Alright, so I was wrong about the Devils winning out their home stretch. They have an outstanding win on Friday in the shootout over Buffalo, and then proceed to no show against division rivals, the New York Islanders. I am still a .300+ hitter. That is a fact. At least in my head it is.

Let’s forget that game. That game just slipped by, and no one will remember that Rick DiPietro did not play. We could mention the fact that Wade Dubielewicz might in fact have NJ’s number (See page B9 in the Islanders media guide, the last stat). But no, we will lay low.

It is a new year. 2008. That’s right. 2008. And what better way to kick off 2008 for hockey fans, than what was the “Winter Classic,” held in Buffalo at Ralph Wilson Stadium. 71,000+ packed the stadium, freezing cold, snow coming down and Sid the Kid making history.

This was a historical event for the NHL. For once, something for the NHL might have worked out a whole better than they anticipated. It got a 2.4 rating in New York. Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals got a 2.0 last year.

How great was the snow? It was old school hockey. If you are a die hard or just a casual fan, or hell, not even a fan at all, it was something fun to watch.

This is something the NHL needs to build on. The “Winter Classic,” needs to become an annual thing. Here is another thought, why not do a few outdoor games a year? Rangers/Devils at Giants Stadium? Bruins/Red Wings at Fenway? This may be the key to a locked door for the NHL. A new way to spark a fan base and get the public attention the sport is in utter need of.

Alright, I hope everyone had a safe and fun New Years Eve. I myself was in bed by 1AM. I am a loser. Greg and I will do another show on Thursday. Till then, like always, go top shelf.