Hey Pittsburgh...Winter Classic

[Enigma869]

I'm sorry, but I thought you lived in one of the carolinas and cut down the south every chance you got? Was that another poster? If so, I apologize. I thought it was you. And YOU claimed that you've met more native Floridians outside of Florida than you have in our state.

It was indeed I who lived in North Carolina. That said, I never claimed that all "southerners" were stupid. I simply relayed my real-life experiences of living in the south for 13 months of my life!

I was just trying to figure out where you get your facts about our state to make such harsh statements.

Listen...as I said several posts back, my entire post here was really in jest. I'm sarcastic by nature and always have been. Also, in spite of some assertions to the contrary, I've been watching NHL hockey since the 1970's and honestly have never once heard the Canadian National Anthem performed anywhere outside of Buffalo when a Canadian team wasn't playing. I really didn't even have a problem with it. I was simply taking a gratuitous shot at Pittsburgh for forgetting where they were! As far as my "harsh" comments about Florida's sports fans...it's based on a lifetime of observation. While you may construe them as "harsh", I simply view it as the truth. I think most rabid sports fans across this country probably view most of the south and California as the worse sports fans in the country. Hell, the Atlanta Braves couldn't even sell out playoff games back during their great run of winning pennants. That would NEVER EVER happen in a place like Chicago, NY, Philadelphia, or Boston!

[SuiteMadameBlue]

I tuned into see styx. Damn nbc

Too bad they only performed 2 songs, they looked pretty good, eh?

[Triple S]

I tuned into see styx. Damn nbc

Too bad they only performed 2 songs, they looked pretty good, eh?

Are you Canadian? - 'cause according to JFB, we all talk like that

[Behshad]

I tuned into see styx. Damn nbc

Too bad they only performed 2 songs, they looked pretty good, eh?

Are you Canadian? - 'cause according to JFB, we all talk like that

[StevePerryHair]

I'm sorry, but I thought you lived in one of the carolinas and cut down the south every chance you got? Was that another poster? If so, I apologize. I thought it was you. And YOU claimed that you've met more native Floridians outside of Florida than you have in our state.

It was indeed I who lived in North Carolina. That said, I never claimed that all "southerners" were stupid. I simply relayed my real-life experiences of living in the south for 13 months of my life!

I was just trying to figure out where you get your facts about our state to make such harsh statements.

Listen...as I said several posts back, my entire post here was really in jest. I'm sarcastic by nature and always have been. Also, in spite of some assertions to the contrary, I've been watching NHL hockey since the 1970's and honestly have never once seen the Canadian National Anthem performed anywhere outside of Buffalo when a Canadian team wasn't playing. As far as my "harsh" comments about Florida's sports fans...it's based on a lifetime of observation. While you may construe them as "harsh", I simply view it as the truth. I think most rabid sports fans across this country probably view most of the south and California as the worse sports fans in the country. Hell, the Atlanta Braves couldn't even sell out playoff games back during their great run of winning pennants. That would NEVER EVER happen in a place like Chicago, NY, Philadelphia, or Boston!

Yes, sarcasm and the North go hand in hand and trust me I get sarcasm. I'm pretty sarcastic myself. Ask anyone who knows me As far as Florida and support, all i know is we have obnoxious Gators fans all around, same with the Bucs, and I dont even live in Tampa. Many "transplants" actually do switch to cheering for the local teams. I just can't though. I think they do love sports here. From what I've experienced.

I just thought it was a cool tribute to the Canadians for a special New Years nationally broadcast game, and didn't think it needed criticizing. I actually think it makes sense. Now I'm going to enjoy the last period of the game. It's raining now. Guess that's why they play indoor arenas.

[Enigma869]

As far as Florida and support, all i know is we have obnoxious Gators fans

Precisely why I said "professional sports". I think the south is FAR superior to any other part of the country when it comes to college football. They live for the game. As far as the Bucs go, it wasn't that long ago when they were winning 1 or 2 games a season and had zero support. That's a very recent development and will disappear as soon as the winning fades away if Freeman doesn't turn out to be a viable NFL QB.

