As someone who has attended each Winter Classic since the first one on a snowy day in Buffalo in 2008, it has been interesting for me to see the evolution of the event. Here's a look back at the turning points for what has become the NHL's marquee regular-season event and spawned a host of lesser outdoor events while eclipsing the All-Star Game, draft, opening night and other moments on the league's calendar.
Buffalo, Ralph Wilson Stadium, 2008
Yes, the ultimate turning point in the game between the Buffalo Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins was Sidney Crosby's shootout winner amid a small blizzard.