Archives for January 2008

'Buffalo fans, many holding up signs such as "Look mom, no roof!" and "Hi mom, I'm at the Ice Bowl!" did more than buy the tickets. They created a memorable environment and should be as much of the story this morning as Crosby.' … [Read more...] about ‘Let it snow, let it snow’

'"I could see the puck pretty good. The ice got a little sticky at times. It was a lot more difficult for the forwards. If you wished for one thing it would have been for a little less snow.' … [Read more...] about Conklin gets another crack

'Bad weather always makes sports events more mediagenic. With winds and snowflakes swirling as the Pittsburgh Penguins visited the Buffalo Sabres for the first outdoor NHL game played in the USA, hockey became unpredictable. Just like football can be suspenseful outside rather than indoors. NBC analyst Eddie Olczyk, for instance, had to note when pucks "were caught in a snow … [Read more...] about Snow, wind give outdoor NHL game extra edge

'But for all its majesty, the Winter Classic also provided ample evidence that these games are not to be entered into lightly, that there is a case for why they shouldn't be played, or at least for why they shouldn't count in the standings.' … [Read more...] about The outdoors are great, but this should not become a regular NHL fixture

'Because snow would just stick to the top of the ice and freeze instead of blowing to the boards, the players learned quickly that stickhandling, stretch passes and one-time shots weren't going to work. There were only two icing calls in the entire game, the first 2:01 into the second period and not another until midway through overtime.' … [Read more...] about Best in snow

'“The only tough part was snow buildup on the ice,” Sabres wing Jason Pominville said. “At times there was a lot of snow, and it made it hard for guys to stickhandle and shoot.”' … [Read more...] about Winter Wonderland for Crosby and N.H.L

'The teams appeared to be feeling each other out while learning the intricacies of the makeshift ice surface and the unique weather conditions.' … [Read more...] about Crosby Shines During Snowy Outdoor Game

'Somewhere tonight, an NBC and NHL executive are sharing champagne -- at least until the television ratings come out.' … [Read more...] about The great outdoors

'Said Whitney: "If it hadn't snowed so much, the level of play would have been better. The puck was 10 times slower than usual."' … [Read more...] about Crosby’s outdoor act follows ‘a great script’

'Sabres coach Lindy Ruff, not one to mince words even at a league event said: "I loved it. On breaks, I made sure to look around and take it all in, there didn't seem to be an empty seat. I thought it was very good for the game. I may be dating myself here, but for most players (outdoors) is where it all started. I thought it was good for the game; it brought us back to our … [Read more...] about Snow doubt about it

'The fans were on their feet before the pre-game warm-up to welcome the players from both teams as they made the long trek from the football dressing rooms, through the tunnel and out to the rink. The ovation sent chills, just another reminder that the biggest crowd in NHL history made this such a special day. The players could feel the moment as well, unable to wipe the smile … [Read more...] about Crosby scores shootout winner before 70,000-plus to lead Penguins over Sabres 2-1

'Given the choice of which goal to defend, both Miller and Conklin picked the West end to avoid the heavy snow that swirled and poured in toward the right.' … [Read more...] about Crosby’s shootout shot provides frozen moment in time for Penguins

'There were 71, 217 hockey fans in attendance at Ralph Wilson Stadium on New Years Day to enjoy the AMP Energy Winter Classic.' … [Read more...] about Pens Take Winter Classic With 2-1 Shootout Win

'Buffalo's Ales Kotalik scored in the first round of the shootout and the Penguins tied it in the second round when Kristopher Letang lifted a backhander home. After Pittsburgh goaltender Ty Conklin stopped Maxim Afinogenov's backhander, it came down to Crosby and the NHL's brightest star delivered. He skated in on Ryan Miller, who went for a poke-check and missed. Crosby … [Read more...] about Pittsburgh 2, Buffalo 1 (SO)

'If anyone's in the mood for pizza, he's got that cooking in the top shelf of an office filing cabinet. And there's a bar set up for those interested in having a shot of Polish cherry liqueur poured out of the thumbhole of a bowling ball. "I call it my 16-pound shot glass," Johnson said. "It actually tastes like crap. I don't know why people drink it. But I go through 12-14 … [Read more...] about Outdoor hockey game brings out the tailgaters in Buffalo