[YoungJRNY]

I tuned into see styx. Damn nbc

Too bad they only performed 2 songs, they looked pretty good, eh?

They had to of played Renegade. Styx- Renegade is the Steelers pump-up song (since '02) when there is a big play that needs to be made by the defense. The crowd gets so rowdy the place lifts off its roots & I think they played it during a Pens game in the playoffs during their cup run.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxx7-sUF ... re=related

[SuiteMadameBlue]

I tuned into see styx. Damn nbc

Too bad they only performed 2 songs, they looked pretty good, eh?

Are you Canadian? - 'cause according to JFB, we all talk like that

Not Canadian, but JFB is right, we all talk like that eh. LOL

I'm enjoying this conversation as I'm watching the game, TOO FUNNY!!!

[SuiteMadameBlue]

I tuned into see styx. Damn nbc

Too bad they only performed 2 songs, they looked pretty good, eh?

They had to of played Renegade. Styx- Renegade is the Steelers pump-up song (since '02) when there is a big play that needs to be made by the defense. The crowd gets so rowdy the place lifts off its roots & I think they played it during a Pens game in the playoffs during their cup run.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxx7-sUF ... re=related

You are correct, Renegade and also Grand Illusion. They played between the 2nd & 3rd "intermission".

[StevePerryHair]

HEY JFB.....what was BOSTON'S excuse when the Bruins played the classic???? Did they secede too? Check out about 3/4 of the way through..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtOgI464 ... ata_player

[YoungJRNY]

HEY JFB.....what was BOSTON'S excuse when the Bruins played the classic???? Did they secede too? Check out about 3/4 of the way through..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtOgI464 ... ata_player

JFB= pOWNED!!!!

[Triple S]

HEY JFB.....what was BOSTON'S excuse when the Bruins played the classic???? Did they secede too? Check out about 3/4 of the way through..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtOgI464 ... ata_player

Love it! (and love those Dropkick Murphys too)

[Everett]

I tuned into see styx. Damn nbc

Too bad they only performed 2 songs, they looked pretty good, eh?

They had to of played Renegade. Styx- Renegade is the Steelers pump-up song (since '02) when there is a big play that needs to be made by the defense. The crowd gets so rowdy the place lifts off its roots & I think they played it during a Pens game in the playoffs during their cup run.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxx7-sUF ... re=related

You are correct, Renegade and also Grand Illusion. They played between the 2nd & 3rd "intermission".

How much of each song was shown??? I watched most of the game never saw anything.

[Rockindeano]

Tradition? You do know that this game has only been played twice, right? I LOVE "The Winter Classic" and think there is nothing better than outdoor hockey, but let's not make it sound like this game has a 50 year history of "tradition" behind it when it's all of 20 minutes old!

John, I love you, but you are dead wrong here.

A) this is the 4th WC. Buffalo, Boston, Chicago and now Pittsburgh.

B) The Canadian Anthem has been played at EVERY single WC game. The purpose of the WC is to grow the sport. They are paying allegiance to the history and tradition of hockey by including O Canada. I love it. It's great to go to a hockey game where all the fans know all the words to BOTH anthems. You can't say that about that thug league known as the NBA.

I predict next years game will be at Yankee Stadium, that is if they don't have that ridiculous Pinstripe Bowl played there again. I can see St Louis being the next team to participate against say, the Rangers, or we could have the Islanders play the blue shirts.

Also, I would love to see a Canadian team play in the WC, but my guess is the NHL wants to showcase American teams.

Also part 2- The Heritage Classic, which was the first of these stadium games, was played up in Edmonton about 8 years ago, in minus 22 degree weather. The Oilers and Canadiens played and they played BOTH anthems for that game too.

Come on already, the NHL shined bright today. They got it right.

