Will The Stadium Series Kill NHL Outdoor Games?

When the 2014 Winter Classic once again became official between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings NHL fans were once again happy. This is the type of Winter Classic we have all waited for. Two original six franchises facing off in one of the most historic venues in United States sports history. What more could we ask for?

Turns out what the NHL thought what we could ask for is five more outdoor games. Of those five, two are certain head scratchers. The biggest of the group is the one that will take place at Dodger Stadium between The Anaheim Ducks and The Los Angeles Kings. This just screams of Gary Bettman's NHL. Two non traditional hockey markets in southern California get to return to their roots and play and outdoor game in 70 degree weather. Wait, that doesn't sound right.

It can be argued that California is becoming a hockey hotbed. This game showcases the two  teams from the state that have won Lord Stanley's Cup. Yet, the hockey purist in most people can't bear to think of this game. You think of the Winter classic what comes to mind is the ice cold breath of skaters lined up for the face off. One invisions coaches behind the bench adorning a fedora and a vintage leather jacket. Majestic images of Sidney Crosby celebrating a shootout goal through falling snow comes to mind. All of this is impossible with an outdoor game in sunny California.

However, it isn't just that thought alone that brings down the lore of the outdoor game it's now the sheer volume of them. It was a once a year spectacle, it was the must see regular season game of the year. Expect now it's just another date on the calendar. Sure Rangers fans will be happy as they get to see their team play two games in three nights at Yankee stadium, but what about the rest of the fans?

These fans that will now have seen Sidney Crosby in three outdoor games. The fans that will have witnessed the Chicago Blackhawks in two outdoor games that have both taken place in Chicago. What vintage jersey can these teams come up with now? What rivalry takes place in this game? Questions that cannot be answered are the worst type. Because those questions are what makes the once a year Winter Classic so great.

Seeing the Red Wings and Maple Leafs outfitted in sweaters that remind the old fans of the days of yore. The sweaters that instill a vintage feel for the young fans of the present; just adds to the magic of the game. Where is the magic in seeing regular jerseys, regular teams, on multiple nights? It just disappears.

Gary Bettman and the NHL want to market their cash cow, but by doing it this way the market will dry up sooner than they think.