First Outdoor Game Represents A Blown Opportunity For NHL

The hockey world is buzzing in anticipation of Saturday's game between the Edmonton Oilers and Montreal Canadiens. Played before 56,000 fans at an Edmonton football stadium, it will be the first outdoor game in NHL history. "This time around, I won't have to shovel the snow off the ice," Canadiens' defenseman Sheldon Souray told the Montreal Gazette, recalling the pond hockey days of his youth. Sounds like fun. But only Canadians will be in on it, because the game they call the Heritage Classic will not be televised in the U.S.