Archives for December 31, 2007

'"Once your face gets a little numb you feel fine," Campbell said. "The ears were cold a little bit, maybe a little frostbite on them, but that's all right."' … [Read more...] about Penguins and Sabres practice on outdoor rink, all set to play for real Tuesday

'Conklin allowed four goals on 27 shots in the Oilers' 4-3 loss to the Montreal Canadiens in the NHL's only other outdoor game, back in 2003.' … [Read more...] about Pens G Conklin gets starting nod, making him 2-for-2 in NHL outdoor games

'Anticipation for the NHL's first-ever outdoor game in the United States has reached a level where locals would likely take the game over a visit from the Pope or a Beatles reunion concert.' … [Read more...] about Winter Classic to take hockey back in time

'"I hope the snow comes down, why not?," said Sabres defenseman Brian Campbell, noting that all of the players enjoyed the light snow flurries during Monday's practice.' … [Read more...] about NHL players excited to go 'topless' in Buffalo

'"That was awesome, it really was," Ruff said of the unique outdoor experience. "It kind of gets you back to your roots."' … [Read more...] about Millionaire pros acting like kids

'So, how much sleep are you getting, Dan? "Basically, none," he said.' … [Read more...] about Want the ultimate outdoor rink? Dan Craig makes it so

'At its worst, if it pours rain, if there is a blizzard, if a player gets injured as a result of playing the game outdoors instead of down the road at HSBC Arena, then it will be the kind of black eye that will reinforce the widely held notion the NHL isn't quite "big league." At its worst, the Winter Classic will make it difficult, if not impossible, to … [Read more...] about This time around outdoors, there's more at risk for NHL

'"The Capital One Bowl consistently receives viewer support," said ESPN-on- ABC spokesperson Mike Humes. "While we normally do not make specific estimates, with these two popular teams, we expect another solid audience." (Television-speak translation: We're going to kill you, NBC).' … [Read more...] about Chilly reception

'Getting players ready to handle the elements has been one step of the process. The equipment managers have ordered tinted shields and eye black. They’ve stockpiled cold-weather gear from Reebok and Under Armour. They’ve sought advice from the NFL trainers in their cities and the equipment guys who handled other outdoor hockey games.' … [Read more...] about Equipment men warming to tasks of Winter Classic

'Tynan shared part of the program with Sabres goalie Ryan Miller and forward Drew Stafford, who played their guitars along with the U2 song “All I Want Is You.” They seemed to know the ropes pretty well, and Stafford got off a few strong solo riffs. Later they returned to help close the concert with ringa- ding performance of another U2 tune, “I Still … [Read more...] about The dynamo that is Tynan runs at full speed

'The sight is so strange, so bizarre -- this hockey rink just sitting in the middle of a football stadium.' … [Read more...] about NHL's cool feat installs a rink at the Ralph

Playing outdoors isn't new to Penguins' goalie (Pittsburgh Post Gazette) Pens Go Retro For Winter Classic (PittsburghPenguins.com) … [Read more...] about Monday’s Pittsburgh Coverage

'Costas believes the NHL can build on events like this because it has the ability to attract casual fans and channel surfers. "It will feel special because it is special," said Costas. "It's unique. Sidney Crosby and Ryan Miller are extremely well known. You have players that people want to see and in an atmosphere that's intriguing, plus those 70,000 people in Buffalo on New … [Read more...] about Chilly Winter Classic is a hot commodity

'He learned that first hand when he was at the stadium and found himself in what he calls "blizzard conditions." "It took us 45 minutes to get back to the hotel, and once we got to the hotel, there was nothing at the hotel," he said.' … [Read more...] about NHL’s ice guru worries about ‘Classic’ weather

'Exactly midway through the third period, a hard whistle will sound - regardless of where the puck is in play - and the teams will switch ends. If there's overtime, that will happen again at the 2:30 mark of sudden death. And if there's a shootout, each goaltender will be given the option of which goal to defend. So it's possible both teams could shoot on the same goal if, for … [Read more...] about Waiting on winter in Buffalo