RIP, Winter Classic.

Gary Bettman has done it again.

He killed one NHL season, and nearly killed two others. He created the shootout, secured a TV deal with OLN, and overexpanded his league.

Now, he has destroyed the mystique and aura of his league's showcase event.

Yesterday, the NHL announced the 2013-14 season will feature six, yes SIX outdoor games. The Winter Classic between the Red Wings and Maple Leafs at the Big House will be played on New Year's Day. After that, the Ducks and Kings will play at Dodger Stadium, the Rangers will host both the Devils and Islanders at Yankee Stadium. After the Olympics, the Blackhawks will host the Penguins at Soldier Field, and the Canucks will host the Senators at BC Place.

Hello, overkill.

Prior to the latest lockout, the NHL Winter Classic had arguably become the biggest sporting event on New Year's Day, even bigger than the College Bowl games. It was the event that not only the diehard fan, but even the casual sports fan circled on their calendars. It has produced some of the highest American television ratings for hockey in history. The NHL took a great risk staging an annual outdoor game, and it succeeded with flying colors, and then some.

In some ways, the Winter Classic, which in essence is just one regular season game, was bigger than the Stanley Cup Finals.

Now, the Winter Classic is just another outdoor game.

Yes, the demand for many cities to host outdoor games is enormous. Yes, these games will generate a ton of revenue for the NHL, and probably astronomical ratings. I, as a Rangers fan, will make every attempt to attend one of the Yankee Stadium games. I'm excited about it.

But the greatest fear we all have about the outdoor hockey game is overkill. And it appears it has happened.

Perhaps the NHL outdoor series will be a greater success than the Winter Classic. Only time will tell.

However, most hockey fans salivate over that one outdoor game that showcases the sport they love to a larger audience. The Winter Classic was something special, something their sport can be proud of.

Now, with several games, the casual fan will become bored, and eventually, disinterested.

The NHL did not miss a beat after the lockout. The fans returned in droves.

Hockey doesn't need more diehard fans, but an increase in outdoor games may not draw the casual fan as the league hopes. They will just be mid-season games, nothing more. Eventually, the outdoor game may outlive its usefulness and profitability.

Especially if the NHL chooses to stage an outdoor game in Phoenix in the near future.

Once again, the NHL shoots itself in the foot.