Sid the Kid Shines in Thrilling Winter Classic Victory

The Pittsburg Penguins beat the Buffalo Sabres today in a 2-1 shootout victory. However, this wasn't your normal hockey game. The NHL transformed Buffalo's Ralph Wilson Stadium from an NFL stadium to a frozen, outdoor NHL rink. As both teams walked out of the locker room, they were met by sub-freezing temperatures, blinding blizzards, and 71,217 screaming fans; yes, this wasn't your normal hockey game, this was the 2008 NHL Winter Classic! From the start, it was "Old Time Hockey...how you played the game as a kid," as NBC's broadcast team was advertising it. The excitement was evident through reminiscing by broadcaster Bob Costas and the enthusiastic playcalling by Doc Emerick. The snow came pouring down as the two NHL teams gathered for the opening face-off. Only 21 seconds into the game, Pittsburgh took the lead as Sidney Crosby assisted on a Colby Armstrong goal. Crosby and his teammates gathered in celebration like kids on the local pond. The game then proceeded in excitement with great plays on both ends, stellar saves by Sabre goalie Ryan Miller (as well as Penguin netminder Ty Conklin), and passionate play by Crosby, Malkin, and the other players. The audience was also treated to some candid player interviews mid-game by NBC analyst Darren Pang who was standing in between both benches throughout the game. Over a minute into the second period, Buffalo tied the game on a goal by Brian Campbell. The game remained tied throughout the remainder of regulation and the overtime period. So, the game went to a shootout! The first two rounds saw the teams trade goals and saves. In the third attempt by Buffalo, Maxim Afinogenov streaked down the ice on Ty Conklin who met the show with a glove stop, and so the shootout would all come down to Pittsburgh's attempt. The third shooter for the Penguins was none other than...Sidney Crosby. How fitting that on of the biggest day's for the game of hockey, in front of over 70,000 people, the savior of the NHL would have a chance to win the game in amazing fashion. And...that he did. After skating right at Ryan Miller, Crosby poked a shot in through the 5-hole for the goal, and the win. He then rushed in celebration to his teammates, before both teams raised their sticks in salute to the crowd. It was a thrilling game that not only made history as the first outdoor NHL game in the United States, but was a step in the right direction for a sport looking to regain respect on the American sporting map.