2008 NHL Winter Classic

Outdoor National Hockey League game in Orchard Park, New York August 2023 yes 2008 NHL Winter Classic Winter Classic logo.jpg Pittsburgh Penguins Buffalo Sabres 2 1 1 0 0 0 1 (2/3) 0 1 0 0 0 (1/3) January 1, 2008 Ralph Wilson Stadium Orchard Park 71,217 None 2009 USA 1 Ralph Wilson Stadium 42.774 -78.787 Location in the United States 5 240 USA New York 1 Ralph Wilson Stadium 42.774 -78.787 Location in New York 5 220 NHL game held outdoors in stadium; Pittsburgh defeats Buffalo in shootout The 2008 NHL Winter Classic (known via corporate sponsorship as the AMP Energy NHL Winter Classic) was an outdoor ice hockey game played in the National Hockey League (NHL) on January 1, 2008, at Ralph Wilson Stadium near Buffalo, New York. It was the league's inaugural Winter Classic game, and was contested between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Buffalo Sabres; the Penguins won, 2–1, in a shootout on a goal by captain Sidney Crosby. The event was the NHL's second outdoor regular season game (following the 2003 Heritage Classic in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada), and the first outdoor regular season professional ice hockey game to be played in the United States. Due to the snowy conditions, the game was at the time colloquially referred to as the "Ice Bowl" by residents of the area and Sabres' fans. The event was sponsored by AMP Energy, and was televised in the United States on NBC and in Canada on CBC and RDS. The game, which was played at a temporary ice rink built on the football field, set an NHL attendance record of 71,217.Burnside Scott Winter Classic: We're live from Buffalo http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/story?columnist=burnside_scott&id=3176222 ESPN May 30, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20080104143443/http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/story?columnist=burnside_scott&id=3176222 January 4, 2008 January 1, 2008 The Sabres held a Winter Classic "house party" at HSBC Arena (now KeyBank Center) during the game where another 11,000 fans saw the game shown live on the arena's video scoreboard with synched-up audio from the team's radio coverage. The Buffalo Sabres Alumni Hockey Team played a pre-game at the HSBC Arena as part of the house party festivities. Buffalo Sabres anthem singer Doug Allen sang the Canadian national anthem, as is customary at Sabres home games. Irish tenor Ronan Tynan performed "God Bless America" before the game at the stadium. The success of the event has led to subsequent outdoor hockey games being scheduled and helped establish the Winter Classic as an annual NHL tradition. Preparations Construction of the outdoor rink began on December 24, the day after the Buffalo Bills played their last home game of the 2007 NFL season.Panaccio Tim Outdoor hockey to make U.S. debut https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-citizen-outdoor-hockey-to-mak/173503437/ May 30, 2024 The Ottawa Citizen December 31, 2007 newspapers.com It was built between the 16-yard lines of the football field,http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2008/01/01/1197591-crosby-lifts-penguins-in-winter-classic Crosby lifts Penguins in Winter Classic Associated Press Podell Ira 2008-01-01 2008-02-16 https://web.archive.org/web/20080210133319/http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2008/01/01/1197591-crosby-lifts-penguins-in-winter-classic 10 February 2008 live under the supervision of NHL facilities operations manager Dan Craig.Rosen Dan Craig retires as NHL's top outdoor ice rink expert, leaves lasting legacy https://www.nhl.com/news/dan-craig-retires-as-nhl-s-top-outdoor-ice-rink-expert-leaves-lasting--327467270 National Hockey League May 30, 2025 November 2, 2021 Crew members first removed the goal posts and laid down large tarps over the field to protect it from the weather.Winter Classic rink taking shape https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-winter-classic-rink-tak/173503708/ May 30, 2025 The Plain Dealer December 25, 2007 newspapers.com Initially, six inches (150 mm) of the nine-inch (230 mm) crown of the football field had to be leveled using styrofoam insulation. On top of the newly created flat surface, three inches (75 mm) of plywood with plastic covering were laid as a base for the necessary piping. At the same time the boards were being put in place, an inch of sand was spread amongst the piping and was then wet by a combination of hoses and timely rain so it could freeze into a rink overnight