AMP Energy NHL Winter Classic
Encyclopedia
The 2008 NHL Winter Classic
also known as the AMP Energy NHL Winter Classic was a National Hockey League
game played on January 1, 2008, at 1:27 p.m. ET, outdoors at Ralph Wilson Stadium
in Orchard Park, New York
. It was the first regular-season outdoor professional ice hockey
game to be played in the United States, and was sponsored by AMP Energy. It was the successor to the Heritage Classic
, the NHL's first regular-season outdoor game, played in Edmonton
, Alberta
, Canada
. Ralph Wilson Stadium is the home to the National Football League
's Buffalo Bills
, and because of this, the game is colloquially referred to as the "Ice Bowl."
The game, which was played at a temporary ice rink built on the football field at Ralph Wilson Stadium, set an NHL attendance record of 71,217. The home team
was the Buffalo Sabres
, and they hosted the Pittsburgh Penguins
. The Penguins won the game, 2-1 in a shootout, on a goal by captain Sidney Crosby
.
The Sabres held a Winter Classic "house party" at HSBC Arena during the game where another 11,000 fans saw the game shown live on the arena's video scoreboard with synched-up audio from the team's radio coverage. The Buffalo Sabres Alumni Hockey Team
played a pre-game at the HSBC Arena as part of the house party festivities.
Buffalo Sabres anthem singer Doug Allen sang the Canadian national anthem
, as is customary at Sabres home games. Irish tenor Ronan Tynan
performed "God Bless America
" before the game at the stadium.
played their last home game of the 2007 NFL season
. It was built between the 16-yard lines of the football field, under the supervision of NHL facilities operations manager Dan Craig. Initially, six inches (150 mm) of the nine-inch (230 mm) crown of the football field had to be leveled using styrofoam insulation. On top of the newly-created flat surface, three inches (75 mm) of plywood with plastic covering were laid as a base for the necessary piping. At the same time the boards were being put in place, an inch of sand was spread amongst the piping and was then wet by a combination of hoses and timely rain so it could freeze into a rink overnight and be painted four days before the game. Another ¾ of an inch of ice was added to complete the playing surface.
After this experience, Commissioner Gary Bettman
stated that the league would like more time to prepare the site for the next outdoor game. He also wants to make sure that there are not too many outdoor games so the event can remain special.
71,217 people attended the game, setting an NHL attendance record. The former NHL record of 57,167 was set at the Heritage Classic
between the Montreal Canadiens
and Edmonton Oilers
in Edmonton, Alberta
, on November 22, 2003. Georges Laraque
and Ty Conklin
are the only two players who have played in both the Heritage Classic and Winter Classic games. They both played for the Oilers and Penguins, respectively, for each game.
While it was the record for a professional game, it fell short of the then all-time number of 74,554, which was set in "The Cold War
" between the University of Michigan
and Michigan State University
on October 6, 2001. Sabres goaltender
Ryan Miller and Penguins forward Adam Hall
both played for Michigan State in that game.
Approximately 41,000 tickets to the game were made available to the general public, selling out within 30 minutes of being made available on September 18, 2007. In the face of controversy about the quickness of ticket sales, an official spokesperson for the Sabres called it "a testament to how popular the Sabres are and how many people want to be part of the event." However, many Penguins fans were left out by not having the opportunity to purchase the tickets after they were made available to the city hosting the event, and they were frustrated by the lack of exclusivity for Penguins season-ticket holders.
Terrence Pegula
, who would go on to purchase the Sabres three years later, was among those in attendance.
and RDS. Westwood One
broadcast the game on radio, and XM Satellite Radio
aired the game, as well. Some NBC affiliates in the United States decided instead to play the game on secondary channels often used for weather service
. Therefore, in some markets, fans with satellite service with DirecTV
or DISH Network
were unable to watch the game. Despite this, and competing with broadcasts of college football bowl games (this was particularly noted in the Detroit, Michigan
market, usually a strong market for hockey ratings, where the Wolverines
were playing in the Capital One Bowl
), the game garnered a 2.6 rating and 5 share, the highest rating for a regular season NHL game since 1996, and the highest share since Wayne Gretzky
's final game in 1999, in a near tie with second-place CBS
's 2.7 rating for Gator Bowl
coverage. The production earned a 38.1 rating in Buffalo and 17.7 rating in Pittsburgh, to lead all markets.
Westwood One
carried a nationwide radio broadcast of the game, as did each team's local announcing team for local networks (Rick Jeanneret
and Harry Neale
for Buffalo
, Mike Lange
and Phil Bourque
for Pittsburgh
).
NBC had an airplane flying overhead to provide bird's-eye views of the rink, including a live webstream from its camera throughout the game. The announcers stood in a constructed perch on the penalty box side of the rink, in front of the stadium stands. Mike Emrick
, Eddie Olczyk
and Darren Pang comprised the TV broadcast team for NBC
, while Jim Hughson
, Craig Simpson
and Greg Millen called the game on CBC
.
