Winter Classic Goes To Caps In Last Seconds

((HT: NHL on NBC))

The HQ will admit that we like the idea of hockey being played outdoors and having it count in the standings...

This year's Winter Classic was in Washington, DC for the Caps and the Chicago Blackhawks.

There was actually talk that players would wear sunglasses to combat the sunshine that would be present at Nationals Park before 2:30 eastern time- the time of day that the sun would drop behind the home bleachers. But, as a bit of a make-good, the NHL decided to make the teams change ends in the first period at the half-way point in addition to the third period switch.

The winner went to Troy Brouwer, but not without some consternation and questioning of a late penalty call.

Here's the highlights


Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews was asked about the loss- and the stuff that happened late
((HT: CSN Chicago))


So, now it's back to playing hockey indoors until the Outdoor Classics come back in a little while...

Winter Classic Looks Cool, Sets Records

((HT: NHL on NBC))

When 106,000 people start tailgating at 9:30 in the morning for the Detroit-Toronto game, you know it has the shot to be something really special and really cool...

This was...


While seeing a toque on Jonathan Bernier is quite funny, but more out of necessity, it's still a riot...

Here's the Sportsnet version...

So, the HQ firmly believes the league is in a dangerous place... making sure that the Winter Classic is preserved as its special event, but not overdoing the damn thing- like Dodger Stadium this year...

DEVELOPING: NHL Set To Cancel Winter Classic...

((HT: Sportsnet))

According to Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos and his Twitter feed, the NHL is going to choke its golden goose and cancel the Winter Classic- scheduled for the Big House in Ann Arbor, Michigan on New Year's Day as well as associated events at Comerica Park...

Sources saying sponsors r being notified the #NHL Winter classic gm' will be cancelled. An official announcement coming as early as 2pm est

The crowd expected for the game was expected to surpass all attendance records for a hockey event...

The HQ would LOVE to see how the league is going to explain this one off the books...
And the HQ would like to congratulate all parties involved on their mangling of the labor issue and the associative Pee-Ahr nightmare...

More when we know more...

Former Marine Beaten At Winter Classic

((HT: NBCNewYork))

A former Marine and New York area police officer has been discovered to have been the victim of a beating at the Winter Classic.

Neal Auricchio was beaten up, initially, by a window-washer who was paid to spray his cleaning liquid in a Rangers fan's face by Flyers fans.

Here's the story from Pei-Sze Chang

View more videos at: http://nbcnewyork.com.

Here's the surveillance video from the Philadelphia Police


Not cool... at all...

Winter Classic: Rangers Hold Off Flyers

And the last minute or so was a wild one- meant for television...

And meant to showcase the idea of having the sport outside for a meaningful game of shinny...

Michael Rupp scored twice ((The HQ knows... right?)), Braydon Schenn scored his first NHL goal, and the final minute had a power play, two pulled goalie situations, and Daniel Briere trying to even the score...
((HT: NHL on NBC))


The visiting team is now 4-0-1 in the series, and the Rangers have now won 7 of their last 8.

Now what the HQ would like to suggest is Detroit-Toronto at the Big House.
How 'bout now...??? Okay, good...