I became aware of something the other day while watching re-runs of the Winter Classic on NHL Network, and I'm surprised that I never noticed it before. Over the past 4 years, one of the teams playing in the Classic went on to win the Stanley Cup the next year.
The Buffalo Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins were the two teams in the 2008 Classic. The Penguins won the Stanley Cup in 2009.
The 2009 Winter Classic was between the Detroit Red Wings and the Chicago Blackhawks. The Blackhawks won the Cup in 2010.
The 2010 Winter Classic featured the Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers. Who was the 2011 Stanley Cup champion? The Bruins.
If this pattern continues, either the Washington Capitals or Pittsburgh Penguins will win it all in 2012. As for 2013? The champs will be the Philadelphia Flyers* or the New York Rangers.
God, I hope this pattern ends. If it doesn't, my St.Louis Blues will never get a chance to win the freaking Stanley Cup because they will never be chosen for the Winter Classic. As far as NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman is concerned, the NHL only consists of Detroit, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Washington, and the New York Rangers. Yeah, let's just ignore the fact that there are 23 other teams that deserve a chance for national exposure and continue to crawl further up the collective asses of the Chosen 7.
*I like the Flyers, so I wouldn't mind seeing them win (hi, Aubrey! lol...)
That is indeed an interesting pattern, WT, and I never noticed it either.
ReplyDeleteI share your hope the the Classic will expand beyond the 7 teams chosen so far. I know my Leafs are campaigning for a game. I also think that Montreal should be given some consideration soon, given the franchise's most storied history and longevity. But in the end, all teams should be included. I would llove to see the Blues in a game, though it would most likely be a road game for them, with the city being situated close to the sun belt. Certainly can't foresee teams like Florida, Tampa, Dallas, Phoenix, LA or Anaheim hosting an outdoor event.....
I don't understand why ANY of the Canadian teams wouldn't be a shoo-in for the Classic. But that's Bettman for you. He only cares about network ratings and money, in addition to the aforementioned 7 teams.
ReplyDeleteYou got that right, WT. The sooner Bettman is gone, the better.
ReplyDeleteThere's an article today in the Toronto Sun about this very issue, and in support of the Leafs hosting a game. if you're interested, here's the link:
http://www.torontosun.com/2012/01/03/leafs-deserve-an-outdoor-shake
Aaaaah!!! Here I am all "Hooray I kinda have a computer again and can catch up on Julie's blog," only to find a disgusting sentence like "I don't mind if the Flyers win!"
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