The Winter Classic
Photo New York Times
Although the outcome was disappointing, (and I’ll leave the commenting about the game itself to people better suited to it), it was one of those rare occasions when Buffalo, her people, and her weather, were on national display.
Flipping between the coverage on NBC and CBC, I suspect that Canadians got a better impression of our fair city. CBC commentators praised the fans, the city, and the appropriate weather. NBC commentators were complaining about the bitter cold, at one point suspecting that the temperature had dropped into the teens when in fact it was just in the lower 30s. One forgot where he was and talked about “Boston”.
Ultimately, however, you had 70,000+ hockey fans cram into a football stadium (and another 12,000 at HSBC to watch on the Jumbotron) for this historic game. And in spite of (or because of) the weather, it looked like every one of them was having a fantastic time. Such a close game, ending in a nail-biting shootout, probably helped do what the Classic was meant to do - endear the NHL to new fans.
steve Says:January 2nd, 2008 at 9:57 am
NBC’s coverage was certainly prettier, hi-def and all. But it would have been so much better had they just shut the F*** up for 10 seconds.
CBC’s pre-game stuff was head and shoulders above NBC and the local nonsense from Ed Kilgore and crew. Everyone talked about the pageantry of it all, but mostly we saw talking heads.
Nice to see so many kids in the stands. Well done, WNY, well done.
Russell Says:January 2nd, 2008 at 11:42 am
It was a great experience being there. The weather was perfect. Even the snow, although slowing down some of the game, seemed to add something special to the event. You felt like you were taking part in something special the whole time.
The game was entertaining, but we all should have known that this would go to a shootout and Sidney Crosby would win it as the last shooter. It should have just been titled The Sidney Crosby Show. I’m impressed that with the writers on strike NBC was able to come up with such a perfect script.
Greg Says:January 2nd, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Olympic coverage is what has made me decide CBC is better than NBC when it comes to sports.
This helps confirm it
juan from Clarence Says:January 2nd, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Being at the game was a great time. It was morethan a hockey game it was an amazing event. However, being from Buffalo, I have to pick apart everything. My seat was ten bucks and worth every penny but I think ninety seven percent of the people in the stadium watched the jumbo tron instead of the ice. The whole event was catered to the fans at home, for those wanting to watch a hockey game on the ice in the stadium- it just didnt happen. Luckily I was not one of them and really enjoyed the game!
Mark Says:January 2nd, 2008 at 5:39 pm
It has been reported on all the sport talk shows as very positive for Buffalo!!The city looked good and it should give the area a nice jump start on the changes that are being made in Buffalo. A big up to the sports fans in WNY for having the class to make the city and area look good!!
BuffaloRox Says:January 3rd, 2008 at 2:21 pm
NBC coverage was poor. Bob Costas wouldn’t stop talking. The fact that the NBC anchors talked about the weather was just plain idiotic given the game was outdoors. Fortunately, I was able to turn on CBC and relax to much higher quality coverage. I wonder how much higher the games ratings would be if you could factor in Americans watching via CBC.
Mike from Grand Island Says:January 3rd, 2008 at 6:00 pm
I didn’t understand why NBC brought that “weatherman” guy in from out of town when they have a local expert & legend in Kevin O’Connell. He would have been much better.