Each year we have so many different things to look forward to with the Winter Classic. This year’s edition of the 4-year-old “Classic” should be no different. In case you weren’t already pumped for a minimally-hyped Pens vs. Caps game, here are a few things that you can expect on January 1st, 2011. Needless to say, I’m already counting the minutes!
- Mike Emrick waxing poetic about the “storied” history of this celebrated venue followed by a stirring montage of Steelers highlights. You know, all 9 years of the building’s storied history.
- We can look forward to a new Geico commercial featuring Mike Green. “There was a message on the jumbotron that asked, ‘Who was the most glorified forward playing defense?’ and I’m pretty sure they pointed at Mike Green and said Bullseye.”
- 5-month-old highlights of Mike Knuble trying to shoot a puck through the goal-posts at Heinz Field. Because, you know—that press conference wasn’t a photo-op or anything.
- We have a stadium situated on a river which is notoriously windy. We have a game that is usually played INDOORS. Thankfully, this game will really count in the standings and could be the deciding factor in home-ice advantage between two of the best teams in the East.
- Sidney Crosby saying, “It’s just another game,” 100 different ways in response to the same question 100 different times.
- A mini-documentary looking back on the Capitals stunning 2009-10 season and their playoff run. Emphasis on “mini.”
- Bret Michaels sings the Star Spangled Banner. Cross-promotional opportunity with The Apprentice, his health battles, and a Pittsburgh native. I’m calling my shot right now.
- Exciting talk of a New York Rangers vs. *insert Eastern Conference team* at the new Yankee Stadium for NEXT year’s Winter Classic.
- The only time we’ll hear the term “lockout” during the broadcast will be when asked if Sean Avery was consulted in designing the special throwback jerseys.
- Exactly ZERO exposes documenting Matt Cooke’s 2009-10 season.
- Lloyd McClendon trying to steal a faceoff dot.
- Philadelphia Flyers fans looking at both teams, trying to choose the lesser of two evils, and deciding to jump off the Walt Whitman Bridge instead.
- At least two HORRIFIC attempts of using “immaculate reception” in the context of a hockey game.
- Expect to be reminded that the Consol Energy Center is a “state-of-the-art building that the city of Pittsburgh deserves.” You know, that building they’re NOT playing the Winter Classic in.
- Man vs. Food showing the Quaker Steak and Lube episode on a 24 loop to celebrate the event.
- And the obvious: All of the endless David Steckel vs. Pascal Dupuis hype.
Matt Reitz is the Editor-In-Chief here at ViewFromMySeats.com and former NHL Writer for ProHockeyTalk on NBCSports. When he’s not shoving a mic in the face of NHLers or explaining why home teams should wear white, he’s usually trying to figure out what song to play next on his iPod. It’s a never-ending job.
