Winter Classic succeeds: Solid game, strong teams save day in D.C.

Ray Slover

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Winter Classic succeeds: Solid game, strong teams save day in D.C. image

Thanks to Troy Brouwer's goal, the NHL has a highlight moment to celebrate from the 2015 Winter Classic.

Brouwer's goal with 12.9 seconds to play in regulation gave the Capitals a 3-2 victory over the Blackhawks. A day that began with too much sun ended with a shining moment.

Along the way, the NHL's annual outdoor game gave fans plenty to like. But given the competition on a busy day in sports, it was likely hockey fans were the only ones who paid attention. That's the league's lot in life.

Once again pitted against college football, the NHL had to make do with its core audience. That said, having the Blackhawks and their rabid fans watching won't hurt the Nielsen numbers. Capitals fans got to see their city's baseball stadium decked out for pucks and their hockey team deliver in a spectacle. The game came down to a late power play, resulting in heroics for the home team.

"They got the bounce they were looking for," Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews told reporters. "And we walk away with nothing. It’s not a good feeling, especially with the excitement, the hype, the energy that surrounded this whole thing, leading up to this game."

Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville's take? "We had a power play before that," he said. "So I think both teams had their turn and they cashed in." The 'Hawks also lamented failing to score on a 5-on-3 power play.

By the way, Quenneville and Caps coach Barry Trotz are class acts. Another plus for the '15 Classic.

NBC didn't have to work overtime, which was a possibility in more ways than one. When Brouwer corralled a loose puck after Alex Ovechkin's stick was snapped, he made a pretty play to score. No extra five minutes of play. No shootout.

There also was concern the bright day would force the league to delay the start because of glare on the ice. The best answer proved to be splitting the first period, forcing each team to defend with sunshine in its goalie's face. It's not the perfect solution, but the expedient one.

At least the temperature was decent for both players and the 42,000-plus fans at Nationals Park.

What was impressive? Look, by now hockey observers have come to expect miracles from NHL ice maker Dan Craig. But it remains among the great products of the Winter Classic that games are played on decent or much better ice sheets. Year after year, Craig and Co. are the undisputed MVPs of the outdoor game.

It also should be said the transformation of Nationals Park into a mini-D.C. made a great background. The entryway ice that simulated the National Mall was a terrific idea, and the Capitol background added to the unique atmosphere.

"It's been kind of a circus around here," Blackhawks defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson told The Chicago Sun-Times before the game. "Can't wait to go into the locker room and sit in the players' lounge and not have a camera in our face."

There were suggestions, in fact, that the Capitol motif would be a welcome addition to the baseball stadium. That works, but it cannot be done where it was raised for Thursday's game, in front of the center-field fence. Baseball needs a neutral background for hitters to see pitches.

There always are critics of team selection, and this was the second Classic for both the Caps and 'Hawks. That said, it proved to be a strong matchup of well-balanced teams. The worst the NHL could do is have a Classic between a power team and one that went flat ahead of New Year's Day or was wracked by injuries.

Indeed, CSNWashington.com noted, the Caps are on a 9-1-3 run that put them atop the Metropolitan Division. The Blackhawks, meanwile, were on a 15-3-1 run entering the game.

It must be asked whether the NHL has watered down the Winter Classic with additional outdoor games, including last year's Stadium Series. Classic games, well played between even teams, will assure that doesn't happen.

Outdoor games have taken place in Canada, and at some point the NHL should take the Classic north of the border. It's unlikely the league would lose market because of a game between, say, the Bruins and Canadiens. In fact, that traditional rivalry would amp up electricity.

One thing that should be improved? The "entertainment" before the game and between periods. The Classic will never be an event that draws a Super Bowl halftime, but it does deserve better than faded acts.

Complaining about musicians is another win for the NHL, because it means fans and critics aren't complaining about the game. Or the officiating. At least, not blatantly complaining.

If the NHL continues to provide new venues and different teams, the Classic will deserve its title. But only if the games are as good as the 'Hawks-Caps game of 2015.

Ray Slover