Hockey fans in the New Jersey Meadowlands are in for a treat this weekend as the NHL's Stadium Series comes to town. With two games in two days, a concert featuring the Jonas Brothers, and a fan festival, this event promises to be unforgettable for the roughly 140,000 fans expected to attend.
The excitement begins on Saturday night when the New Jersey Devils take on their Metropolitan Division rivals, the Philadelphia Flyers. The following afternoon, the New York Rangers and New York Islanders will face off in an all-NYC showdown. These games not only offer thrilling hockey action but also have significant implications for the playoff hopes of all four teams involved.
While the concept of outdoor games has been a tradition since 2008, this installment at MetLife Stadium may be particularly special due to its playoff implications. The Rangers currently have some breathing room at the top of the division, but the Flyers, Devils, and Islanders are engaged in a fierce battle for playoff spots in the Eastern Conference. Every point matters, and none of these teams can afford to have an off night, even in this once-in-a-lifetime outdoor game experience.
NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly expressed excitement about the playoff implications of these games, stating that it often leads to particularly intense and competitive matchups. The league recognizes the uniqueness and significance of these games in shaping the playoff picture.
MetLife Stadium itself holds special significance in the hockey world. It served as the home of the New Jersey Devils for 25 years from 1982 to 2007, during which time they won all three of their Stanley Cup championships. The venue holds meaningful memories for the Devils organization, and this outdoor game adds another chapter to the stadium's hockey legacy.
Former Devils goaltender and Hall of Famer Martin Brodeur understands the challenges and distractions that come with outdoor games. Having participated in an outdoor game at Yankee Stadium in 2014, Brodeur advises players to embrace the experience and treat it like any other important game. He believes that successfully navigating the unique atmosphere of these outdoor games can benefit players in future high-pressure situations, such as the Stanley Cup Finals.
This weekend's Stadium Series marks the first time the NHL has scheduled outdoor games on consecutive days with fans in attendance. Previous outdoor games, including the 2021 event in Lake Tahoe, did not have spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Yankee Stadium hosted two games in 2014, but they were spread over three days. It is a testament to the league's commitment to providing a special and memorable experience for the fans.
For many players, these outdoor games evoke nostalgic memories of playing on frozen ponds with family and friends. The sense of community, camaraderie, and pure joy associated with outdoor hockey resonates with players and fans alike. These games bring back warm feelings and remind people of the simplicity and purity of the sport.
The NHL's Stadium Series has also captured the attention of teams' co-owners. Jon Ledecky, co-owner of the New York Islanders, grew up in New York City and has fond memories of playing roller hockey with his brother. The opportunity to watch a hockey game outdoors brings back a flood of memories for Ledecky and his family.
Similarly, Devils coach Lindy Ruff shared his childhood experiences of playing hockey on a cattle ranch in Alberta, Canada. Whether playing with a hard sponge puck on a frozen pond or improvising with balled socks inside a barn, Ruff understands the thrill and creativity that comes with outdoor hockey.
Regardless of the outcomes this weekend, the players involved in the games will carry the memories with them for the rest of their lives. Vegas Golden Knights forward Keegan Kolesar, who played in an outdoor game on January 1, reflects on the experience as something he will always cherish, despite his team's loss.
With a pre-game concert by the Jonas Brothers, a fan festival, and a spectacular outdoor hockey setting, the league aims to create an extraordinary event for all attendees. NHL executive vice president Steve Mayer emphasizes the importance of leaving a lasting impression on fans, with the hope that everyone who walks out of the building or watches on TV will consider it one of the greatest sporting events they have ever witnessed.
In the end, the NHL's Stadium Series at MetLife Stadium promises to be a memorable weekend for hockey fans and players alike. The combination of high-stakes playoff battles, the outdoor setting, and the shared love of the game evokes nostalgia while creating new memories that will last a lifetime.
