2011 NHL Winter Classic Set to Heat Up New Year's Day

The 2011 Winter Classic be getting underway this New Year's Day 2011. The game features two of the National Hockey Leagues popular teams in the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals. Of course, the game also features some pretty popular players in Sidney Crosby, Alexander Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Alexander Semin, among others. There will certainly be some high quality players on the ice in this edition of the NHL's outdoor hockey game.

While rain and warmer than usual temperatures in the Pittsburgh area resulted in the game time being pushed back from 1pm to 8pm, the weather will hopefully not be an issue once the puck drops. The quality of the surface is fairly important as there will be millions of dollars in players for both sides on the ice tonight at Heinz Field.

The Penguins have been on a tear lately, and Captain Sidney Crosby recently had a string of 25 consecutive games with a goal or assist snapped. While Ovechkin has not produced the types of numbers fans have come accustomed to, he is still very capable of deciding the outcome of a game by himself with an arsenal of high powered shots and bone rattling hits. The Penguins will be further energized by the return of Jordan Staal from a series of injuries. This is a game that should produce a flurry of scoring chances by both teams, and both goal tenders will need to be in top form.

However, it is hard not imagine the NHL and fans wanting to see a high scoring game. Considering the Prime Time airing of the game, this would be a great chance for some of the best offensive players in the league to showcase their considerable talents on a national and international scale.

So long as the rain holds off, this should be an exciting game with plenty of open play, and considering the likes of Ovechkin and Penguins Defenseman Brooks Orpik will be on the ice, there should be plenty of hitting as well. The Winter Classic showcases hockey in its' purest form. While far from pond hockey, thanks to the boards, the outdoor aspect brings a few challenges, but one thing is for sure, if either team gets a chance to shoot the lights out, they will.

Whose going to win? Tough to say, but the edge has to go to the Penguins. Somewhat home ice, and some experience in another outdoor game, probably too much to overcome.