A Detroiters Perspective - 2009 Winter Classic

From the Hockey Malnourished to Hockeytown, the Winter Classic is a big deal. Nothing will ever change what a game of old-fashioned outside hockey looks or feels like: the bitter elements, whipping wind and even snow. Last year's Winter Classic was a huge success with Buffalo facing off against Pittsburgh, but it seemed something missing. While enthralling and riveting, and boasting one of the league's premiere superstars, the game didn't have that nostalgic feel. Buffalo and Pittsburgh are both heavily decorated but don't have anywhere near the rivalry or the history as Original Six rivals do. It only makes sense, then, for the second Winter Classic to build off of the first ones success with a historic rivalry.