NBC Lobbying For Bruins-Rangers For Next Winter Classic
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NBC Would Like To See Bruins-Rangers Match
Up For Possible Outdoor Game At Yankee Stadium |
NBC is "pressing" for the Bruins to be slated as the Rangers' opponent at Yankee Stadium in the NHL's second Winter Classic game, according to Larry Brooks of the N.Y. POST. Though the Islanders and the Devils have expressed interest in taking on the Rangers in the final event at Yankee Stadium, NBC has "no interest in televising a single-market game match." A Bruins-Rangers matchup would "likely be promoted as the first of a home-and-home between the Original Six rivals," with a second game to be played at Fenway Park. NBC's contract with the NHL expires after the '08 season, but the net "apparently is interested in re-upping" (N.Y. POST, 3/11). In N.Y., John Dellapina writes the Islanders "have been pushing hard for two years to participate" in an outdoor game, but they "appear to rank at least fourth on the list of potential 'visiting' teams." A source said that the Bruins have the slot "if they want it," and the Red Wings are the "fall-back'' team. Another source indicated that Devils President, CEO & GM Lou Lamoriello "will exercise his considerable influence" with the NHL to ensure his team participates in the game. Dellapina notes bringing another major market into the game "would figure to significantly improve the ratings." The NHL views the Winter Classic games as a way to "heighten nationwide interest in the game, while NBC would attempt to use the event to promote its 2010 Winter Olympics coverage" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 3/11). Red Wings D Chris Chelios: "I heard it's a done deal already. I heard Detroit's playing that game." However Red Wings GM Ken Holland said that "no one from the league has contacted him" about the game, but that he would "be in favor" of playing an outdoor game (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 3/11).
YANKEE VOICE: On Long Island, Steve Zipay writes also unclear is "whether the Yankees have a say" in the game. The Parks Department holds the lease on Yankee Stadium and it is "unclear" when it expires. One Yankees exec: "It may be the city's call" (NEWSDAY, 3/11).
REAX: In New Jersey, Ian O'Connor writes, "Hockey absolutely, positively cannot be the game that closes down the greatest baseball temple on earth. Nothing personal. Just business. The business of giving a proper burial to a building that shouldn't die on a marketing gimmick hatched by a sport with no place in stadium lore" (Bergen RECORD, 3/11).
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