NHL Winter Classic 2011 to Exceed Hype?

The NHL Winter Classic 2011 may be held tonight after all. If the NHL Winter Classic 2011 has no more weather problems, the focus can finally return to the competitors. Before the rain and sun came in, this event was all about the Penguins, Capitals, Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby. This has been the most anticipated pairing in the event's history, which is why the league and fans have feared any further delays. But if things get smoother, the fourth NHL Winter Classic can finally live up to such high expectations and hype.

It is one thing to have these two teams, and these two stars, clash against each other outdoors. Yet the hype actually increased in recent weeks, thanks to HBO's acclaimed 24/7 series about the matchup, and to Sidney Crosby's massive hot streak.

But prior to the NHL Winter Classic 2011, Crosby finally had his 25-game point streak snapped by the Islanders. Nevertheless, he is the marquee name tonight, even moreso than Ovechkin. For once, it is Crosby who is the hottest goal scorer, while Ovechkin has been relatively slow by his standards.

As for their teams, the Penguins have ridden Crosby's explosion to the best record in the league, as they are neck-and-neck with the Flyers. For the Capitals, they have just come off a major slump, which triggered fears for coach Bruce Boudreau's job. They still lead the Southwest Division, but Tampa Bay and Atlanta have stayed close to them.

Of course, although the NHL Winter Classic 2011 is the major event of the regular season, it is still the regular season. For the Penguins and Capitals, their major goal is the Stanley Cup, as they are only halfway to the postseason. Pittsburgh is looking to reclaim their throne, after giving it up last year, while Washington has still never gotten there under Ovechkin.

Because of Crosby's Stanley Cup, Olympic gold medal, and playoff victory over Ovechkin, he has the big lead in this rivalry. Even if the Capitals win tonight, it will only be a drop in the bucket in that race. For Ovechkin and Washington, only a win over Pittsburgh in the postseason, and a Stanley Cup triumph, will do for them.

However, just being in the NHL Winter Classic 2011 may provide future success for both teams. The Penguins won the first edition over the Sabres in 2008, then lost in the finals to the Red Wings. The Red Wings then won the second over the Blackhawks in 2009, and then lost the finals themselves to Pittsburgh. The Flyers lost to the Bruins in overtime last year, then got their revenge with their famed 3-0 comeback in the playoffs - before losing in the finals to the Blackhawks.

Teams in this event tend to go deep into the playoffs, either that season or the next. The league has gotten lucky in choosing the matchup, and seemed to hit the jackpot this year. If they get the 2011 NHL Winter Classic off tonight at 8 pm on NBC, they can find out for certain.

Sources

Bleacher Report- "NHL Winter Classic: 10 Reasons Why Capitals-Penguins Will Be The Best One Yet"