and be painted four days before the game. Another ¾ of an inch of ice was added to complete the playing surface.Oklobzija Kevin NHL's cool feat installs a rink in NFL territory https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-marion-star-nhls-cool-feat-installs/173503802/ May 30, 2025 The Marion Star January 1, 2008 newspapers.com Due to the inclement weather and lack of a rink system, Craig later stated that the fact that they were able to succeed was remarkable. The NHL had created a backup plan in case the weather became unmanageable.Sabres, Penguins set for outdoor showdown Jan. 1 in Buffalo https://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=3024696 ESPN May 30, 2025 September 17, 2007 After this experience, Commissioner Gary Bettman stated that the League would like more time to prepare the site for the next outdoor game. He also wanted to ensure that not too many outdoor games are held so the event can remain special.Erskine Scott Bettman holds All-Star 'State of NHL' address https://areyouwatchingthis.com/nhl/news/50400-Bettman-holds-All-Star-State-of-NHL-address areyouwatchingthis.com May 30, 2025 January 26, 2008 This sentiment was further echoed by hockey pundits, such as Scott Burnside.Burnside Scott The outdoors are great, but this should not become a regular NHL fixture https://www.espn.com/nhl/columns/story?columnist=burnside_scott&id=3176569 ESPN May 30, 2025 January 1, 2008 Attendance left|240px|thumb|View from inside the stadium during the opening ceremony The game was attended by 71,217 people, setting an NHL attendance record. The former NHL record of 57,167 was set at the 2003 Heritage Classic between the Montreal Canadiens and Edmonton Oilers in Edmonton, Alberta, on November 22, 2003.Higgins Matt Winter Wonderland for Crosby and N.H.L. https://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/02/sports/hockey/02hockey.html May 30, 2025 The New York Times January 2, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20221126030126/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/02/sports/hockey/02hockey.html November 26, 2022 Georges Laraque and Ty Conklin are the only two players who have played in both the Heritage Classic and Winter Classic games. They both played for the Oilers and Penguins, respectively, for each game.Laraque recounts the Heritage Classic http://sabres.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=346490 nhl.com National Hockey League May 30, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20080107061113/http://sabres.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=346490 January 7, 2008 December 13, 2007 While it was the record for a professional game, it fell short of the then all-time number of 74,554, which was set in "The Cold War" between the University of Michigan and Michigan State University on October 6, 2001. Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller and Penguins forward Adam Hall both played for Michigan State in that game.Mike Cammalleri, Ryan Miller Fondly Recall Their First Cold War Hockey Game https://nesn.com/2009/12/mike-cammalleri-ryan-miller-fondly-recall-their-first-cold-war-hockey-game/ NESN May 30, 2025 December 12, 2009Due to wind, Winter Classic will have different format than other games https://thehockeynews.com/news/news/due-to-wind-winter-classic-will-have-different-format-than-other-games The Hockey News May 30, 2025 December 31, 2007 Approximately 41,000 tickets to the game were made available to the general public, selling out within 30 minutes of their release on September 18, 2007.Winter Classic Tickets Soldout http://sabres.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=337638 nhl.com National Hockey League May 30, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20080101210916/http://sabres.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=337638 January 1, 2008 September 18, 2007 In the face of controversy about the quickness of ticket sales, an official spokesperson for the Sabres called it "a testament to how popular the Sabres are and how many people want to be part of the event." However, many Penguins fans were left out because they did not have the opportunity to purchase tickets after they became available to the city hosting the event, and they were frustrated by the lack of exclusivity for Penguins season-ticket holders.Rossi Rob Fans outraged over Winter Classic ticket shortage http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_528202.html May 30, 2025 Pittsburgh Tribune-Review September 19, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20071009122346/http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_528202.html October 9, 2007 Game show host Pat Sajak attended the Winter Classic and spoke positively of his experience.Bonanno Rocky Super fan Sajak heading to Boston for Classic nhl.com National Hockey League http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=511365 May 30, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20101117061726/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=511365 November 17, 2010 December 28, 2009 Television and radio coverage The game was televised in the United States on NBC and in Canada on CBC's Hockey Night in Canada and Le Réseau des sports. The game garnered a 2.2 rating and drew 3.75 million viewers.Lewis John Winter Classic Hits Lows in Ratings, Viewership https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2016/01/winter-classic-ratings-down-nhl-nbc-least-watched-canadiens-bruins/ May 30, 2025 January 3, 2016 Nearly 7,000 seats at Ralph Wilson Stadium were obstructed due to television cameras for NBC's broadcast. NBC announcers Mike Emrick and Eddie Olczyk stood on a constructed perch by the penalty boxes.Leahy Sarah Mike Emrick on calling the first Winter Classic, his favorite outdoor game venues (PHT Q&A) https://www.nbcsports.com/nhl/news/mike-emrick-on-calling-the-first-winter-classic-his-favorite-outdoor-venues-pht-qa NBC Sports May 31, 2025 December 29, 2017 Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson also announced the game from behind the penalty boxes, with Greg Millen between the benches.Houstan William Winter Classic on thin ice https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/winter-classic-on-thin-ice/article20407244/ May 31, 2025 The Globe and Mail December 26, 2007 Pregame Prior to the start of the event, fans began tailgating in the parking lot as is customary at football games.Wawrow John Fans revel in NHL-style pond hockey https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-columbian-fans-revel-in-nhl-style-po/173504942/ May 30, 2025 The Columbian January 2, 2008 newspapers.com Former Boston Bruins player Kraig Nienhuis attended the game and played guitar for fans in an unofficial capacity. There was also an official pregame band, and a bagpipe player led players out onto the ice. Doug Allen sang the Canadian national anthem ("O Canada") and Irish tenor Ronan Tynan performed "God Bless America" before the game. This is the only game in Winter Classic history where "The Star-Spangled Banner" was not sung. A military flyover was conducted by four UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters.Bedgood Jim NHL Outdoor Hockey Recognizes Service Members https://dmna.ny.gov/news/?id=1207862049 New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs May 30, 2025 January 1, 2008 Singer-songwriter Sam Roberts performed songs from his band's album Chemical City during the second intermission.Due to wind, Winter Classic will have different format than other games https://thehockeynews.com/news/news/due-to-wind-winter-classic-will-have-different-format-than-other-games The Hockey News May 31, 2025 December 31, 2007 Rule changes Due to the expected inclement weather, the NHL announced that several rule changes were in effect for this game to nullify advantages to either team due to the weather conditions. The teams switched ends halfway through the third period, and play was interrupted exactly at the 10:00 minute mark to allow the ice to be resurfaced.Molinari Dave Winter Classic set up unusual https://old.post-gazette.com/pg/07365/845624-61.stm May 31, 2025 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette December 31, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20220930052039/https://old.post-gazette.com/pg/07365/845624-61.stm September 30, 2022 In the shootout, each goaltender was permitted to choose which goal to defend, and they each chose the same goal, towards the west side of the stadium. There were multiple unexpected delays during the game to scrape snow and to repair holes in the ice. If the game had been stopped early, it would have only counted as "official" after two full periods. In that case, the team in the lead would be declared the winner and earn two points. If the score was tied when the game was stopped, both teams would get one point, and a shootout would take place right away. If weather conditions made an immediate shootout impossible, it would have been rescheduled for February 17. While both teams were aware of these format changes, the NHL didn’t share them publicly until shortly before the game.Starkey Joe Pens' Conklin conquers Sabres again http://pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_545458.html May 31, 2025 Pittsburgh Tribune-Review January 2, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080107185310/http://pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_545458.html January 7, 2008 Game summary The teams wore vintage jerseys for the event, with the Penguins wearing powder blue jerseys for the first time since 1973. The Sabres wore their old white jerseys, which they wore from 1978 to 1996.Sabres and Penguins to sport retro look outdoors http://sabres.