‘Winter Classic’ draws big TV rating for NHL (AP/SI.com)

The New Year’s Day ‘Winter Classic’ NHL contest pitting the Penguins against the Sabres helped the league generate it’s highest national television ratings since 1996.

The game, playing in wintry Buffalo, New York, drew a 2.6 overnight rating and a 5 share on NBC. Those were the best numbers since a six-game regional telecast on Fox drew a 3.0 overnight rating and a 7 share on Feb. 3, 1996.