[RedWingFan]

I predict next years game will be at Yankee Stadium, that is if they don't have that ridiculous Pinstripe Bowl played there again. I can see St Louis being the next team to participate against say, the Rangers, or we could have the Islanders play the blue shirts.

If Bettman were smart he'd have the Maple Leafs play the Red Wings in the Big House in front of 110,000+ fans. But he's not, so you're probably right.

[Triple S]

Also part 2- The Heritage Classic, which was the first of these stadium games, was played up in Edmonton about 8 years ago, in minus 22 degree weather. The Oilers and Canadiens played and they played BOTH anthems for that game too.

Come on already, the NHL shined bright today. They got it right.

. . . and the 2011 Heritage Classic will be in Calgary at McMahon Stadium - Flames vs the Habs, I believe?

[Rockindeano]

I predict next years game will be at Yankee Stadium, that is if they don't have that ridiculous Pinstripe Bowl played there again. I can see St Louis being the next team to participate against say, the Rangers, or we could have the Islanders play the blue shirts.

If Bettman were smart he'd have the Maple Leafs play the Red Wings in the Big House in front of 110,000+ fans. But he's not, so you're probably right.

Never considered Michigan a home NHL game because they have the Silverdome, but your idea is great. I wouldn't put the Leafs in there though...You're going to sell out anyway, so go get a large market US team, preferably with star power. I could see the Rangers or Kings doing this, but Detroit just played in last years WC. I would think it's NYC's or St. Louis' turn to host.

[annie89509]

Why is everybody picking on JfromB??? I kind of understand his point about Florida not being a hotbed for professional (league team)sports...college football, yes... Like him, I've been a sports fan since I was a kid...and I'm old!!..(55). I remember the days when FL had nothing - nada - no teams in MLB, NFL, NBA, or NHL. Then, suddenly, all this growth in expansion teams...diluting the interest and talent. Frankly, I kind of miss the good 'ole days. Too many teams...too many players to keep track of...

[StevePerryHair]

Why is everybody picking on JfromB??? I kind of understand his point about Florida not being a hotbed for professional (league team)sports...college football, yes... Like him, I've been a sports fan since I was a kid...and I'm old!!..(55). I remember the days when FL had nothing - nada - no teams in MLB, NFL, NBA, or NHL. Then, suddenly, all this growth in expansion teams...diluting the interest and talent. Frankly, I kind of miss the good 'ole days. Too many teams...too many players to keep track of...

Oh, so now Florida should have stayed excluded from professional sports? This is just too much. Many Florida teams aren't THAT new. The Dolphins and the Bucs were established in the 60's and 70's. Florida's teams ARE contenders and have been over the years some seasons. It's not like they are wasted bottom of the roster teams. So there should only be what, 5 cities that are "worthy" of sports in this country, with that mentality? That makes no sense. It's ok to like JFB. I never said I don't. He makes me laugh at times. But this is just ridiculous.

[Maui Tom]

Why is everybody picking on JfromB??? I kind of understand his point about Florida not being a hotbed for professional (league team)sports...college football, yes... Like him, I've been a sports fan since I was a kid...and I'm old!!..(55). I remember the days when FL had nothing - nada - no teams in MLB, NFL, NBA, or NHL. Then, suddenly, all this growth in expansion teams...diluting the interest and talent. Frankly, I kind of miss the good 'ole days. Too many teams...too many players to keep track of...

Oh, so now Florida should have stayed excluded from professional sports? This is just too much. Many Florida teams aren't THAT new. The Dolphins and the Bucs were established in the 60's and 70's. Florida's teams ARE contenders and have been over the years some seasons. It's not like they are wasted bottom of the roster teams. So there should only be what, 5 cities that are "worthy" of sports in this country, with that mentality? That makes no sense. It's ok to like JFB. I never said I don't. He makes me laugh at times. But this is just ridiculous.

