OT: Heritage Classic

Submitted by Sambojangles on

It's hockey day in both Canada and America. The Wings already won, Chicago and Pittsburgh played each other (I really don't care who won, since I hate both teams) and Montreal and Calgary are about to start an outdoor game in Calgary. If you're watching, post here.

Sambojangles

February 20th, 2011 at 6:15 PM ^

Mike Cammalleri, who has been injured recently, is playing, and was interviewed from the bench a minute ago. Over/under on the number of times they mention he played in the Cold War?

kevin holt

February 20th, 2011 at 9:14 PM ^

Why would they have that tradition if they're Canadian? Do they play our national anthem when playing home games? That doesn't really make sense. We don't play both at the Joe or in other sports, do we?

Related note, I don't watch the NBA but I heard they played the Canadian anthem for the all star game

Rudy31

February 20th, 2011 at 9:34 PM ^

I'm sure they play the American anthem whenever they play an American team.  Considering the vast majority of teams are American, I'm sure that's why they have those traditions.  Whenever a Canadian team comes to the Joe or when the Raptors play at the Palace the Canadian anthem is indeed played.

kevin holt

February 20th, 2011 at 9:55 PM ^

Thanks hombre. For the record, half of my family is Canadian and I consider myself half-Canadian and relate to many aspects of being Canadian through that connection, so I wasn't saying it was a bad thing if we played it or vice versa. I know I wasn't negbanged or anything but at least one person thought I was being a jerk

mtlcarcajou

February 20th, 2011 at 6:57 PM ^

We'll come back. Just gotta shoot shoot shoot, forget the passing on that bad ice.

Thanks Flamers for Camm, he's great!

Patches is all the rage in Mtl though, looks absolutely great for the last month or so. Terrific player.

mstier

February 20th, 2011 at 7:35 PM ^

Pacioretty's development was mishandled in my opinion, though fortunately not fatally.  He shouldn't have been in the NHL last year, and honestly, I'm not sure if he's ready for top 6 minutes this year either (though he is doing well).  He has all the talent to succeed in the post-lockout NHL where there is a premium on forwards who can play below the faceoff dots.  That said, it's about confidence for him and I'm really hoping he can keep this pace up through the end of the season as to not wreck that confidence.  Failing twice at the NHL level would be a huge blow for him in my opinion. 

mtlcarcajou

February 20th, 2011 at 8:32 PM ^

Patches was mishandled last year, yes, due to coach Martin's lunacy. Best thing that happened was the AHL for him. He even said he'd rather play the full year down there, but bringing him up was necessary at the time.

Now it is a matter of rounding out his line. He's already on the top line and the last 6 weeks has shown he belongs. He's put on weight, become a better skater, reads the play better, aggressive and confidence...he's there. Just needs a playmaker and roving sniper type to play with. (He should also always be on the ice with PK Subban.)

Michigan hockey defo on the map here now, French translated interviews with Red, etc.

mtlcarcajou

February 20th, 2011 at 8:46 PM ^

Compared to the Forum it is a 0.0. Very generic inside the arena itself (horrible piped-in music, annoying scoreboard, etc)- though the fans are what makes the team. Electrifying when the game gets going because of the fans. Did a gorgeous job in the walkways, dripping with the history, the culture, everything. Great place between periods (especially lately, we're awful).

Actually nice from the outside, walkway and statues are something, and a few months ago they opened a team museum. Great location too. 

A must for any hockey fans because of the history and our fans. If no game is on wouldn't really bother.

Been to the Saddledome?

(edit: btw I've seen a lot at the Bell, usually go to 10+ games a year)

mtlcarcajou

February 20th, 2011 at 9:05 PM ^

Fans are terrible if we lose, for sure. Uber critical. I'm spoiled, grew up going to the Forum.

Boston another city that really screwed up from old arena to new, no sympathy from me (heh heh).

Saddledome is a trip to be near the roof, perspective- and mind-bending. Atmosphere like a morgue though. Yost fans destroy them.