) and Irish tenor Ronan Tynan
performed "God Bless America
" before the game.
resurfacing the ice, and a faceoff following at center ice. The overtime period
was similarly divided into two 2:30 segments. In the shootout, each goaltender was permitted to choose which goal to defend, and they each chose the same goal, towards the west side of the stadium.
for the event, with the Penguins wearing powder blue jerseys for the first time since 1973. The Sabres wore their old white jerseys, which they wore from 1978 to 1996. The game was part of the regular 2007–08 NHL season schedule, replacing a game that would have been held at HSBC Arena, the Sabres' regular home. In addition, the goaltenders also dressed in vintage style, with Ty Conklin
and Ryan Miller both wearing retro-painted masks. Ryan Miller also wore a hockey sock
on top of his mask, which he changed during each intermission so he could auction all three of them off for charity along with his mask. Penguins backup Dany Sabourin
wore a set of vintage-styled pads but did not play.
Weather for the game was appropriate to the winter setting it was intended to evoke, with game-time temperatures around the freezing mark and snow
falling for much of the time, especially during the third period. The weather conditions made play somewhat more difficult for players but were well-received by fans.
The Penguins registered 25 shots on goal
, and the Sabres had 37, dominating the second and overtime periods, leading those 14-2 and 7-0, respectively. Each goalie allowed one goal in playing time not including the shootout, giving Ty Conklin
36 saves for the Penguins, and Ryan Miller 24 for the Sabres.
, outdoor games have been held during subsequent seasons. On January 1, 2009, the Detroit Red Wings
defeated the Chicago Blackhawks
6-4 in the 2009 game
played at Wrigley Field
in Chicago
. The last NHL Winter Classic
took place January 1, 2011, at Heinz Field
in Pittsburgh, between the Washington Capitals
and the Pittsburgh Penguins
. Washington came out on top, winning by a score of 3-1. This game is planned to be a regular feature of future NHL seasons.
NHL Winter Classic
The NHL Winter Classic is an annual event held by the National Hockey League on New Year's Day where regular-season games are played outdoors, in areas hosted by NHL teams. Though largely derived from the Heritage Classic outdoor game held in Edmonton in 2003, the Winter Classic has so far only...
also known as the AMP Energy NHL Winter Classic was a National Hockey League
National Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
game played on January 1, 2008, at 1:27 p.m. ET, outdoors at Ralph Wilson Stadium
Ralph Wilson Stadium
Ralph Wilson Stadium is a football stadium, located in the town of Orchard Park, a suburb of Buffalo, New York. It is the home for the Buffalo Bills, of the NFL...
in Orchard Park, New York
Orchard Park (town), New York
Orchard Park is a town in Erie County, New York, a suburb southeast of Buffalo, New York. According to the 2010 census, the population is 29,054. This represents an increase of 5.13% from the 2000 census figure. The town contains a village also named Orchard Park. Orchard Park is one of the...
. It was the first regular-season outdoor professional ice hockey
Ice hockey
Ice hockey, often referred to as hockey, is a team sport played on ice, in which skaters use wooden or composite sticks to shoot a hard rubber puck into their opponent's net. The game is played between two teams of six players each. Five members of each team skate up and down the ice trying to take...
game to be played in the United States, and was sponsored by AMP Energy. It was the successor to the Heritage Classic
Heritage Classic
The Heritage Classic was an outdoor ice hockey game played on November 22, 2003, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, between the Edmonton Oilers and the Montreal Canadiens. It was the first National Hockey League game to be played outdoors as a part of regular season play...
, the NHL's first regular-season outdoor game, played in Edmonton
Edmonton
Edmonton is the capital of the Canadian province of Alberta and is the province's second-largest city. Edmonton is located on the North Saskatchewan River and is the centre of the Edmonton Capital Region, which is surrounded by the central region of the province.The city and its census...
, Alberta
Alberta
Alberta is a province of Canada. It had an estimated population of 3.7 million in 2010 making it the most populous of Canada's three prairie provinces...
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
. Ralph Wilson Stadium is the home to the National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
's Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
, and because of this, the game is colloquially referred to as the "Ice Bowl."
The game, which was played at a temporary ice rink built on the football field at Ralph Wilson Stadium, set an NHL attendance record of 71,217. The home team
Home team
In team sports, the term home advantage describes the advantage–usually a psychological advantage–that the home team is said to have over the visiting team as a result of playing in familiar facilities and in front of supportive fans...
was the Buffalo Sabres
Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League .-Founding and early success: 1970-71—1980-81:...
, and they hosted the Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The franchise was founded in 1967 as one of the first expansion teams during the league's original...
. The Penguins won the game, 2-1 in a shootout, on a goal by captain Sidney Crosby
Sidney Crosby
Sidney Patrick Crosby ONS is a Canadian professional ice hockey player and captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League . Crosby was drafted first overall by the Penguins out of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League...
.
The Sabres held a Winter Classic "house party" at HSBC Arena during the game where another 11,000 fans saw the game shown live on the arena's video scoreboard with synched-up audio from the team's radio coverage. The Buffalo Sabres Alumni Hockey Team
Buffalo Sabres Alumni Hockey Team
The Buffalo Sabres Alumni Hockey Team is an independent barnstorming hockey team located in Buffalo, New York. Its roster consists entirely of retired National Hockey League players, mostly former members of the Buffalo Sabres...
played a pre-game at the HSBC Arena as part of the house party festivities.
Buffalo Sabres anthem singer Doug Allen sang the Canadian national anthem
O Canada
It has been noted that the opening theme of "O Canada" bears a strong resemblance to the "Marsch der Priester" , from the opera Die Zauberflöte , composed in 1791 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and that Lavallée's melody was inspired by Mozart's tune...
