MVN: Most Valuable Network

The 2009 version of NHL's newest annual party was deemed another success. Reviews and ratings of the Winter Classic matchup at Wrigley Field between the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks raved about the sport.

Just like last year, the first question is whether or not to continue the game annually, and if so, where is the next destination?

Ross McKeon, at Yahoo! sports, tackled this issue in his newest power rankings. For each team, he lists the best possible destination for that organization to play an outdoor game. It's pretty good stuff.

Of course, the logical market to exploit is that of Boston and New York where games could be played in Fenway Park or Yankee Stadium.

Before that is done, however, I urge to stay away from baseball stadiums. While the mystique is great, the seating is not. Fans are A) farther away from the action and B) stuck outside or watching on TV, meaning that most seat around 40,000 (give or take). A football stadium can push the 100,000 limit, though. And what better way to showcase the sport than to pack the house -- think the Red Wings hosting a classic in The Big House.

This brings me to my idea for the next classic, which I tweeted during the game on Jan. 1. McKeon actually offered the same thinking, along with plenty others.

16. Pittsburgh Penguins (19-17-4, Previous: 11) - Despite their participation in last year's Winter Classic, the Penguins could still be in fairly high demand, and a logical destination for them to host is venture into Happy Valley and host the Flyers at Beaver Stadium on the campus of Penn State at State College, Pa.

A couple of possible problems were discussed through Twitter after I tweeted. I would, however, like to think that something could be worked out.

Now I'm not trying to sound like a homer (because I am a Pens fan and author Get Me The Brandy), but this would seem like a perfect match for the NHL. It doesn't need done next year and other markets can be tapped into first -- I understand that people get tired of hearing about the Penguins, but they are the sport's biggest selling point.

A matchup of one of the game's highest profiled teams (with two of the biggest stars) with its fiercest rival (the Flyers) in a stadium that exceeds 100,000 people would be quite the site to see.

Let's make it happen sometime in the next three years, Mr. Bettman.