{"id":96712,"date":"2021-01-01T09:30:41","date_gmt":"2021-01-01T14:30:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=96712"},"modified":"2025-12-01T20:23:08","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T01:23:08","slug":"today-in-hockey-history-penguins-sidney-crosby-helps-win-first-winter-classic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2021\/01\/01\/today-in-hockey-history-penguins-sidney-crosby-helps-win-first-winter-classic\/","title":{"rendered":"Today in Hockey History: Pittsburgh Penguins Sidney Crosby Helps Win First Winter Classic"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Normally we\u2019d be in the closing in on the mid-way point of the regular season, however, we\u2019re in a different world. Last Word on Hockey is still going to look back at each date\u2019s historical significance to the game. We\u2019ll remember the moments that shaped the sport of hockey that happened on this day. Here\u2019s our look at this date in hockey history for January 1st, featuring <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/c\/crosbsi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sidney Crosby<\/a> and the first Winter Classic.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p>We want to wish you a happy and safe New Year.<\/p>\n<h2>Today in Hockey History<\/h2>\n<h3>Sidney Crosby Wins Winter Classic<\/h3>\n<p><strong>2008:<\/strong> The <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/category\/penguins\/\" target=\"_self\">Pittsburgh Penguins<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/category\/sabres\/\" target=\"_self\">Buffalo Sabres<\/a> play the inaugural <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2017\/01\/02\/history-nhl-winter-classic\/\" target=\"_self\">Winter Classic<\/a> at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/a\/armstco01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Colby Armstrong<\/a> of the Penguins and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/c\/campbbr02.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Brian Campbell<\/a> of the Sabres score the only goals in regulation. The large crowd is amazed by the snow-globe like setting.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/eWJtvTsiufc\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>It provides the atmosphere and Crosby beats Buffalo goalie <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/millery01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ryan Miller<\/a> to seal a 2-1 shootout victory for Pittsburgh. The event becomes a New Year&#8217;s staple since then.<\/p>\n<h3>Other Notable Events<\/h3>\n<p><strong>1943:<\/strong> The <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/category\/blackhawks\/\" target=\"_self\">Chicago Black Hawks<\/a> field a team of three brother for the first time in a 6-5 win over the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/category\/rangers\/\" target=\"_self\">New York Rangers.<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/bentlma01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Max Bentley<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/bentldo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Doug Bentley<\/a> and Reggie Bentley all suit up for Chicago.<\/p>\n<p><strong>1961:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/category\/bruins\/\" target=\"_self\"> Boston Bruins<\/a> rookie <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/o\/oreewi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Willie O&#8217;Ree<\/a> scores his first goal in a 3-2 win over the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/category\/canadiens\/\" target=\"_self\">Montreal Canadiens<\/a>. O&#8217;Ree is the first black player in league history and gets what proves to be the game-winner.<\/p>\n<p><strong>1973:<\/strong> Bruins defenceman <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/o\/orrbo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bobby Orr<\/a> gets a record six assists for a D-man in an 8-2 rout of the Vancouver Canucks. Orr breaks <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/p\/prattba01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Babe Pratt<\/a>&#8216;s record and has since had it matched by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/staplpa01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pat Stapleton<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>1997:<\/strong> The<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/category\/senators\/\" target=\"_self\"> Ottawa Senators<\/a> snap an 0-22-2 mark against Boston with a 3-2 win for their first win over the B&#8217;s since entering the league in 1992.<\/p>\n<p><b>2014: <\/b>A crowd of 105,491 fans fills Michigan Stadium to see the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/category\/leafs\/\" target=\"_self\">Toronto Maple Leafs <\/a>defeat the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/category\/redwings\/\" target=\"_self\">Detroit Red Wings<\/a>, 3-2. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/bozakty01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tyler Bozak<\/a> gets the game-tying goal and shootout winner in the 2014 Winter Classic.<\/p>\n<p><strong>2015:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/brouwtr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Troy Brouwer<\/a> wins with 12.9 seconds left in regulation as the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/category\/capitals\/\" target=\"_self\">Washington Capitals<\/a> win the 2015 Winter Classic over Chicago, 3-2. The game is held at Nationals Park in Washington D.C.<\/p>\n<p><strong>2016:<\/strong> Montreal&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/byronpa01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Paul Byron<\/a> scores twice to beat Boston, 5-1, at the Winter Classic at Gillette Stadium.<\/p>\n<p><strong>2017:<\/strong> Toronto forward <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/matthau01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Auston Matthews<\/a> wins the Centennial Classic with 1:20 left in overtime. He nets the winner to get a 5-4 win over Detroit at Exhibition Stadium in Toronto.<\/p>\n<p><strong>2018:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/millejt01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">J.T. Miller<\/a> scores an overtime power-play goal to give the Rangers a 3-2 win over the Sabres at Citi Filed.<\/p>\n<p><strong>2019:<\/strong> Boston&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/kuralse01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sean Kuraly<\/a> scores midway through the third to give Boston a 4-2 win over Chicago at Notre Dame Stadium.<\/p>\n<h3>Happy Birthday to You<\/h3>\n<p><strong>1893: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/stanlba01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Barney Stanley<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>1909: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/r\/romnedo01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Doc Romnes<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>1916: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/a\/armstmu01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Murray Armstrong<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>1948: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/hartge01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Gerry Hart<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>1949: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/r\/roberph01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Phil Roberto<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>1958: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/silkda01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dave Silk<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>1985: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/hunteda01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dave Hunter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>1971: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/holikbo01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bobby Holik<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>1975: Becky Kellar-Duke<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>1985: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/c\/carteje01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jeff Carter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>1987: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/hornqpa01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Patric Hornqvist<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/setogde01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Devin Setoguchi<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>1996: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/hawryja01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jayce Hawryluk<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>1999: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/v\/vaakaur01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Urho Vaakanainen<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"7ipLkANYQ65izlTBxrR8Vw\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/78689123\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'7ipLkANYQ65izlTBxrR8Vw',sig:'zRuC8QBcd-6p8ku1qHKyzQnef0F4sw4GZ92gUINQ-Sg=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'78689123',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Normally we\u2019d be in the closing in on the mid-way point of the regular season, however, we\u2019re in a different world. Last Word on Hockey is still going to look back at each date\u2019s historical significance to the game. We\u2019ll remember the moments that shaped the sport of hockey that happened on this day. Here\u2019s [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2352,"featured_media":96714,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[12,3,8245,4547,4548,6331],"tags":[5805,1627,2692,228,2271,2118,3534,1630,882,2702,140,3453,869],"class_list":["post-96712","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-penguins","category-sabres","category-history","category-hockey","category-nhl","category-today-in-hockey-history","tag-2008-winter-classic","tag-2018-nhl-winter-classic","tag-2019-winter-classic","tag-auston-matthews","tag-bobby-holik","tag-bobby-orr","tag-hockey-history","tag-j-t-miller","tag-paul-byron","tag-sean-kuraly","tag-sidney-crosby","tag-willie-oree","tag-winter-classic"],"modified_by":"Michael Kovacs, ADMIN","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/96712","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2352"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=96712"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/96712\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":479182,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/96712\/revisions\/479182"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/96714"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=96712"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=96712"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=96712"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}