| 15 June 2009
Could there be a more perfect team to play in the Winter Classic next season? Rumors are circulating about the NHL's next outdoor extravaganza at Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, and wouldn't you know, the Capitals are among the rumored opponents for the Boston Bruins.
With the league looking to sell its young stars to America while highlighting traditional markets in these outdoor affairs, a Capitals and Bruins matchup would likely be the best route to take for obvious reasons. There's an original six team, a possible back-to-back MVP winner, two hockey markets that are completely rejuvenated and a boatload of hype behind these two clubs.
Not to mention, it's time for Alex Ovechkin's moment on Winter Classic ice. Almost every young star who has played a role in marketing the NHL over the past four years has been a part of the Winter Classic.
Sidney Crosby had his moment, Patrick Kane and Johnathan Toews had theirs, so who could possibly be a bigger draw than Ovechkin? Is the NHL really going to pass over Ovechkin for Mike Richards or Henrik Lundqvist?
From a marketing standpoint, you have to go with Ovechkin, if only for the sheer buzz his name will draw and his ability to push merchandise. Consider this, Alex Ovechkin still has one of the NHL's top selling jerseys (firmly behind you know who), so logically, the equation should go something like this.
1. Put the Capitals in the Winter Classic
2. Sell "commemorative" third jersey with Ovechkin's name on it
3. ?????
4. PROFIT!
So unless the NHL wanted to riff off of the classic Yankees and Red Sox rivalry and original six teams with the Rangers coming into Fenway, it's hard to argue that there is any other team in the NHL that truly deserves this moment in the spotlight, err, sunlight.
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