A Rainy Winter Classic Goes to the Capitals

For the past four years after the ball has dropped and a new year has began the boys of winter takes the ice for the Winter Classic. The Winter Classic this year was played at Heinz Field, which is home of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the two teams that took the ice was the visiting Washington Capitals and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

This was the first time the Winter Classic was played at night and that was because of the rainy weather that was in the Pittsburgh area throughout the day and continued off and on during the game. With the game being played outdoors the weather of course played a role in ice conditions that was kind of slushy and wet at times, but that did not stop the Capitals from pulling off a 3-1 victory over the home team.

The game started out sloppy as neither team was used to the ice which lead to a scoreless first period even though the ice was choppy the emotions was high which lead to a first period fight to excite the fans on hand.

The second period was different it was exciting play as the players began to calm down and adjust to the situation. The penguins was the first to get on the board early in second quarter as Kris Letang had a banked pass off the board to get the puck to Evgeni Malkin who would score. The home crowd went wild and the terrible towels went flying which is a Steelers tradition which made its way to the ice.
Near the seven minute mark in the second period the Capitals took advantage of a power play which would lead to a goal by Mike Knuble to tie up the game. From there on out this game belonged to the Capitals and Eric Fehr who would go to score two more goals one at around the 15 minute mark and again around the 12 minute mark in the third period.

Coming into this game everyone expected big play from what some say are the best two players in the game of hockey in Sidney Crosby of the Penguins and Alex Ovechkin but both of these players was really a non-factor in the game. The poor ice really caused Ovechkin to have a poor game as he took a fall on to his stomach while attempting a shot in the first period. Crosby also took a rough hit in the second from a blindsided hit he would have a limp as he went to the locker room at the intermission but finished the game.

The fourth annual Winter Classic proved to be another exciting event and helps the sport bring in fans it may normally not get in the regular season. This outdoor event with such press brings positive viewership to the game that is normally competing with other sports during this time of year. It always brings in fans of the home city to watch the game because of its location and the show that is brought on. This year’s puck drop was done by former Steelers star’s Jerome “Bus” Bettis and Franco Harris. These two players also did a celebrity shoot out of a Pittsburgh charity and made a show out of it. I believe the Classic is good for the game of Hockey and will bring in more fans to the game.