from Andrew Bottomley of Sportsnet,

Regardless of whether or not you like them, the outdoor games popping up each year are good for both the NHL and its players.

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly appeared on Prime Time Sports Monday to discuss the polarizing outdoor games that have been occurring more frequently each year, the most recent of which was Saturday night’s Stadium Series between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Washington Capitals.

“By in large, almost universally, [the players are] supportive,” said Daly. “They really enjoy the experience of playing in that kind of environment in that kind of atmosphere in front of those fans. It energizes their game and it can create a nice diversion from one of your normal, run-of-the-mill NHL games in an arena.

“They’re also very valued to our sponsors, which I think is important at the end of the day — both for the league and for the players.”

continued