, as is customary at Sabres home games. Irish tenor Ronan Tynan
Ronan Tynan
Ronan Tynan is a singer in the classical Irish style. He is most famous for his renditions of "God Bless America" at Yankee Stadium during important New York Yankees games, such as Opening Day, nationally-televised games, the last game at the old Yankee Stadium, and playoff games...
performed "God Bless America
God Bless America
"God Bless America" is an American patriotic song written by Irving Berlin in 1918 and revised by him in 1938. The later version has notably been recorded by Kate Smith, becoming her signature song ....
" before the game at the stadium.
Preparations
Construction of the outdoor rink began on December 24, the day after the Buffalo BillsBuffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
played their last home game of the 2007 NFL season
2007 NFL season
The 2007 NFL season was the 88th regular season of the National Football League.Regular-season play was held from September 6 to December 30....
. It was built between the 16-yard lines of the football field, under the supervision of NHL facilities operations manager Dan Craig. Initially, six inches (150 mm) of the nine-inch (230 mm) crown of the football field had to be leveled using styrofoam insulation. On top of the newly-created flat surface, three inches (75 mm) of plywood with plastic covering were laid as a base for the necessary piping. At the same time the boards were being put in place, an inch of sand was spread amongst the piping and was then wet by a combination of hoses and timely rain so it could freeze into a rink overnight and be painted four days before the game. Another ¾ of an inch of ice was added to complete the playing surface.
After this experience, Commissioner Gary Bettman
Gary Bettman
Gary Bruce Bettman is the commissioner of the National Hockey League , a post he has held since February 1, 1993. Previously, Bettman was a senior vice-president and general counsel to the National Basketball Association...
stated that the league would like more time to prepare the site for the next outdoor game. He also wants to make sure that there are not too many outdoor games so the event can remain special.
Attendance
Heritage Classic
The Heritage Classic was an outdoor ice hockey game played on November 22, 2003, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, between the Edmonton Oilers and the Montreal Canadiens. It was the first National Hockey League game to be played outdoors as a part of regular season play...
between the Montreal Canadiens
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ...
and Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division in the Western Conference of the National Hockey League ....
in Edmonton, Alberta
Alberta
Alberta is a province of Canada. It had an estimated population of 3.7 million in 2010 making it the most populous of Canada's three prairie provinces...
, on November 22, 2003. Georges Laraque
Georges Laraque
Georges Laraque is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey forward, who last played with the Montreal Canadiens before his contract was bought out in 2010. He is also a host for CFRN and deputy leader of the Green Party of Canada. During his NHL career he played for the Edmonton Oilers,...
and Ty Conklin
Ty Conklin
Ty Curtis Conklin is an American professional ice hockey goaltender currently with the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League....
are the only two players who have played in both the Heritage Classic and Winter Classic games. They both played for the Oilers and Penguins, respectively, for each game.
While it was the record for a professional game, it fell short of the then all-time number of 74,554, which was set in "The Cold War
Cold War (ice hockey)
The Cold War was a college ice hockey game played between U.S. college rivals Michigan State University and the University of Michigan on Saturday, October 6, 2001...
" between the University of Michigan
University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is a public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan in the United States. It is the state's oldest university and the flagship campus of the University of Michigan...
and Michigan State University
Michigan State University
Michigan State University is a public research university in East Lansing, Michigan, USA. Founded in 1855, it was the pioneer land-grant institution and served as a model for future land-grant colleges in the United States under the 1862 Morrill Act.MSU pioneered the studies of packaging,...
on October 6, 2001. Sabres goaltender
Goaltender
In ice hockey, the goaltender is the player who defends his team's goal net by stopping shots of the puck from entering his team's net, thus preventing the opposing team from scoring...
Ryan Miller and Penguins forward Adam Hall
Adam Hall
-Playing career:Hall was a member of the United States National Development Team Program, and twice represented the United States at the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, in 1999 and 2000. He was selected 52nd overall by the Nashville Predators in the second round of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft...
both played for Michigan State in that game.
Approximately 41,000 tickets to the game were made available to the general public, selling out within 30 minutes of being made available on September 18, 2007. In the face of controversy about the quickness of ticket sales, an official spokesperson for the Sabres called it "a testament to how popular the Sabres are and how many people want to be part of the event." However, many Penguins fans were left out by not having the opportunity to purchase the tickets after they were made available to the city hosting the event, and they were frustrated by the lack of exclusivity for Penguins season-ticket holders.
Terrence Pegula
Terrence Pegula
Terrence M. "Terry" Pegula is an American businessman. Pegula founded East Resources, a natural gas drilling company, before selling the company to Royal Dutch Shell for approximately $4.7 billion....
, who would go on to purchase the Sabres three years later, was among those in attendance.
Television and radio coverage
The game was televised in the United States on NBC and in Canada on CBCHockey Night in Canada
Hockey Night in Canada is the branding used for CBC Sports' presentations of the National Hockey League...
and RDS. Westwood One
Westwood One
Westwood One was an American radio network and was based in New York City. At one time, it was managed by CBS Radio, the radio arm of CBS Corporation, and Viacom and was later purchased by the private equity firm The Gores Group...
broadcast the game on radio, and XM Satellite Radio
XM Satellite Radio
XM Satellite Radio is one of two satellite radio services in the United States and Canada, operated by Sirius XM Radio. It provides pay-for-service radio, analogous to cable television. Its service includes 73 different music channels, 39 news, sports, talk and entertainment channels, 21 regional...
aired the game, as well. Some NBC affiliates in the United States decided instead to play the game on secondary channels often used for weather service
NBC Weather Plus
NBC Weather Plus was a 24-hour, commercially sponsored, weather-oriented broadcast/cable television network jointly owned by NBC Universal and the local affiliates of the NBC network. It debuted on November 15, 2004 and shut down on December 31, 2008...
