NHL teams
Joe McDonald, ESPN Staff Writer 7y

Heritage Classic good evidence that there should be more outdoor games

NHL, New York Islanders, Edmonton Oilers, Winnipeg Jets, Anaheim Ducks, Vancouver Canucks

What happened over the weekend that you need to know about? Joe McDonald gives us his take on the biggest and best performances. This is where we say, "Morning, Joe."

Taking it outside: The Heritage Classic brought the game back outside between the Edmonton Oilers and Winnipeg Jets at Investors Group Field on Sunday in Winnipeg. After a two-hour sun delay, the Oilers beat the Jets 3-0, improving to 5-1-0. The Oilers have won five of their first six games for the first time since 1985-86. Some believe the NHL is producing too many outdoor games ever since the Winter Classic became the league's premier event, beginning in 2008. But playing outside is a great way to celebrate the game and its fans, and there should be more. Yes, it can be a logistical nightmare to host one of these games, but the league does a tremendous job dealing with the elements. The players enjoy the outdoor games. There should be more, not fewer, of them, and instead of picking only marquee matchups, the league should figure out a way to get more teams involved. Some pretty cool outdoor venues would be amazing places to watch a hockey game, including outdoor stadiums in Europe.

Ice trouble: After the New York Islanders played their first regular-season game at Barclays Center last season, one player said the ice was like "skating in quicksand." Well, one calendar year later, the players are still complaining about the ice. The Islanders have played four games at home this season and the ice has been described as "unplayable." Coach Jack Capuano does not want to hear any excuses, of course, and captain John Tavares gave the standard "both teams have to play on it" line, but this can't continue. The unseasonably warm weather could have something to do with the issues, but the team is working close with the NHL to get fix the problem. The Islanders are trying to become a perennial playoff contender, and the organization wants its product to have the best possible chance to be successful, so the ice has got to be better. The team hired a full-time ice manager during the offseason to help, but there's no reason this should still be an issue. Players will be at risk of injury if it isn't addressed. Barclays Center is a nice arena in a growing neighborhood of Brooklyn, but it's terrible for hockey. The Islanders need their own arena. They can opt out of their 25-year lease with Barclays after next season. There should be other options, whether a new home or vast improvements to Barclays. If the ice doesn't get better, players aren't going to want to play for the Islanders, and the ability to lure free agents will melt faster than the Barclays ice.

Canucks falling back: Third-period goals by Nick Ritchie and Corey Perry helped the Anaheim Ducks to a 4-2 victory over the Vancouver Canucks in Anaheim's home opener at Honda Center. Many had the Canucks finishing near the bottom of the Pacific Division standings once again this season. In the early going, however, they have surprised some people with their play. But they have now dropped back-to-back games against the Los Angeles Kings (4-3 in the shootout) and the Ducks. Anaheim, a team that produced 103 points last season, was expected to do much of the same in 2016-17. The Ducks are 2-3-1 in their first six games but that will change, especially with more games at home ahead of them.

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