"SPH is right"

Signed,

The 7 Marlin fans....

just giving you grief kiddo.....

[annie89509]

Why is everybody picking on JfromB??? I kind of understand his point about Florida not being a hotbed for professional (league team)sports...college football, yes... Like him, I've been a sports fan since I was a kid...and I'm old!!..(55). I remember the days when FL had nothing - nada - no teams in MLB, NFL, NBA, or NHL. Then, suddenly, all this growth in expansion teams...diluting the interest and talent. Frankly, I kind of miss the good 'ole days. Too many teams...too many players to keep track of...

Oh, so now Florida should have stayed excluded from professional sports? This is just too much. Many Florida teams aren't THAT new. The Dolphins and the Bucs were established in the 60's and 70's. Florida's teams ARE contenders and have been over the years some seasons. It's not like they are wasted bottom of the roster teams. So there should only be what, 5 cities that are "worthy" of sports in this country, with that mentality? That makes no sense. It's ok to like JFB. I never said I don't. He makes me laugh at times. But this is just ridiculous.

Like I said, SPH, I'm old . The Dolphins became a football team in the 60's??? Are you sure?

[Enigma869]

John, I love you, but you are dead wrong here.

A) this is the 4th WC. Buffalo, Boston, Chicago and now Pittsburgh.

B) The Canadian Anthem has been played at EVERY single WC game. The purpose of the WC is to grow the sport. They are paying allegiance to the history and tradition of hockey by including O Canada. I love it. It's great to go to a hockey game where all the fans know all the words to BOTH anthems. You can't say that about that thug league known as the NBA.

I predict next years game will be at Yankee Stadium, that is if they don't have that ridiculous Pinstripe Bowl played there again. I can see St Louis being the next team to participate against say, the Rangers, or we could have the Islanders play the blue shirts.

Also, I would love to see a Canadian team play in the WC, but my guess is the NHL wants to showcase American teams.

Also part 2- The Heritage Classic, which was the first of these stadium games, was played up in Edmonton about 8 years ago, in minus 22 degree weather. The Oilers and Canadiens played and they played BOTH anthems for that game too.

Come on already, the NHL shined bright today. They got it right.

Dean...

You know me better than that. As I've said throughout this post, my comments were said in jest and highly motivated by sarcasm, and taking a shot at Pittsburgh before the NFL playoffs kickoff. The board was dead and someone had to contribute, so I stepped up I'm well aware of the history of the NHL and the fact that it is indeed Canada's game. I don't even disagree with my Florida "friend" that it's a "special" game, (as she called it) and that's why it is being done. I really do "get it". My only real point was that if you're a regular follower of the NHL, playing both national anthems never happens (outside of Buffalo) without a Canadian team being "on the menu". As I said earlier in this post...I LOVE "The Winter Classic"! It's one of the only things that Bettman has done right throughout his tenure of being NHL Commish (remember to moronic "tail" on the puck during Fox broadcasts? ). The only thing I enjoy more than outdoor hockey is a football game in a blinding blizzard. Thanks to those enormous pussies in Philadelphia actually canceling a football game, I didn't get to enjoy that last week. I actually wish the NHL would showcase their game FAR more than once a season and play more of these games outside. If they get some of the Canadian teams involved, they could play on outside frozen ice in July

[Enigma869]

The Dolphins became a football team in the 60's??? Are you sure?

The Dolphins became part of the NFL in 1970 and were part of the AFL for 4 seasons before that. They have been in existence since 1966. They actually have somewhat of a history. Remember, Dan Marino played there, and the 72 team went undefeated. My opinion of Florida professional sports really isn't a "shot", even though SPH took it that way. Obviously, there are pockets of support in EVERY region in the country. That said, as I said before, nobody is going to mistaken ANY part of Florida with NY, Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia or Boston when it comes to die-hard sports fans. The only reason they even have professional sports teams is because the leagues understand that Florida has soooooooooo many people who live there who are from other parts of the country. I promise you that if Florida was a state full of natives, you'd NEVER see NHL hockey there, because all those old fuck, blue-hairs would probably think it was a shuffle-board competition Florida can pound their collective chest, and talk about their undying love for college football and watching redneck jackoffs drive racing cars in a circle for a 200 mile left turn, but it begins and ends there!