. Therefore, in some markets, fans with satellite service with DirecTV
DirecTV
DirecTV is an American direct broadcast satellite service provider and broadcaster based in El Segundo, California. Its satellite service, launched on June 17, 1994, transmits digital satellite television and audio to households in the United States, Latin America, and the Anglophone Caribbean. ...
or DISH Network
Dish Network
Dish Network Corporation is the second largest pay TV provider in the United States, providing direct broadcast satellite service—including satellite television, audio programming, and interactive television services—to 14.337 million commercial and residential customers in the United States. Dish...
were unable to watch the game. Despite this, and competing with broadcasts of college football bowl games (this was particularly noted in the Detroit, Michigan
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit is the major city among the primary cultural, financial, and transportation centers in the Metro Detroit area, a region of 5.2 million people. As the seat of Wayne County, the city of Detroit is the largest city in the U.S. state of Michigan and serves as a major port on the Detroit River...
market, usually a strong market for hockey ratings, where the Wolverines
Michigan Wolverines football
The Michigan Wolverines football program represents the University of Michigan in college football at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level. Michigan has the most all-time wins and the highest winning percentage in college football history...
were playing in the Capital One Bowl
Capital One Bowl
The Capital One Bowl is an annual college football bowl game played in Orlando, Florida at the Citrus Bowl, and previously known as the Tangerine Bowl and the Florida Citrus Bowl...
), the game garnered a 2.6 rating and 5 share, the highest rating for a regular season NHL game since 1996, and the highest share since Wayne Gretzky
Wayne Gretzky
Wayne Douglas Gretzky, CC is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and former head coach. Nicknamed "The Great One", he is generally regarded as the best player in the history of the National Hockey League , and has been called "the greatest hockey player ever" by many sportswriters,...
's final game in 1999, in a near tie with second-place CBS
CBS
CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
's 2.7 rating for Gator Bowl
Gator Bowl
The Gator Bowl is an annual college football bowl game played at EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Florida. Held continuously since 1946, it is the sixth oldest college bowl, as well as the first one ever televised nationally...
coverage. The production earned a 38.1 rating in Buffalo and 17.7 rating in Pittsburgh, to lead all markets.
Westwood One
Westwood One
Westwood One was an American radio network and was based in New York City. At one time, it was managed by CBS Radio, the radio arm of CBS Corporation, and Viacom and was later purchased by the private equity firm The Gores Group...
carried a nationwide radio broadcast of the game, as did each team's local announcing team for local networks (Rick Jeanneret
Rick Jeanneret
Richard "Rick" Jeanneret is the television and radio play-by-play announcer for the National Hockey League's Buffalo Sabres and its broadcast network, the Sabres Hockey Network. Having started with the team on radio during the 1971–72 season, he is the longest-tenured announcer in the NHL...
and Harry Neale
Harry Neale
Harold Watson Neale is a hockey colour commentator, who currently works for the Buffalo Sabres on the Sabres Hockey Network...
for Buffalo
Sabres Hockey Network
The Sabres Hockey Network is the official radio and television broadcast network of the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League. The network is currently operated jointly by the Sabres and by Entercom Communications....
, Mike Lange
Mike Lange
Mike Lange is the radio play-by-play broadcaster for the Pittsburgh Penguins. In 2001, he received the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award for his outstanding work as an NHL broadcaster....
and Phil Bourque
Phil Bourque
Phillipe Richard Bourque is a former American professional ice hockey player. He was never selected in the NHL Entry Draft; instead, he was signed as a free agent by the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 4, 1982.-Playing career:...
for Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Penguins Radio Network
The Pittsburgh Penguins Radio Network is a radio network operated by the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League that provides broadcasts for all the team's games. Mike Lange is the play-by-play announcer, while former Penguin Phil Bourque is the color commentator. Bob Grove hosts pre-...
).
NBC had an airplane flying overhead to provide bird's-eye views of the rink, including a live webstream from its camera throughout the game. The announcers stood in a constructed perch on the penalty box side of the rink, in front of the stadium stands. Mike Emrick
Mike Emrick
Michael "Doc" Emrick, is an American sports commentator noted mostly for his work in ice hockey. Emrick is currently the lead announcer for NHL national telecasts on both NBC and Versus...
, Eddie Olczyk
Ed Olczyk
Edward Walter "Eddie" Olczyk is an American former head coach for the National Hockey League Pittsburgh Penguins and former center for Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, Chicago Blackhawks and Pittsburgh Penguins...
and Darren Pang comprised the TV broadcast team for NBC
NBC
The National Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network and former radio network headquartered in the GE Building in New York City's Rockefeller Center with additional major offices near Los Angeles and in Chicago...
, while Jim Hughson
Jim Hughson
Jim Hughson is a Canadian sportscaster, best known for his play-by-play of professional ice hockey and baseball.-Biography:...
