Archives for December 31, 2007

'"Once your face gets a little numb you feel fine," Campbell said. "The ears were cold a little bit, maybe a little frostbite on them, but that's all right."'

'Conklin allowed four goals on 27 shots in the Oilers' 4-3 loss to the Montreal Canadiens in the NHL's only other outdoor game, back in 2003.'

'Anticipation for the NHL's first-ever outdoor game in the United States has reached a level where locals would likely take the game over a visit from the Pope or a Beatles reunion concert.'

'"I hope the snow comes down, why not?," said Sabres defenseman Brian Campbell, noting that all of the players enjoyed the light snow flurries during Monday's practice.'

'"That was awesome, it really was," Ruff said of the unique outdoor experience. "It kind of gets you back to your roots."'

‘So, how much sleep are you getting, Dan? “Basically, none,” he said.’

'At its worst, if it pours rain, if there is a blizzard, if a player gets injured as a result of playing the game outdoors instead of down the road at HSBC Arena, then it will be the kind of black eye that will reinforce the widely held notion the NHL isn't quite "big league." At its worst, the Winter Classic will make it difficult, if not impossible, to justify hosting such an event ever again.'

'"The Capital One Bowl consistently receives viewer support," said ESPN-on- ABC spokesperson Mike Humes. "While we normally do not make specific estimates, with these two popular teams, we expect another solid audience." (Television-speak translation: We're going to kill you, NBC).'

'Getting players ready to handle the elements has been one step of the process. The equipment managers have ordered tinted shields and eye black. They’ve stockpiled cold-weather gear from Reebok and Under Armour. They’ve sought advice from the NFL trainers in their cities and the equipment guys who handled other outdoor hockey games.'

'Tynan shared part of the program with Sabres goalie Ryan Miller and forward Drew Stafford, who played their guitars along with the U2 song “All I Want Is You.” They seemed to know the ropes pretty well, and Stafford got off a few strong solo riffs. Later they returned to help close the concert with ringa- ding performance of another U2 tune, “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,” which Tynan equated to the Sabres quest for the Stanley Cup.'