[Babyblue]

It's cause NHL has teams from Canada also.

That's a brilliant explanation. Listen, I grew up in an original 6 NHL city so have watched a fuckload of NHL hockey in my life and the ONLY American city that I have EVER heard the Canadian National Anthem performed is Buffalo (which might as well be in Canada). I have never one single time hear the Canadian National Anthem performed at a Bruins game without a Canadian opponent in attendance.

This is not a season game. It is a SPECIAL game, the "Winter Classic" with hockey history behind it. Nostalgia for outdoor play in a sport that was Canadas sport. It's not the norm. I can't believe the protest over Canada. They are our friends

[Babyblue]

I tuned into see styx. Damn nbc

Too bad they only performed 2 songs, they looked pretty good, eh?

They were damn good

[Babyblue]

What's the total percentages of actual Americans playing in the NHL? I don't think it's much. It's a Canadian game through and through, it's respect to the players playing the game on ice and understanding, nationally, the heritage of the game.

Ding ding ding ding.

Add one more ding from me!

Add me as well.But it was a good game anyway.

[StevePerryHair]

Dean...

You know me better than that. As I've said throughout this post, my comments were said in jest and highly motivated by sarcasm, and taking a shot at Pittsburgh before the NFL playoffs kickoff. The board was dead and someone had to contribute, so I stepped up I'm well aware of the history of the NHL and the fact that it is indeed Canada's game. I don't even disagree with my Florida "friend" that it's a "special" game, (as she called it) and that's why it is being done. I really do "get it". My only real point was that if you're a regular follower of the NHL, playing both national anthems never happens (outside of Buffalo) without a Canadian team being "on the menu". As I said earlier in this post...I LOVE "The Winter Classic"! It's one of the only things that Bettman has done right throughout his tenure of being NHL Commish (remember to moronic "tail" on the puck during Fox broadcasts? ). The only thing I enjoy more than outdoor hockey is a football game in a blinding blizzard. Thanks to those enormous pussies in Philadelphia actually canceling a football game, I didn't get to enjoy that last week. I actually wish the NHL would showcase their game FAR more than once a season and play more of these games outside. If they get some of the Canadian teams involved, they could play on outside frozen ice in July

Actually, you took a pot shot at Pittsburgh... which is the only reason I even chimed in And since O Canada has been played at every winter classic so far, INCLUDING Boston last year, I think that you original post is kind of MORE funny now. So thanks for the laugh

[StevePerryHair]

What's the total percentages of actual Americans playing in the NHL? I don't think it's much. It's a Canadian game through and through, it's respect to the players playing the game on ice and understanding, nationally, the heritage of the game.

Ding ding ding ding.

Add one more ding from me!

Add me as well.But it was a good game anyway.

Yes it was! Only it would have been better had the Penguins won

[Behshad]

Johnny boy came here all huffy & puffy , now he's trying to say he was just kidding around.

Let this be a lesson to you , JFB. Your method of twisting people's word around and try to chop up posts in pieces with quotes and adding your own nonsense MAY work in football topics , but you gotta get up pretty early to have a chance against hockey fans , specially with " Bullynn " as your catfight opponent

[Enigma869]

Johnny boy came here all huffy & puffy , now he's trying to say he was just kidding around.

Let this be a lesson to you , JFB. Your method of twisting people's word around and try to chop up posts in pieces with quotes and adding your own nonsense MAY work in football topics , but you gotta get up pretty early to have a chance against hockey fans , specially with " Bullynn " as your catfight opponent

Just in case I wasn't clear in my earlier post...go fuck yourself, Douche!