The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Buffalo Sabres 2-1 on Tuesday in the National Hockey League's second outdoor game that drew a record 71,217 fans despite freezing temperatures in upstate New York.

Pittsburgh prevailed when Sidney Crosby scored the winning goal during the final round of an overtime shootout, outmanoeuvring Buffalo goalie Ryan Miller to sneak the puck into the net.

The NHL staged the Winter Classic in an American football stadium home to the Buffalo Bills.

The NHL last played an outdoor game November 22, 2003, in Canada, where the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Edmonton Oilers 4-3. That game was attended by more than 57,000 people.

Pittsburgh's first goal, by Colby Armstrong, came 21 seconds in to the match. Buffalo's Brian Campbell answered in the 22nd minute.

The NHL has been trying to recover from the 2004-2005 lockout by owners in a dispute with the players that forced the cancellation of the season. It was the first time a Stanley Cup championship trophy had not been awarded since 1919.