2nd Annual Winter Classic: Red Wings-Blackhawks

January 1, 2009   ·   Derek Felix   ·   Jump to comments

4:15 ET: NBC’s coverage had to go due to obligations to Seal’s Figure Skating Special. :-\ I wish they could’ve stayed with it a little longer but it’s network TV. So, I understand. I see another classic Honeymooners is on where they go iceskating. How ironic. It’s so funny watching Ralph on skates stumble all over the place and even get Alice a drink while falling. That’d be me too.  His outfit is priceless too cause he wanted to relive his childhood.

Oh well. It was a fun game. Maybe not as thrilling as last year’s with Cindy the Whiner winning it. But still, hockey at Wrigley in that atmosphere. Wow! They gotta have one at Fenway Park. How about another Original Six match-up between the Rangers and Bruins? Or would it be the Habs or Leafs instead since those are bigger rivals? Just a thought. I really like this game and feel it’s great for promoting the sport.

I’ll try to get some videos up when they become available. Happy New Year!

4:08 ET: As Darren “Scott Hamilton Clone” Pang interviews Conklin who seems to get every start now over Chris Osgood, here are my three stars:

3rd Star-Jiri Hudler, Det (2 goals, assist, 3 SOG, plus-three in 14:36)

2nd Star-Kris Versteeg, Chi (goal, assist, 2 SOG in 17:01)

1st Star-Brian Rafalski, Det (GWG, two assists, 5 SOG, plus-two in 24:21)

4:05 ET: As the final 60 seconds winds down with a penalty to Valtteri Filppula is handed out by veteran linesmen Bill McCreary, what can be concluded is that the defending champs are still the team to beat. They humiliated the Sharks in a recent meeting and are going to make it four straight over their closest rival as Duncan Keith pots one with under 10 seconds left to make the score closer. Great one-timer. Man. He really is something. He probably won’t be up for the Norris but in my mind, he should be considered. What a player!

And that’s it! The Red Wings defeat the Blackhawks at a soldout icy and windy Wrigley 6-4. Love the handshake. That’s nice and shows what this sport should always be about. Sportsmanship like we see at the end of a hard fought playoff series. It takes four of them (16 altogether) to win Lord Stanley.

Final Score: Detroit Red Wings 6  Chicago Blackhawks 4

4:02 ET: Hudler nearly completes the hat trick on a nifty redirect attempt but the Bulin Wall closes the door.

1:41 remaining, Red Wings 6 Blackhawks 3

3:57 ET: Before the break, McGuire was wondering what would happen with Havlat who can be a UFA this summer. If I were him, I’d remain a Hawk. But why do I get the feeling he’s gone? Would the Rangers go after the Czech? I am skeptical cause he’s usually good for an injury or two. This year, he happens to be healthy. He’s heating up with three points (1-2-3) today and six in the last four. Including today, the 27 year-old former Ottawa No.1 is up to 29 points (10-19-29) in 34 contests missing only one.

3:54 ET: They did do the Hockey version of the 7th Inning Stretch at Wrigley led by Bobby Hull cheering on his Hawks. It was even cooler than the promo leading up to this big event. The teams changed ends. There haven’t been any scoring chances.

It’s the Wings still in command with almost four minutes left up three.

3:48 ET: Now play finally stops with 7:23 left. Wings in command 6-3.

Vezina candidates: Tim Thomas (Bos), Niklas Backstrom (Min), Scott Clemmensen (NJ) =-O, Khabibulin. Roberto Luongo would be at the top if he ever returns healthy. Why shouldn’t Mason be included? He’s tied for the league lead in blankings and leads in GAA. Figure Evgeni Nabokov to join the list soon. I don’t feel the Ranger D is good enough for Henrik Lundqvist to get in it. He’s going to have to stand on his head.

3:46 ET: The teams change were supposed to change ends at the halfway point of the third but play has been continuous and now there’s eight and a half left. I wondered if they would just blow the play dead but I guess that wouldn’t be fair to an attacking team.

3:43 ET: Classic JPG. He signs off after dissing our beloved sport. I will continue to recruit him to cheer his Chicago hockey team cause unlike the Cubbies, they got a shot to win a Cup. Maybe not this year but in the near future.

Devil blogger Hasan checks in and asks who’s ROY? It’s gotta be Columbus’ Steve Mason over Versteeg at this point. The man is unreal posting shutouts in three straight. Heck. He could even pull a Tom Barrasso and sweep the Calder and Vezina. Wouldn’t that be something? He’d have to get the Jackets into their first postseason to have any shot. The Jackets’ 38 points have them in a ninth place tie with the Wild a point behind Colorado. It would be a great story.

