I think its a bad idea. I said it before, and I am saying it again - primarily because people aren't thinking this through. Everyone is just going 'yeah, hockey outside, cool! I saw that game on New Years and it looked neat. And in New York? Wowsers!' Reread my post from January and then take these other factors into consideration as well:
*One of main pitch-points for the prior two outdoor games were how the game was 'going back to its roots' by playing outside. Well, not a whole lot of players from New York made it to the NHL and the two best, the Mullen brothers, got their start playing on wheels in Hells Kitchen. Unless they are going to put a game out on 42nd and 11th then it has no historical significance being in the city.
*For as much as I worship hockey and how the Rangers have one of the most dedicated, loyal fans in the game, the sport just isn't part of the fabric of the city. Sure everyone rallied around the Blueshirts when we broke the curse, but that was a human interest story at that point that transcended the sport. New York City is a baseball town, not a hockey town. Having the game here is nothing more than a desperate money grab for the NHL and Madison Ave.
*And taking that a step farther, the game would end up being a corporate event for those who want to see and be seen. Sure some diehards make it, but they are outnumbered. That didn't happen in Edmonton or Buffalo - real hockey fans came out to celebrate the game they loved and in some ridiculous conditions.
*Edmonton had Gretzky skating with Messier in the geezer game beforehand, frigid temperatures and Jose Theodore wearing a toque. Buffalo had Cindy Crosby, tailgating and lake effect snow. What could they possibly come up with to match either of those? They are saying the possible Ranger opponents will be Boston, Detroit or the Islanders ... not exactly teams with star power. Original Six is a concept that is only endearing to hockey fans - it doesn't translate outside of the sport, especially since they really weren't the original NHL teams. There were four teams when the league was founded in 1917 - the Montreal Canadiens, Montreal Wanderers, Ottawa Senators and the Toronto Arenas. The Rangers didn't come around until 1926 (and promptly won a few cups). After you get past the team name, how do you market guys like Zdeno Chara or Pavel Datsyuk to the United States? It was easy to hitch a ride aboard the Cindy Crosby phenomenon and without a premier name like that, it will be nearly impossible.
*I have to agree with Yankee writer Peter Abraham, who said that the last thing to happen in Yankee Stadium should be a Yankee game. What would you hockey or basketball fans think if they decided to close the Garden with sumo wrestling or rodeo?
The Winter Classic was just that, classic. To try to capture that kind of lightning in a bottle yet again will be a near-impossible task, and in New York to boot?
Fugghet about it.
Just Stop It Already: The Consequences of Overusing Goaltenders in the NHL
In the fast-paced world of the National Hockey League (NHL), goaltenders are often the backbone of a team's success. These masked heroes are responsible for stopping pucks, making incredible saves, and giving their teams a chance to win night after night. However, there's a growing concern in the league – the overuse of goaltenders. In this article, we'll delve into the consequences of overusing goaltenders in the NHL and why it's time for teams to stop this practice.
FAQ 1: What Is Goaltender Overuse?
Goaltender overuse refers to the practice of relying too heavily on a single goaltender to carry the workload throughout the regular season and, in some cases, into the playoffs. This typically involves a goalie playing a significant number of consecutive games without adequate rest.
FAQ 2: Why Do NHL Teams Overuse Goaltenders?
Several factors contribute to the overuse of goaltenders in the NHL:
Lack of Reliable Backup: Some teams have a lack of confidence in their backup goaltender's ability to perform at a high level, leading them to rely heavily on their starter.
Playoff Race Pressure: Teams in tight playoff races may be tempted to play their starting goaltender more frequently in an effort to secure a postseason spot.
Goaltender Ego: Starting goaltenders often have strong egos and may resist sharing playing time, fearing it will impact their status as the team's top netminder.
Coaching Philosophy: Some coaches have a tendency to ride their starting goaltender, believing it gives the team the best chance to win.
FAQ 3: What Are the Consequences of Overusing Goaltenders?
The consequences of overusing goaltenders can be severe and have long-term implications for both the team and the player:
Fatigue and Injury: Goaltenders are at a higher risk of fatigue and injury when playing too many games in a short period. Overuse can lead to muscle strains, joint injuries, and mental exhaustion.
Declining Performance: Over time, an overused goaltender's performance may decline, leading to subpar play and a decrease in the team's chances of winning.
Shortened Careers: Goaltenders who are overused early in their careers may have shorter playing careers due to the wear and tear on their bodies.
Team Dependence: Teams that rely heavily on their starting goaltender may struggle to develop a reliable backup, making them vulnerable if the starter is injured or fatigued.
Playoff Burnout: Overused goaltenders may struggle in the playoffs, where the intensity and workload increase. Fatigue can lead to early playoff exits.
: Time for Change
In today's NHL, with its demanding schedule and high-stakes games, the practice of overusing goaltenders is becoming increasingly detrimental. Teams must recognize the importance of managing their goaltenders' workload and providing adequate rest. This means developing reliable backup goaltenders, adopting a more balanced approach to playing time, and prioritizing the long-term health and performance of their netminders.
Goaltenders are the foundation of any successful NHL team, and their well-being should be a top priority. It's time for teams to break the cycle of overuse and embrace a more sustainable approach to goaltending. Only then can they hope to achieve consistent success and avoid the negative consequences of pushing their goaltenders to the brink.
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