Feeling blue in Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH -- It was almost like Christmas came for the second time this week. The Penguins walked into their dressing room today after a Kids Day practice, and the Winter Classic jersey had arrived.

The Sabres and Penguins are going old-school with the outdoor game, but Pittsburgh is going further back. The blue jersey the Penguins rolled out today hasn't been worn since 1972, and the team hasn't worn anything other than black and gold since 1980. Sidney Crosby's sweater was on display for the media and players to see, and the reaction was overwhelmingly positive.

"It's pretty exciting with the new jerseys and stuff," forward Colby Armstrong said. "Pretty cool. It's the first time I've actually seen it other than the Internet."

Fans thought so, too. There were more than 3,000 in attendance as the Penguins opened their skate to the public, and the team store did brisk business. It didn't take long for the blue T-shirts and jerseys to filter into the usual black and gold scheme.

Store personnel said the purchasing public is excited for the New Year's Day event, but because of the ticket scarcity that's well-known to Buffalo fans, most fans in Pittsburgh will be watching the game on television.

---John Vogl