Here are the numbers:

20 starts, 12-7-1 1.69 GAA, .938 Save Pct., 5 SHO

3:36 ET: Joel Queeneville lifts Huet for Khabibulin. That last one wasn’t his fault as the Wings had them pinned in. However, it’s apparent that a couple he could’ve had including that backbreaker to Rafalski. Not a minute online and anti-hockey buddy John “JPG” Giagnorio says, “It’s horrible.”

I did promise him a show. So, at the very least he’s watching and I will follow through on that later.

3:34 ET: It seems Lebda scored beating Huet with a wrist shot which went off the bar and just in. They’re reviewing it. The last thing this game needs is controversy. Gotta get the call right. The replay showed it go off the netting and then out. And they got it right thankfully. Five straight for Detroit after a bad first.

Red Wings 6 Blackhawks 3

3:30 ET: Wisniewski gets nabbed for holding Draper and replays confirm it. I can deal if they get it right. It’s the tacky ones which drive diehards nuts.

Big moment here. Datsyuk denied by Huet. A deflection try misses wide. Now Rafalski who jumps in scores. What a great play by the ex-Dev. He was like a forward on it all the way up and Keith denied him a pass and then he just followed up the play and beat Huet with a backhand. Bad goal. Rafalski btw has points on the last three Detroit goals.

Red Wings 5 Blackhawks 3

3:28 ET: The aerial view from way up was unreal. So cool. They’re over a minute in with the Wings still up a goal.

3:25 ET: The teams are back out for the third. So, it should be something else. Hope the Blackhawks come out strong. They need to make a statement here. Detroit’s won the first three this season including two shootouts coming back in each and then that 4-0 drubbing a couple of days earlier. Let’s see if Kane and Toews can lead the home club back at Wrigley!

3:23 ET: I sure hope the Rangers partake in the third Winter Classic next year. That would be great. A Rangers-Devils game at Giants Stadium would be epic. Or Islanders-Rangers at Yankee Stadium. I can dream.

3:17 ET: Another classic Honeymooners episode is on where Ralph pretends to be a big shot being chummy with his boss and gets a promotion but needs to play golf with him a lot sooner than expected. Norton’s trying to teach him. Omg. Hahahaha

3:14 ET: Here’s the scoring summary:

1st Period- Chi Versteeg PP (Havlat, Seabrook) 3:24

Det Samuelsson PP (Zetterberg, Hossa) 9:50

Chi Havlat PP (Versteeg, Campbell) 12:37

Chi Eager 7 (Havlat) 19:18

2nd Period- Det Hudler 14 (Hossa, Zetterberg) 1:14

Det Hudler 15 (Cleary, Rafalski) 12:43

Det Datsyuk 16 (Franzen, Rafalski) 17:17

SOG: Det-26, Chi-27

PP: Det- 1-of-4, Chi- 2-of-5

3:07 ET: Strader notes as the buzzer sounds that there will be an Open Skate to the public tomorrow at Wrigley at 10 dollars a pop with all proceeds going to charity. Nothing better! They interview Wing vet Kris Draper, who seems to have been there forever since being acquired for one measly buck from Winnipeg Strader references. Yikes.

End of 2, Wings 4 Hawks 3

3:05 ET: After Patrick Sharp misses a couple of chances, Detroit nearly strikes again. They really have dominated this period. The Hawks really need intermission with under 40 seconds to go. They can then regroup down one hopefully.

3:03 ET: Oh man! And just as I finish discussing one of the Wings’ dynamic duo, Datsyuk who’s special on breakaways goes forehand backhand deking Huet out of his pads. Well, not literally. Three straight for the Wings as they’ve really stepped up here like champions can.

Red Wings 4 Blackhawks 3

3:01 ET: An NBC NFL playoff promo pops up. Two good games with Atlanta visiting Arizona and Indianapolis facing San Diego. The road teams have a chance to sweep. Though for some reason, I like the Chargers over Peyton Manning and the Colts. A thought on Datsyuk and Zetterberg. We saw how special these guys are last year. When are they going to get their due as two of the game’s best? Does anyone really think Crosby’s a better overall player than either? I’m not sold.

2:58 ET: A Detroit shot is deflected out of play. Good thing cause it was from a primary area.

5:13 remaining 2nd, all tied 3-3!

2:56 ET: Now Chicago gets a couple of chances with a nice outlet for Kane, whose tester from 13 feet out Conklin gets a glove on pushing it over the top. He’s been sharp but again hasn’t had to be brilliant this stanza despite at least eight Hawks’ shots.