, Craig Simpson
Craig Simpson
Craig Andrew Simpson is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey winger who played 10 seasons in the National Hockey League for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Edmonton Oilers and the Buffalo Sabres...
and Greg Millen called the game on CBC
CBC Television
CBC Television is a Canadian television network owned by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the national public broadcaster.Although the CBC is supported by public funding, the television network supplements this funding with commercial advertising revenue, in contrast to CBC Radio which are...
.
Pregame
Doug Allen sang the Canadian national anthem (O CanadaO Canada
It has been noted that the opening theme of "O Canada" bears a strong resemblance to the "Marsch der Priester" , from the opera Die Zauberflöte , composed in 1791 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and that Lavallée's melody was inspired by Mozart's tune...
) and Irish tenor Ronan Tynan
Ronan Tynan
Ronan Tynan is a singer in the classical Irish style. He is most famous for his renditions of "God Bless America" at Yankee Stadium during important New York Yankees games, such as Opening Day, nationally-televised games, the last game at the old Yankee Stadium, and playoff games...
performed "God Bless America
God Bless America
"God Bless America" is an American patriotic song written by Irving Berlin in 1918 and revised by him in 1938. The later version has notably been recorded by Kate Smith, becoming her signature song ....
" before the game.
Rule changes
The NHL also announced that several rule changes were in effect for this game, to nullify advantages to either team due to the weather conditions. The teams switched ends halfway through the third period. Play was interrupted exactly at the 10:00 minute mark, similar to the end of a period with a horn sounding, a ZamboniIce resurfacer
An ice resurfacer is a truck-like vehicle or smaller device used to clean and smooth the surface of an ice rink. The first ice resurfacer was developed by Frank J. Zamboni in 1949 in the city of Paramount, California...
resurfacing the ice, and a faceoff following at center ice. The overtime period
Overtime (ice hockey)
Overtime is a method of determining the winner and loser of an ice hockey match when the scores are tied after regulation. The two main methods are the overtime period and the shootout.-Overtime periods:...
was similarly divided into two 2:30 segments. In the shootout, each goaltender was permitted to choose which goal to defend, and they each chose the same goal, towards the west side of the stadium.
Game summary
The teams wore vintage jerseysThrowback uniform
Throwback uniforms and jerseys are one-time or limited-time variations on a sports team's uniforms styled to resemble uniforms from that team's past. They have proven popular in all major pro and college sports in the USA, not only with fans, but with the teams' marketing and merchandising...
for the event, with the Penguins wearing powder blue jerseys for the first time since 1973. The Sabres wore their old white jerseys, which they wore from 1978 to 1996. The game was part of the regular 2007–08 NHL season schedule, replacing a game that would have been held at HSBC Arena, the Sabres' regular home. In addition, the goaltenders also dressed in vintage style, with Ty Conklin
Ty Conklin
Ty Curtis Conklin is an American professional ice hockey goaltender currently with the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League....
and Ryan Miller both wearing retro-painted masks. Ryan Miller also wore a hockey sock
Tuque
A – variously known as a knit hat or stocking cap among other names – is a knitted cap, originally of wool though now often of synthetic fibers, that is designed to provide warmth in winter...
on top of his mask, which he changed during each intermission so he could auction all three of them off for charity along with his mask. Penguins backup Dany Sabourin
Dany Sabourin
Daniel Sabourin is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender currently under contract for the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League...
wore a set of vintage-styled pads but did not play.
Weather for the game was appropriate to the winter setting it was intended to evoke, with game-time temperatures around the freezing mark and snow
Snow
Snow is a form of precipitation within the Earth's atmosphere in the form of crystalline water ice, consisting of a multitude of snowflakes that fall from clouds. Since snow is composed of small ice particles, it is a granular material. It has an open and therefore soft structure, unless packed by...
falling for much of the time, especially during the third period. The weather conditions made play somewhat more difficult for players but were well-received by fans.
The Penguins registered 25 shots on goal
Shot on goal
In ice hockey, a shot on goal is a shot that will enter the goal if it is not stopped by the goaltender. A shot on goal must result in either a goal or a save....
, and the Sabres had 37, dominating the second and overtime periods, leading those 14-2 and 7-0, respectively. Each goalie allowed one goal in playing time not including the shootout, giving Ty Conklin
Ty Conklin
Ty Curtis Conklin is an American professional ice hockey goaltender currently with the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League....
36 saves for the Penguins, and Ryan Miller 24 for the Sabres.
