NHL Winter Classic Preview
Last year’s Winter Classic at Ralph Wilson Stadium—home of the Buffalo Bills—was the NHL’s first ever outdoor game played in the U.S. and was a hit for newbie and online NHL betting gurus. The nationally televised New Year’s Day event, competed and very much held its own in ratings on a sportsbook betting day made for bowling. Roughly 3.7 million viewers watched the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Sabres in a 2-1 SO.
This year’s Winter Classic will feature the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings, and is expected to top the inaugural game’s TV ratings and NHL wagering handle in the outdoor beauty being held at the famed Wrigley Field with two good teams facing off.
This year’s Winter Classic will be the fourth meeting on the season between the defending Stanley Cup champion Red Wings and Central rival Blackhawks, who sit first and second-place in the division, respectively. The first matchup was in Chicago on Oct. 25 and ended in a 6-5 Detroit SO victory. The second meeting was at The Joe on Dec. 6, also resulting in a Wings’ SO win, 5-4. The third clash will be at Detroit on Dec. 30 before meeting at the winter wonderland of Wrigley Field.
The two week transformation of the second-oldest ball park in MLB into a modern day NHL venue is fascinating enough on its own to get the ole sports betting juices flowing. More than 400 workers will use 52,000 feet of plywood and 32,000 feet of decking in the project, along with 20,000 gallons of water to create ice and 350 gallons of paint. Scaffolding will cover the famed brick outfield walls to recreate green ivy and also used for advertising.
The goals will be along the first and third base lines with the penalty box just on the second base side of the pitcher’s mound. But the only ”Big Z” that’ll be anywhere near the mound is ”Z” as in Zambonis. And, the Friendly Confines may not be so affectionate, as peanuts and Cracker Jacks become left and rights.
Chicago has not won the Cup since 1961. The longest drought of any current NHL team. Their last postseason appearance came in 2001-02, however, this year’s team has the talent to put them back into the playoffs for the first time in seven seasons. In 2007-08, the Blackhawks won six of eight contests versus Detroit, proving they are capable of giving the reigning champs all they can handle.
This 2009 Winter Classic will bring in the New Year with something special for the NHL novice or most experienced of bettors.
