Hockey on the Pond is Not for the NHL

Lacing up the skates and taking to the old pond was and is still good for amateur, no professional hockey.  There is nothing like a sunny winter day at the cottage or the community outdoor rink where you can enjoy some pick up hockey with friends, but it's not something that works for the NHL.  The atmosphere works, the idea of playing these outdoor games work, having crowds of 25, 50, or 75 thousand fans out to enjoy some old fashion hockey.  All the festivities and grandeur that go along with these events is all great for the sport, but that fact that this is an actual game, with actual points on the line blows my mind.  This years game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals was close and by all accounts a good game, but the original start time was 2 p.m., pushed back to 8 p.m. because of rain and too mild temperatures (organizers hoped by moving it to the later time it would cool down and give a better consistency to the ice).  For a regular season game that has meaning to it, two points, which could mean making or missing the playoffs, winning a division, or gaining home ice advantage for the playoffs, it make no sense to me why you would put that in the hands of unpredictable conditions is beyond me.  I am not saying that you should do away with the Winter Classic (or Canada's version Heritage Classic - because Gary "I hate Canada" Betman won't give us our own Winter Classic), I'm just saying that it should be something that is part of the All Star break or even the All Star game itself.  Granted this isn't a possibility in all climates where the NHL finds it's home, but it's a better option than awarding points.  I understand that any given night, one team is going to win and one is going to lose, but when it's not a level playing field (or soggy ice surface) then it's just not fair, nor is it logical.  I like the idea and the atmosphere of these Winter Classics, but come on NHL, get your collective heads out of your giant asses and make this an exhibition game and not something that could make or break a teams season.

  Dear NHL,
      It's a great idea and I know it makes you a shit tonne of cash, but don't make this a "real" game.
 
  Dear Gary Betman,
      You're a rat!  I don't like you!!!  You are worse than a politician when you are asked for a straight answer!  Bring hockey back to CANADA where we will make more money than any club in the US and give us our own Winter Classic, image a Maple Leafs vs. Canadians outdoors in either Montreal or Toronto...CASH COW!!!  Speaking of your wife...BAZING Gary BAZING!