Scoring summary
| Period | Team | Goal | Assist(s) | Time | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | PIT | Colby Armstrong Colby Armstrong Colby Joseph Armstrong is a Canadian professional ice hockey player, who is an alternate captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs.-Early life:... (6) |
Sidney Crosby Sidney Crosby Sidney Patrick Crosby ONS is a Canadian professional ice hockey player and captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League . Crosby was drafted first overall by the Penguins out of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League... (37) |
0:21 | 1–0 PIT |
| 2nd | BUF | Brian Campbell Brian Campbell Brian Wesley Campbell is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman, an alternate captain for the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League... (4) |
Tim Connolly Tim Connolly Tim Connolly is an American professional ice hockey player for the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League.-Playing career:... (23), Daniel Paille Daniel Paille Daniel Paille is a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger who currently plays for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League . He was drafted 20th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft.- Early life :... (11) |
1:25 | 1–1 |
| 3rd | No scoring | ||||
| Overtime | No scoring | ||||
| Shootout | Team | Shooter | Goaltender | Result | SO Score |
| BUF | Ales Kotalik Aleš Kotalík Aleš Kotalík is a professional ice hockey right winger playing for HC Mountfield České Budějovice of the Czech Extraliga.-Playing career:... |
Ty Conklin Ty Conklin Ty Curtis Conklin is an American professional ice hockey goaltender currently with the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League.... |
goal | 1–0 BUF | |
| PIT | Erik Christensen Erik Christensen Erik Christensen is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League .-Playing career:... |
Ryan Miller | miss | 1–0 BUF | |
| BUF | Tim Connolly | Ty Conklin | save | 1–0 BUF | |
| PIT | Kristopher Letang Kristopher Letang Kristopher Allen Letang is a French Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League . He played junior in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League for three seasons, during which time he was selected 62nd overall by the Penguins... |
Ryan Miller | goal | 1–1 | |
| BUF | Maxim Afinogenov Maxim Afinogenov Maxim Sergeyevich Afinogenov is a Russian professional ice hockey player who is a member of the SKA St. Petersburg of the Kontinental Hockey League . Known for his blistering skating speed, he was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres 69th overall in 1997 and played nine seasons with the club. He played... |
Ty Conklin | save | 1–1 | |
| PIT | Sidney Crosby | Ryan Miller | goal | 2–1 PIT | |
| Penguins win shootout 2–1 | |||||
| Penguins win game 2–1 | |||||
Penalty summary
| Period | Team | Player | Penalty Penalty (ice hockey) A penalty in ice hockey is a punishment for inappropriate behavior. Most penalties are enforced by detaining the offending player within a penalty box for a set number of minutes, during which, the player can not participate in play. The offending team usually may not replace the player on the ice,... |
Time | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | BUF | Tim Connolly Tim Connolly Tim Connolly is an American professional ice hockey player for the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League.-Playing career:... |
Hooking | 4:22 | 2:00 |
| BUF | Maxim Afinogenov Maxim Afinogenov Maxim Sergeyevich Afinogenov is a Russian professional ice hockey player who is a member of the SKA St. Petersburg of the Kontinental Hockey League . Known for his blistering skating speed, he was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres 69th overall in 1997 and played nine seasons with the club. He played... |
Hooking | 7:16 | 2:00 | |
| BUF | Thomas Vanek Thomas Vanek Thomas Vanek is an Austrian professional ice hockey left winger, an alternate captain for the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League... |
Holding | 12:17 | 2:00 | |
| PIT | Colby Armstrong Colby Armstrong Colby Joseph Armstrong is a Canadian professional ice hockey player, who is an alternate captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs.-Early life:... |
Goaltender Interference | 13:02 | 2:00 | |
| 2nd | No penalties | ||||
| 3rd | PIT | Colby Armstrong | Hooking | 20:00 | 2:00 |
| Overtime | No penalties | ||||
Three star selections
- 1st: Sidney CrosbySidney CrosbySidney Patrick Crosby ONS is a Canadian professional ice hockey player and captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League . Crosby was drafted first overall by the Penguins out of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League...
- Game Winning Shootout Goal, 1 Assist - 2nd: Ty ConklinTy ConklinTy Curtis Conklin is an American professional ice hockey goaltender currently with the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League....
- 36 Saves (.973) - 3rd: Ryan MillerRyan MillerRyan Miller is a professional ice hockey goaltender for the Buffalo Sabres.Other people named Ryan Miller:*Ryan Miller , video game designer and author*Ryan Miller , lead singer and guitar player for the band Guster...
- 24 Saves (.960)
Team rosters
| Pittsburgh Penguins | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| # | Player | Position | ||
| 4 |  |
Rob Scuderi Rob Scuderi Robert John Scuderi is an American professional ice hockey defenceman who currently plays for the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League.-Amateur:... |
D | |
| 5 |  |
Darryl Sydor Darryl Sydor Darryl Marion Sydor is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman. He has won two Stanley Cups during his career; with the Dallas Stars in 1999 and with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2004... (A) |
D | |
| 11 | |
Jordan Staal Jordan Staal Jordan Lee Staal is a Canadian professional ice hockey player and alternate captain for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League... |
C | |
| 12 | |
Ryan Malone Ryan Malone Ryan Malone is an American professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the Tampa Bay Lightning in the National Hockey League .-Playing career:... |
LW | |
| 16 | |
Erik Christensen Erik Christensen Erik Christensen is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League .-Playing career:... |
C | |
| 17 |  |
Petr Sykora Petr Sýkora Petr Sýkora is a Czech professional ice hockey right winger for the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League . Sýkora has previously played in the NHL for the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins and Minnesota Wild. He is a two-time Stanley Cup... |
