most of it misplaced
NHL wanted WC at old Yankee Stadium. Yankees owners said no. It would have been perfect venue with Wrigley and Fenway around it.
As far as it being on Jan 2 this year, do you really want to take on the NFL for tv eyeballs? That would not be a smart move.
I think you would agree that each of the previous WC's have been great successes. If they ever come to NYC, I would think that MetLife Stadium would now be their first choice. But how cool would it be if they could ever construct a temporary rink and stands in Central Park and hold hte game there? I know it is logistically impossible, but it would be awesome

and Toronto and Montreal do not have the large stadiums that would make the game a financial success.

Yes, the Yankees turned down the NHL more than once (once for old Yankee Stadium and once for new YS). Buffalo was the first site and an ideal one since no NHL city represents Winter like Buffalo does.

The NY franchises will get other opportunities to host.  This Classic has quickly become (only five years) one of the most anticipated sporting events of every year.  Even for non-hockey fans.

I am an original six lover too but the location of that game  was based on several factors; 1) border city with a high density of NHL fans within a couple of hours between Buffalo, Ottawa and Toronto. 2) guaranteed winter weather which isn't always the case the eastern seaboard and 3) large outdoor venue willing to take a shot at a possible flop that could have cost them a small fortune.

The result was 76,000 plus fans showing up on a Holiday to watch the game in a typical Buffalo heavy snow fall.  It should have been the Leafs in the first game but the Pens were picked for one reason only and his number is 87. The country he "owns" is 20 mins from Orchard Park.  The end result was a huge success and the Winter classic was born.

At that time Chicago's annual attendance was "pre rocky wirtz " and at the bottom of the league. Below even Atlanta at the time.  Buffalo on the other hand can be sitting in the 15 slot all season and still sell out every game. Not the case at MSG when the Rangers are in the tank.

As for Bettman's stupid comment about the Olympics he can go jump in the Lake. The last Olympics and Ryan Miller did more for the NHL in the United States than a $100 million advertising campaign could have.  

Now the Caps being in it before the Ranger and the Leafs ? that's bull.    

Just the opinion of one NHL groupie

Now that's a hockey fan.  Since I can see behind the curtain, I can also see that you're pleasant to look at.  Perhaps we can meet at one of those Sabres games if we can get tickets, lol.

Beer.  The good news is that beer goes with fucking, bowling, hockey and football.

maybe we shall. we can even go dutch on a town car service and hit the Sun Downer lol

if I were a fan of Montreal, Toronto or NYR I'd be upset too. heck that upsets me just being a true hockey fan, but that first game needed to be a HUGE success so they picked the best location they could. and i also despise that little creep as much as you do so I'm not sticking up for him.  

Like you said, there isn't much else to do in Buffalo (you forgot the waterfall ) so 76,000 showed up. i honestly don't think that would have happened at Giants' stadium for that first game where you do have a lot more going on. i know it would now though. Oh wait ! we play a lot of hockey in western NY too. Like you know, where your current captain grew up.

i live in a transient city that had a franchise the past 10 years and also sell hockey sweaters as a sideline so I know who draws well on the road; Detroit, Pittsburgh , Boston and Buffalo are bigger than NYR  We were 30% of a sold out arena in Nashville last weekend.

Canadian Beer at that !  Labatts !  YUM !

Population

NYC =  8,008,278

Buffalo = 292,648

2010-2011 NHL Attendance

                       games               Total          AVG  
1 Chicago    41                  878,356 21,423
2 Montreal    41                 872,193 21,273
3 Philadelphia   41           808,328 19,715
4 Detroit 41                806,892 19,680
5 Toronto 41                793,522 19,354
6 Calgary 40                771,560 19,289
7 St. Louis 41               785,150 19,150
8 Vancouver 41               773,260 18,860
9 Buffalo 41               756,568 18,452
10 Washington 41                754,309 18,397
11 Ottawa 41               753,525 18,378
12 Pittsburgh 40                729,628 18,240
13 NY Rangers 41               742,432 18,108

Remember what i said abut them picking Buffalo for that first game. Ottawa , Toronto and Pittsburgh are all within a 3 hours drive.