The third period started with some better weather conditions and the play was just as quick as when they left the ice after the first period. Of course, it wasn't going to last long in the ever-changing conditions. Midway through the third, the snow and wind started to pick-up. That really didn't hinder the play too much... shots were still taken... hits were still thrown... and it was still a good game.

The second half of the third continued to have it's ice problems, but the play was still pretty loose, even if the teams had to switch ends for wind purposes. Both teams were skating fairly well, but were both cautious of losing the game. Both teams need the points in the standings and you could see how tenative they were, trying not to give away the points.

And like it was meant to be before the game started, the game went to overtime and both teams got their precious point in the standings. However, it was advantage Buffalo going into the extra frame, with a power play to start the extra frame.

Even with the power play, however, the Sabres just couldn't crack Ty Conklin (non-pool). The Sabres had quite a few shots, with and without the power play, but a shootout looked pretty inevitable.

And as if it was meant to be, Sid the Kid won the game for the Penguins in the shootout and the NHL marketing department are in absolute heaven. It's an absolute jackpot for the league and RBK having the poster boy winning the game, but it's not all happy times. Benson was not awarded the point for the winning goal and Ty Conklin (non-pool) took the points, so there wasn't much for points at all in the game. It makes me wonder why I really covered it so much.

Hmmmmm...

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