RW | |
| 18 | |
Adam Hall Adam Hall -Playing career:Hall was a member of the United States National Development Team Program, and twice represented the United States at the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, in 1999 and 2000. He was selected 52nd overall by the Nashville Predators in the second round of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft... |
LW | |
| 19 | |
Ryan Whitney Ryan Whitney Ryan Whitney is an American professional ice hockey defenseman and alternate captain currently playing for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League .... |
D | |
| 20 | |
Colby Armstrong Colby Armstrong Colby Joseph Armstrong is a Canadian professional ice hockey player, who is an alternate captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs.-Early life:... |
RW | |
| 27 | |
Georges Laraque Georges Laraque Georges Laraque is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey forward, who last played with the Montreal Canadiens before his contract was bought out in 2010. He is also a host for CFRN and deputy leader of the Green Party of Canada. During his NHL career he played for the Edmonton Oilers,... |
RW | |
| 30 | |
Dany Sabourin Dany Sabourin Daniel Sabourin is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender currently under contract for the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League... |
G | |
| 35 | |
Ty Conklin Ty Conklin Ty Curtis Conklin is an American professional ice hockey goaltender currently with the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League.... |
G | |
| 37 |  |
Jarkko Ruutu Jarkko Ruutu Jarkko Ruutu ; born August 23, 1975) is a Finnish professional ice hockey player. Ruutu is currently playing for SM-Liiga team Jokerit. He is the brother of Tuomo Ruutu, currently playing in the NHL on the Carolina Hurricanes, and retired player Mikko Ruutu.... |
LW | |
| 38 | |
Jeff Taffe Jeff Taffe Jeffrey Charles Taffe is a center for the Minnesota Wild organization. He was acquired by Chicago on July 22, 2010 in exchange for center Marty Reasoner. Taffe was drafted in the first round, 30th overall, by the St... |
C | |
| 44 | |
Brooks Orpik Brooks Orpik Brooks Orpik is an American professional ice hockey defenseman, an alternate captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League . His brother, Andrew, was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres organization and is also currently in the Pittsburgh Penguins organization... |
D | |
| 48 | |
Tyler Kennedy Tyler Kennedy Tyler Kennedy is a Canadian professional ice hockey player, currently with the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League.-Playing career:... |
RW | |
| 55 |  |
Sergei Gonchar Sergei Gonchar Sergei Viktorovich Gonchar is a Russian professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing for the Ottawa Senators of the National Hockey League... (A) |
D | |
| 58 | |
Kristopher Letang Kristopher Letang Kristopher Allen Letang is a French Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League . He played junior in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League for three seasons, during which time he was selected 62nd overall by the Penguins... |
D | |
| 71 | |
Evgeni Malkin Evgeni Malkin Evgeni "Geno" Vladimirovich Malkin is a Russian professional ice hockey center and alternate captain for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League .... |
LW | |
| 87 | |
Sidney Crosby Sidney Crosby Sidney Patrick Crosby ONS is a Canadian professional ice hockey player and captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League . Crosby was drafted first overall by the Penguins out of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League... (C) |
C | |
| |
Head coach: Michel Therrien Michel Therrien Michel Therrien is a hockey scout for the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League. Prior to that he was a player and head coach for the Montreal Canadiens and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Therrien coached the Canadiens for three seasons, taking them to the Eastern Conference semi-finals in the... |
|||
| Buffalo Sabres | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| # | Player | Position | ||
| 5 | |
Toni Lydman Toni Lydman Toni Lydman is a Finnish professional ice hockey defenceman with the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League. He has previously played for the Buffalo Sabres, Calgary Flames, Tappara , and HIFK . He lives with his wife Heta and his two daughters, Amanda and Ellen... |
D | |
| 6 | |
Jaroslav Spacek Jaroslav Spacek Jaroslav Spacek is a Czech professional ice hockey defenceman who currently plays for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League .-Playing career:... (C) |
D | |
| 9 | |
Derek Roy Derek Roy Derek Roy is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre, an alternate captain for the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League .-Junior career:... |
C | |
| 10 |  |
Henrik Tallinder Henrik Tallinder Henrik Tallinder is a professional ice hockey defenceman who currently plays for the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League.- Playing career :... |
D | |
| 12 | |
Ales Kotalik Aleš Kotalík Aleš Kotalík is a professional ice hockey right winger playing for HC Mountfield České Budějovice of the Czech Extraliga.-Playing career:... |
RW | |
| 19 | |
Tim Connolly Tim Connolly Tim Connolly is an American professional ice hockey player for the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League.-Playing career:... |
C | |
| 20 | |
Daniel Paille Daniel Paille Daniel Paille is a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger who currently plays for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League . He was drafted 20th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft.- Early life :... |
LW | |
| 22 | |
Adam Mair Adam Mair Adam Mair is a Canadian ice hockey centre who is currently playing for the Springfield Falcons of the AHL.-Playing career:... |
RW | |
| 26 |  |
Thomas Vanek Thomas Vanek Thomas Vanek is an Austrian professional ice hockey left winger, an alternate captain for the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League... |
LW | |
| 28 | |
Paul Gaustad Paul Gaustad Paul Michael Gaustad is a professional ice hockey center and an alternate captain for the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League.-Playing career:... |
C | |
| 29 | |
Jason Pominville Jason Pominville Jason John Pominville is a Canadian-American professional ice hockey right winger and the captain of the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League .-Playing career:... (A) |
RW | |
| 30 | |
