for those of you that don't know (and hey, maybe even don't care), yesterday was the fourth Winter Classic: Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins vs Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals. The Winter Classic is an NHL regular season game that takes place--wait for it---OUTDOORS. This year the Winter Classic was in Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, and boy was it packed!
The Classic was supposed to start at 1 pm yesterday however due to weather conditions (a.k.a rain), the game had to be postponed to 8pm. Now, for those of you who don't know, rain causes a huge problem for outdoor rinks because it not only slows the puck but also makes the puck bounce more because the ice becomes more bumpy from the drops that land on it. Although the conditions weren't favourable, I'm sure the players were more focused on the intense playoff-like game and, of course, the 65,000 fans screaming in the bleachers.
Although it may not seem so, both teams had equal incentive to win. For Washington, they had to beat Pittsburgh to regain their pride after a shootout loss, not to mention the fact that as of last night they were second in their division. Pittsbugh, like washington, needed those two points to stay first in their division, and first overall in their conference; and let's not forget the fact that the Pens had regained forward Jordan Staal. In summary: Washington needed to beat the Pens and the Pens needed those points to stay in first (and perhaps to have Jordan's first game back a victorious win)
Although both teams played hard and had many great chances, Washington came out on top with a 3-1 win. Yes, I'm dissapointed with the loss, but it was a fantastic game to watch and there's still half a season to go!
Go Pens Go!!
(INTERESTING FACT: Teams that have won the Winter Classic have gone on to lose in the Stanley Cup Final. See you in April, Ovi)