2:54 ET: Off a faceoff win, Hudler gets to a rebound and on the third try, puts home his second. Just a smart play getting the quick shot and he got to the rebound and finished. Tie game!

Wings 3  Hawks 3

2:53 ET: A Hossa feed just misses. Wings so far stifled. Discussion ensues about the clubs switching ends at the 10 minute mark in the third. They were gonna in each period but the sun’s not an issue. Huet now covers up a puck with scarce time left on the Wings’ PP.

2:49 ET: The Wings are starting to control things with their puck possession. The Hawks haven’t had a decent chance in a while. Now, a quick rush sees a Detroit player taken down as he bumps into Huet and crashes into the net. Chicago penalty. Wings get a shot to draw even after commercial.

2:47 ET: Huet denies an open Lebda from 10 feet out with a quick padstop. Good rebound control. Something Strader alluded to before.

2:46 ET: Underrated save by Huet on one of those tricky Brian Rafalski shots through traffic. He has one of the most deflectable shots in the league. What exactly is that you say? He just shoots it so there’s enough time for a teammate to get a stick on it and change direction. It used to drive me nuts when he was on the Devils.

2:45 ET: SOG: Det-15, Chi-20

It’s rare that the Wings get outshot.

2:41 ET: Four-on-four pond hockey. So far, the Wings are attacking but not much in the way of chances. Kronwall with a strong takeout. Nothing doing.

13:24 left, 2nd  Wings 2 Hawks 3

2:38 ET: A penalty coming up. Seabrook takes down a Wing but somehow Hossa’s in the box. What a joke! As for what I got, some Raisin Bran. The Hawks are already 2-for-4 on the man-advantage. And well, so much for their fifth PP as Toews is sent off for a makeup.

2:37 ET: Again, the Hawks transition is amazing with Wisniewski making a nice pass to get them on the attack forcing Conklin to make a save. This team is a playoff team. They also should be a tough out which would be great for hockey!

2:34 ET: It didn’t take long for the Wings to get back in it with Hudler cashing in on a weird bounce for his 14th 74 seconds into the second.

Wings 2 Hawks 3

2:27 ET: I’m kinda hungry. I wonder what we got here to munch on aside from Granola.

2:20 ET: With it being intermission, I flipped on The Honeymooners Marathon. I’m a huge fan. There’s nothing like watching Ralph Kramden get himself in trouble with Norton and Alice.

“I got a BIIIIIIIIIIGGGGGGGG MOOOOOOOUUUUUTTTHHHHH!“

Omg this is a classic where they go live on air and Ralph freaks out while Ed tries to pitch their latest gadget to help out chefs.

Chef of the Future. Gotta love it.

2:16 ET: The NBC commentators are discussing the Hawks paying tribute to Sam Tallon who lost his bout to Parkinson’s last month. The father of GM Dale Tallon. It’s a really nice story with Kane and teammates visiting the family during such a trying time.

2:14 ET: The first period concludes with McGuire talking about the animosity with Versteeg, who was the best player in that period with a goal and an assist. He’s a good interview. Still can’t get enough of that Fergie impersonation where he does Ludacris on “Glamorous.” I may as well link it up. He and Sarah Spain got something going on:

Watch the reaction from a couple of teammates between 29 and 34 seconds. Priceless!

2:08 ET: In discussing our New Year’s, I discover that good Devil buddy Rob “Kraze” Davis is hungover and must work in two hours after just getting up. One too many shots? He then asks me how the Hawks became good? Well, a few years in the cellar and landing guys like Toews and Kane can work wonders.

Goaaaaaaaaaal!!!!!! Ben Eager makes it payoff. He has what? Seven goals now. Beating Conklin on a wraparound. He’s really developed into a solid player. He can scrap but now is scoring too. Wonder if the Flyers ever knew he could?

Wings 1 Hawks 3

2:06 ET: I don’t know about you but this NHL Verizon commercial is getting on my nerves. Nobody in their right mind acts that way when their kid is born. If they did, I’d iron their mouth like in Beetle Juice.

2:03 ET: Wings nearly score shorthanded but a great Zetterberg feed for trailer Marian Hossa results in the Slovak missing wide. Penalty killed.

Just over 4 minutes left in first period:

Hawks 2 Wings 1

2:02 ET: The Hawks are on another PP and really are controlling play. They nearly went up two. Their speed is getting to the Wings. Word of friendly advice: Don’t take penalties against them.

1:59 ET: Unbelievable play by Versteeg finding a wide open Havlat for the Hawks’ second goal! A backhand feed from behind the net almost no-look variety! A goal and assist for him already. Wow! And they stole him for immortal Brandon Bochenski! Think the B’s want a do over?

