Potential for Caps in Winter Classic
Not exactly the biggest rivalry around, but I imagine the league wouldn't mind seeing OV in this game.
about 1 year ago
Ames
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Not the biggest rivalry in the world, but if you want Ovi in a Winter Classic, it’s not going to be a big rivalry, because their rivalries are too far south to host a Winter Classic.
That said, sure. bring it on. The Caps have handled the Bruins pretty well this year. The Flyers, not so much.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
They’ve talked about Penn State as a potential locale and while the most logical teams for that would be Pittsburgh and Philly, putting the Capitals in that game would be a way to get Ovechkin in and have the rivalry aspect going. I’ve also heard that they think their technology is good enough now that they could keep ice in DC, but I don’t know if that’s realistic.
by David M. Getz on Apr 9, 2009 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions
If they do Penn State, they should make it a double header. Pitt vs Caps then Philly vs Devils or something
by sincitycapsfan on Apr 9, 2009 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Our rivalries aren’t south, they just aren’t in our division. ;-)
And you could easily do this outdoor game in Washington, it doesn’t have to be below freezing to maintain the ice. The biggest threat would be rain.
Russian Machine Never Breaks
Agreed. My dream would still be a Winter Classic on the mall, on the reflecting pool, in front of the Capitol, etc.
by Scott in Shaw on Apr 9, 2009 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Which never happens on New Year’s Day, right? :)
I was referring to Pitt/Philly, who have much the same problem, if to a lesser extent.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
2010 – Boston vs Montreal.
2011 – Goes back to the West coast the next year, Colorado vs ??? at Mile High Stadium (Maybe Dallas or Minny, but I think Minny should have one at home at some point)
2012 – Yankee Stadium, Rags vs Maple Leafs
I would love to see Ovechkin & the caps, but I don’t think a marquee star is going to have the draw of a marquee matchup.
Depends what you mean by marquee matchup – I think if you’re talking “great hockey rivalries,” I’d think the star player could trump: more people would watch Bruins vs. Ovechkin than Bruins vs. Habs, I’d think (especially in the U.S.). But if by marquee matchup you mean huge markets, Bruins vs. Rangers could out-draw Bruins vs. Ovechkin, perhaps.
I think there are a lot of variables that will bring people to watch (venue is another one – Wrigley itself was definitely a draw this year), but there’s a reason the League went with Sabres/Penguins for the first Winter Classic, and it wasn’t b/c that was a great rivalry, y’know?
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Every argument I try to make in my head for any future matchups is rebutted by the Sabres/Pens winter classic. It defies explanation.
by sincitycapsfan on Apr 9, 2009 5:10 PM EDT up reply actions
I think Buffalo was in primarily because of the venue and the Pens were obviously in because Crosby draws viewers.
by David M. Getz on Apr 9, 2009 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions
oh yeah it was cold and the bills sure as hell weren’t going to be playing playoff games on new years. I have a feeling the league big wigs in Toronto wanted to play the game in the US but wanted it close enough to Toronto to give Canadian fans and sponsors a chance to get in as well.
by sincitycapsfan on Apr 9, 2009 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Are there marquee matchups that don’t include Original Six teams or others that have been around for a few decades? Because that would cut out a big portion of the league, and I think we all deserve our shot at some point.
by CapitalCentre on Apr 10, 2009 11:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Agree with this.
Also, what might constitute a marquee matchup will depend on the outcome of this year’s playoffs. If somehow the Caps should meet Boston in the EC Final, the “ho hum” will change regardless of outcome.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
I still think they should make the All Star Game outside in Las Vegas during the awards show weekend. Make showgirls be the ref’s. Whenever a goal is scored the other team has to take shots of vodka if a russian/swede scores it, canadian whiskey if a canadian scores it, bourbon if an American scores it, wine if some other European scores it, and moonshine if anyone that plays for Nashville or Carolina scores. The rink will be highlighted in neon lights and the glow puck is no longer a technological enhancement but a real life glowing puck. If you get a penalty you go into the penalty box full of Chippendales (Sidney is only allowed 3 penalties a game so he doesn’t abuse the Chippendales).
by sincitycapsfan on Apr 9, 2009 5:16 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
I’m shallow — this is one of the top reasons I’m hoping Washington will be in the game.
by CapitalCentre on Apr 11, 2009 5:54 PM EDT up reply actions



