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=342768 National Hockey League May 31, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20080107061108/http://sabres.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=342768 January 7, 2008 November 9, 2007 In addition to the retro jerseys, the goaltenders also wore speciality masks designed specifically for the Winter Classic. Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller added a retro Sabres logo to his maskBTB Blog: Miller sports new mask for Classic http://sabres.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=347678 National Hockey League May 31, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20071229131805/http://sabres.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=347678 December 29, 2007 December 26, 2007 while Ty Conklin's featured snowflakes and a Winter Classic logo.The 2008 NHL Winter Classic https://www.si.com/nhl/2010/12/30/30the-2008-nhl-winter-classic Sports Illustrated May 31, 2025 December 30, 2010 Miller also alternated between three toques, which would later be auctioned off for his charity, the " Steadfast Foundation." Penguins backup Dany Sabourin wore a set of vintage-styled pads but did not play.http://www.covers.com/articles/articles.aspx?theArt=158714&t=0 Pens G Conklin gets starting nod, making him 2-for-2 in NHL outdoor games Associated Press 2007-12-31 2008-01-02 https://web.archive.org/web/20080108123827/http://www.covers.com/articles/articles.aspx?theArt=158714&t=0 8 January 2008 live Weather for the game was appropriate to the winter setting it was intended to evoke, with game-time temperatures around the freezing mark and snow falling for much of the time, especially during the third period. The weather conditions made play somewhat more difficult for players but were well received by fans.Dietsch, Richard http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/richard_deitsch/01/01/winter.classic/ The great outdoors Sports Illustrated 2008-01-02 2008-01-02 https://web.archive.org/web/20080105135553/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/richard_deitsch/01/01/winter.classic/ 5 January 2008 dead The Penguins registered 25 shots on goal, and the Sabres had 37, dominating the second and overtime periods, leading those 14–2 and 7–0, respectively. Each goalie allowed one goal in playing time not including the shootout, giving Conklin 36 saves for the Penguins, and Miller 24 for the Sabres.https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/pit-vs-buf/2008/01/01/2007020584 Buffalo Sabres - Pittsburgh Penguins - Jan 1, 2008 NHL Enterprises, L. P. June 1, 2008 NHL.com June 9, 2025 Scoring summary Period Team Goal Assist(s) Time Score 1st PIT Colby Armstrong (6) Sidney Crosby (37) 00:21 1–0 PIT 2nd BUF Brian Campbell (4) Tim Connolly (23) and Daniel Paille (11) 01:25 1–1 3rd None OT None Shootout Team Shooter Goaltender Result SO Score BUF Ales Kotalik Ty Conklin goal 1–0 BUF PIT Erik Christensen Ryan Miller miss 1–0 BUF BUF Tim Connolly Ty Conklin save 1–0 BUF PIT Kris Letang Ryan Miller goal 1–1 BUF Maxim Afinogenov Ty Conklin save 1–1 PIT Sidney Crosby Ryan Miller goal 2–1 PIT Number in parentheses represents the player's total in goals or assists to that point of the season Penalty summary Period Team Player Penalty Time PIM 1st BUF Tim Connolly Hooking 04:22 2:00 BUF Maxim Afinogenov Hooking 07:16 2:00 BUF Thomas Vanek Holding 12:17 2:00 PIT Colby Armstrong Goaltender interference 13:02 2:00 2nd None 3rd PIT Colby Armstrong Hooking 20:00 2:00OT None Shots by period Team 1 2 3 OT Total Pittsburgh 11 2 12 0 25 Buffalo 9 14 7 7 37 1em Power play opportunities Team Goals/Opportunities Pittsburgh 0/3 Buffalo 0/2 Three star selectionsTeamPlayerStatistics 1st PIT Sidney Crosby Game Winning Shootout Goal, 1 Assist 2nd PIT Ty Conklin 36 Saves (.973) 3rd BUF Ryan Miller 24 Saves (.960) Team rosters