NHL players are commending MetLife Stadium for their exceptional preparation of the ice for the upcoming NHL Stadium Series. This may come as a surprise to Jets and Giants players who have been outspoken about the poor condition of the turf throughout the NFL season. The field has been linked to numerous player injuries and was recently voted the worst NFL field by the players. Perhaps Aaron Rodgers should have pursued ice skating instead of football!
Rangers center Mika Zibanejad expressed his satisfaction with the ice, stating, “The ice was pleasant. It temporarily blinded me, so I’ll attribute any inaccurate passes to that. But overall, it was better than I expected. They’ve done a commendable job.” Vincent Trocheck, another Rangers center, shared his excitement about the experience, saying, “Walking out there was simply amazing. It’s not something you get to do every day.”
The Rangers will be facing the Islanders on Sunday afternoon, while the Devils and Flyers will compete on Saturday night, potentially amidst snowfall. Although temperatures are expected to be freezing, fans are unlikely to mind. Those who have witnessed previous Winter Classics or Stadium Series events know how thrilling it is to see hockey being played in its original outdoor setting. The added element of potential playoff implications for all four teams involved makes it even more enticing. And of course, a cup of hot chocolate and plenty of beer will only enhance the experience. It’s a hockey fan’s paradise that will unfold tonight and tomorrow.
It’s been quite some time since MetLife Stadium has been associated with the word “paradise.” Both the Jets and Giants had disappointing seasons there this year. Unfortunately for fans, there are no plans to make any changes to the turf field in the near future.
As I’ve mentioned in previous articles, the Johnson family, owners of the Jets, and the Mara family, owners of the Giants, are unwilling to invest in a natural grass field. This decision is quite surprising, especially considering the potential long-term savings and benefits, including merchandise sales, sponsors, and the possibility of a playoff run, that a healthy Aaron Rodgers could have brought to the Jets organization had he not been injured. Interestingly, there will be a real grass field in MetLife Stadium when Lionel Messi plays there for the Copa Americana later this summer.
Credit must be given to MetLife Stadium for receiving approval from hockey and soccer players. However, it is clear that football, which occupies the majority of the stadium’s usage, does not share the same sentiment.
According to the Source outkick.com