Detroit 1 Chicago 2

1:58 ET: The Wings are six points up on the Hawks for the Central Division with their 53 trailing Conference leading San Jose by eight. Chicago’s 47 have them fourth. Penalty is Brett Lebda for delay of game. Blackhawks on the PP.

1:55 ET: Strader notes that Detroit has seven Swedish players. Yes! We know! They should be renamed Team Sweden. Imaging if Mats Sundin had gone there? The Swedish Seven: Lidstrom, Zetterberg, Holmstrom, Hudler, Franzen, Samuelsson and Andreas Lilja. Another power play coming. Is this gonna be a PP fest?

1:53 ET: The Wings buzzing and then Mikael Samuelsson ties it on the rebound. I love how they’re keeping track of the score on the Cubs scoreboard.

Wings 1 Hawks 1

1:52 ET: If Seabrook has a chance of playing for Team Canada in 2010 Vancouver, what about Keith who’s clearly one of the better defensemen in the game? He’s 4-14-18 with an impressive plus-19 rating entering play.

1:50 ET: Ah. Here comes the wave of Crosby commercials. Ugh. Why can’t the league promote the game’s best star Alex Ovechkin already and can the Sidney love fest? Wings are on a PP again.

1:47 ET: The Hawks’ transition is pretty noticeable. They’re getting chances. Now, the teams get together in a scrum and almost a scrap. They don’t like each other. That’s what heated rivalries are all about. Crowd loves it! Finally a break.

1:45 ET: Wings working the puck down low. Then Nik Kronwall’s point shot is smothered by Huet with the feisty Tomas Holmstrom looking for the rebound with Hawks quickly giving him a warning. Especially Duncan Keith. Huet makes two more stops. Penalty killed.

1:43: ET: Ben Eager in the box giving the Wings a chance to tie it. Johan Franzen misses high and wide. Quick note. It’s Cristobal Huet in goal for Chicago and not Nikolai Khabibulin.

1:42 ET: The Detroit sucks chant didn’t take long to start up. Crowd’s amped. If I was there, I’d be too but I was at a New Year’s Eve party and didn’t come home till after 7 this morning. I am kinda beat but this is fun!

1:40 ET: The Hawks can’t convert the two-man but are still one up with the Wings PK doing a nice job. And just as I say that…score! Rookie Kris Versteeg rebounds home a Marty Havlat shot off a quick rush for a PPG.

1-0 Hawks

1:38 ET: A Brent Seabrook big hit on Dan Cleary knocks him into the Chicago bench! The Wings get caught with too many men and are now down two men. That was some hit. Clean too.

1:36 ET: The puck is dropped and they’re underway. It really is something to see hockey being played at Wrigley. Already a penalty during the first shift with Pavel Datsyuk in the box.

1:31 ET: They’re about to drop the ceremonial puck with Cubs Hall of Famers Fergie Jenkins among the participants along with former Hawks star center and ex-coach Denis Savard. Jenkins is wearing a classic Chicago Cubs winter coat and hat. Very nice! Former Red Wing star Ted Lindsay who also played three years for Chicago is out there along with the legendary Bobby Hull, who was part of the Hawks’ last Stanley Cup team in are out for the puck drop featuring Red Wings’ captain Nick Lidstrom and Hawks’ own Jonathan Toews. This should be great!

1:28 ET: Dave Strader is calling the action subbing for Doc Emrick who’s still recovering from laryngitis. We wish him a speedy recovery. He tried working hurt last week versus the Pens before Steve Cangialosi replaced him in the third period. Hope he gets better!

1:24 ET: The anthems are now being sung with a pair of anthem singers. One who sang O’ Canada and now Chicago’s own singing the national anthem. I’ve heard him before. He’s really good. This is a great scene with even a fan wearing a blackhawk and waving a flag in the stands. Excellent!

1:21 ET: One little tidbit which NBC’s Pierre McGuire wisely passed along. This is Detroit goalie Ty Conklin’s third outdoor game because he also took part in the Hockey Heritage game a few years prior with the Oilers taking on the Canadiens. He was on the Pens last year during their exciting shootout win over Buffalo with Sidney Crosby winning it.

1:19 ET: The Red Wings beat the Blackhawks 4-0 the other night to end Chicago’s nine-game win streak. Right now, the teams are coming out with the teams coming out from the dugout. How cool is that?!?!?!?!?!

1:17 ET: It’s the 2nd Annual NHL Winter Classic with an epic battle between Original Six division rivals the Detroit Red Wings against the Chicago Blackhawks today from Wrigley Field in icy and windy conditions on New Year’s Day!