Pittsburgh Penguins # Playerhttps://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20072008/TV020584.HTM Time On Ice Report Away Team National Hockey League nhl.com 2008-01-01 2008-01-03 June 4, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110604025759/http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20072008/TV020584.HTM live Position 4 USA Rob Scuderi D 5 CAN Darryl Sydor (A) D 11 CAN Jordan Staal C 12 USA Ryan Malone LW 16 CAN Erik Christensen C 17 CZE Petr Sykora RW 18 USA Adam Hall LW 19 USA Ryan Whitney D 20 CAN Colby Armstrong RW 27 CAN Georges Laraque RW 30 CAN Dany Sabourin2 G 35 USA Ty Conklin G 37 FIN Jarkko Ruutu LW 38 USA Jeff Taffe C 44 USA Brooks Orpik D 48 CAN Tyler Kennedy RW 55 RUS Sergei Gonchar (A) D 58 CAN Kris Letang D 71 RUS Evgeni Malkin LW 87 CAN Sidney Crosby (C) CHead coach: CAN Michel Therrien 1em Buffalo Sabres # Playerhttps://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20072008/TH020584.HTM Time On Ice Report Home Team National Hockey League nhl.com 2008-01-01 2008-01-03 Position 5 FIN Toni Lydman D 6 CZE Jaroslav Spacek (C) D 9 CAN Derek Roy C 10 SWE Henrik Tallinder D 12 CZE Ales Kotalik RW 19 USA Tim Connolly C 20 CAN Daniel Paille LW 22 CAN Adam Mair RW 26 AUT Thomas Vanek LW 28 USA Paul Gaustad C 29 USA Jason Pominville (A) RW 30 USA Ryan Miller G 35 CAN Jocelyn Thibault1 G 37 USA Michael Ryan C 38 CAN Nathan Paetsch D 45 RUS Dmitri Kalinin D 51 CAN Brian Campbell D 55 GER Jochen Hecht (A) LW 61 RUS Maxim Afinogenov RW 76 CAN Andrew Peters LWHead coach: CAN Lindy Ruff 1 Jocelyn Thibault dressed for the Buffalo Sabres as the back-up goalie and did not enter the game. 2 Dany Sabourin dressed for the Pittsburgh Penguins as the back-up goalie and did not enter the game. Scratches Pittsburgh Penguins: #10 Gary Roberts (injured) Buffalo Sabres: #4 Nolan Pratt (healthy), #21 Drew Stafford (concussion) Officials Referees — Marc Joannette, Don VanMassenhoven Linesmen — Brad Kovachik, Tim Nowak Future games Due to the success of the Winter Classic and its predecessor, outdoor games have been held during subsequent seasons, and the Winter Classic has become an annual NHL tradition. The next Winter Classic was held on January 1, 2009, at Wrigley Field in Chicago, matching the Detroit Red Wings against the Chicago Blackhawks.https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/02/sports/hockey/02wrigley.html Red Wings Dominate Blackhawks at Frigid Wrigley Field Borzi Pat The New York Times January 1, 2009 June 9, 2025 Winter Classics have been held in every year since, except for 2013, which was interrupted by the 2012–2013 NHL lockout.https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/nov/02/nhl-winter-classic-detroit-toronto NHL cancels 2013 Winter Classic between Detroit and Toronto Associated Press The Guardian November 2, 2012 June 9, 2025 The NHL Heritage Classic, which began in 2003,https://nationalpost.com/sports/enduring-memory-of-2003-heritage-classic-the-cold Enduring memory of 2003 Heritage Classic: The cold Postmedia News Fisher Red February 20, 2011 National Post June 26, 2025 have had six Heritage Classics since the Winter Classic. The league expanded its offerings of outdoor games with the introduction of the NHL Stadium Series in 2014.https://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/02/sports/hockey/nhl-stadium-series-announces-date-in-chicago.html N.H.L. Stadium Series Announces Date in Chicago Belson Ken Klein Jeff The New York Times May 1, 2013 June 26, 2025 Since the inaugural Winter Classic, the NHL has held 34 additional outdoor games, which includes the Winter Classic, the Stadium Series, and the Heritage Classic, as well as one-off events like the Centennial Classic, NHL 100 Classic and NHL Outdoors at Lake Tahoe games.https://www.nbc4i.com/sports/blue-jackets/notable-stadiums-to-host-outdoor-nhl-games-since-2008/ Notable stadiums to host outdoor NHL games since 2008 Benatar Orri Nexstar Media Inc. February 25, 2025 NBC4i.com June 26, 2025 See also 2007–08 Buffalo Sabres season 2007–08 Pittsburgh Penguins season List of outdoor ice hockey games List of ice hockey games with highest attendance References 2 External links NHL.com game summary Game boxscore 7L1bE8y4no8 Video highlights of the Winter Classic Hockey News time-lapse photography of rink construction 42.774 N 78.787 W type:landmark title collapsed Category:NHL Winter Classic Winter Classic NHL Winter Classic Category:Buffalo Sabres games Category:Pittsburgh Penguins games Category:Ice hockey competitions in New York (state)