The Winter Classic

The Wings started the new year off right by beating the Blackhawks 6-4 today. As per usual--now I'm being sarcastic--the Wings allowed the opposing team to feel good about themselves and let them take the lead. After the first period, the score was Chicago 3, Detroit 1. The Wings decided to pick up their play and scored five unanswered goals. Chicago was allowed to score another goal with ten seconds left to the game. It was quite entertaining. I was pleasantly surprised that the Wings won as they haven't won ANY game that was nationally broadcast yet this season. Here's hoping that they have finally gotten out of their poor play and have turned the corner. They just proved--again--that they CAN beat any team and that (as some of the announcers said) the Stanley Cup is only won by going through the Red Wings first.

The day was just perfect in Chicago for an outdoor game. The temp was around 32, there was no snow, and it was overcast. Everything was planned and executed well, also. The team benches were heated and the players didn't suffer from the cold much more than they do indoors. It was a hoot seeing some of the players wearing eye black--something that is definitely NOT a regular part of a hockey player's ritual. While most players look at this game as a once-in-a-lifetime event, goalie Ty Conklin played in his THIRD outdoor game--all of the ones that have been held. The chances are no other player will be able to beat his record.

And now for some pictures--I couldn't pick just one, so...

I have to post this picture of Z cause he's just so damn cute--AND he is wearing a replica of one of the two Winter Classic hats I got for myself. :)


--CHICAGO - JANUARY 01: Henrik Zetterberg #40 of the Detroit Red Wings skates during pregame against the Chicago Blackhawks during the NHL Winter Classic at Wrigley Field on January 1, 2009 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)--

This was exciting to see--the team, led by Conklin, coming onto the field/ice.


--CHICAGO - JANUARY 01: Goalie Ty Conklin #29 of the Detroit Red Wings leads his team out to the ice against the Chicago Blackhawks during the NHL Winter Classic at Wrigley Field on January 1, 2009 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)--

And, finally, the team celebrating the win.


--CHICAGO - JANUARY 01: The Detroit Red Wings celebrate their 6-4 win against the Chicago Blackhawks during the NHL Winter Classic at Wrigley Field on January 1, 2009 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)--