Ryan Miller Ryan Miller Ryan Miller is a professional ice hockey goaltender for the Buffalo Sabres.Other people named Ryan Miller:*Ryan Miller , video game designer and author*Ryan Miller , lead singer and guitar player for the band Guster... |
G | |
| 35 | |
Jocelyn Thibault Jocelyn Thibault Jocelyn Thibault is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender who played 14 seasons in the National Hockey League for the Quebec Nordiques, Colorado Avalanche, Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, Pittsburgh Penguins and Buffalo Sabres... |
G | |
| 37 | |
Michael Ryan | C | |
| 38 | |
Nathan Paetsch Nathan Paetsch Nathan Paetsch is a professional ice hockey defenceman who currently plays for EHC Wolfsburg of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga .-Playing career:... |
D | |
| 45 | |
Dmitri Kalinin Dmitri Kalinin Dmitry Vladimirovich Kalinin is a Russian professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing for the SKA Saint Petersburg of the Kontinental Hockey League .-Playing career:... |
D | |
| 51 | |
Brian Campbell Brian Campbell Brian Wesley Campbell is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman, an alternate captain for the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League... |
D | |
| 55 |  |
Jochen Hecht Jochen Hecht Jochen Hecht is a German professional ice hockey player for the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League .-Playing career:... (A) |
LW | |
| 61 | |
Maxim Afinogenov Maxim Afinogenov Maxim Sergeyevich Afinogenov is a Russian professional ice hockey player who is a member of the SKA St. Petersburg of the Kontinental Hockey League . Known for his blistering skating speed, he was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres 69th overall in 1997 and played nine seasons with the club. He played... |
RW | |
| 76 | |
Andrew Peters Andrew Peters Andrew Peters is a retired Canadian ice hockey left winger- Playing career :Peters was drafted 34th overall by the Sabres in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft... |
LW | |
| |
Head coach: Lindy Ruff Lindy Ruff Lindy Cameron Ruff is the head coach of the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League. Ruff played in the NHL for the Sabres and New York Rangers as a left winger/defenceman. Currently, he is the longest-tenured head coach in the NHL.-Playing career:Ruff was chosen in the second round, 32nd... |
|||
- Jocelyn Thibault dressed for the Buffalo Sabres as the back-up goalie and did not enter the game.
Dany Sabourin dressed for the Pittsburgh Penguins as the back-up goalie and did not enter the game.
Scratches
- Pittsburgh Penguins: Gary Roberts
- Buffalo Sabres: Nolan PrattNolan PrattNolan Pratt is a former Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman. He is currently an assistant coach for the Springfield Falcons.-Playing career:...
, Drew StaffordDrew StaffordDrew Stafford is an American ice hockey forward, an alternate captain for the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League . He started playing hockey at an early age and played for the Waukesha Warhawks in Waukesha, Wisconsin, playing with local area legends Todd Rose and Damian Carrasco-Zanini...
Officials
- Referees — Marc JoannetteMarc JoannetteMarc Joannette is a National Hockey League referee, who wears uniform number 25. As of the end of the 2007–08 NHL season, he has officiated 470 regular season and 28 playoff games. His first game was on October 1, 1999...
, Don VanMassenhoven - Linesmen — Brad Kovachik, Tim Nowak
Future games
Due to the success of the Winter Classic and Heritage ClassicHeritage Classic
The Heritage Classic was an outdoor ice hockey game played on November 22, 2003, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, between the Edmonton Oilers and the Montreal Canadiens. It was the first National Hockey League game to be played outdoors as a part of regular season play...
, outdoor games have been held during subsequent seasons. On January 1, 2009, the Detroit Red Wings
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York...
defeated the Chicago Blackhawks
Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10...
6-4 in the 2009 game
2009 NHL Winter Classic
The 2009 NHL Winter Classic, also known as the Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic 2009, was a specially staged National Hockey League regular-season game played outdoors on January 1, 2009 at 12:36 p.m. CST at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois...
played at Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field is a baseball stadium in Chicago, Illinois, United States that has served as the home ballpark of the Chicago Cubs since 1916. It was built in 1914 as Weeghman Park for the Chicago Federal League baseball team, the Chicago Whales...
in Chicago
Chicago
Chicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
. The last NHL Winter Classic
2011 NHL Winter Classic
The 2011 NHL Winter Classic was the fourth edition of the annual outdoor ice hockey game held by the National Hockey League as a regular season game. The Pittsburgh Penguins hosted the Washington Capitals at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA on January 1, 2011 at 8:00 p.m...
took place January 1, 2011, at Heinz Field
Heinz Field
Heinz Field is a stadium located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It primarily serves as the home to the Pittsburgh Steelers and University of Pittsburgh Panthers American football teams, members of the National Football League and National Collegiate Athletic Association respectively...
in Pittsburgh, between the Washington Capitals
Washington Capitals
The Washington Capitals are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Since their founding in 1974, "The Caps" have won one conference championship to reach the 1998 Stanley Cup...
and the Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The franchise was founded in 1967 as one of the first expansion teams during the league's original...
. Washington came out on top, winning by a score of 3-1. This game is planned to be a regular feature of future NHL seasons.
See also
- 2007–08 Buffalo Sabres season2007–08 Buffalo Sabres seasonThe 2007–08 Buffalo Sabres season began on October 5, 2007. It was the Buffalo Sabres' 38th season in the National Hockey League.Prior to the season, the Sabres lost their co-captains of the previous two seasons, Danny Briere and Chris Drury. Briere and Drury were signed as free agents on July 1...
- 2007–08 Pittsburgh Penguins season2007–08 Pittsburgh Penguins seasonThe 2007–08 Pittsburgh Penguins season was the franchise's 41st season in the National Hockey League . Their regular season began on October 5, 2007, against the Carolina Hurricanes and concluded on April 6, 2008, against the rival Philadelphia Flyers...
- List of outdoor ice hockey games
- List of ice hockey games with highest attendance