2012 Winter Classic: Record AHL Attendance Set At Citizens Bank Park

An American Hockey League-record crowd of 45,653 fans watched the Hershey Bears lose 4-3 to the Adirondack Phantoms Friday night at Citizen Bank Park. The attendance mark crushed the previous record of 21,673 set last year in an outdoor game between the Connecticut and Providence at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, CT.

The Bears and Phantoms played four days after the Philadelphia Flyers were edged by the New York Rangers, 3-2, in front of 46,967 fans during the 2012 Winter Classic, Jan. 2, at Citizen Bank Park. The largest crowd to witness a Winter Classic happened during the inaugural event at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Buffalo, NY when 71,217 people were in attendance for the Sabres vs. the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2008.

The AHL's inaugural outdoor game between Syracuse and Binghamton in 2010 drew 21,508 fans the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse.

See SBNation Philly's StoryStream for complete Winter Classic coverage. You can visit Broad Street Hockey for the Flyers perspective. For the Rangers, check out Blueshirt Banter for the Rangers perspective.

NHL Winter Classic 2012 Brawl: Philadelphia Police Release Video Of Fighting Fans

Following the 2012 Winter Classic, Jan. 2, at Citizen Bank Park in Philadelphia, a brawl between Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers fans took place resulting in a fan being seriously injured. On Wednesday, the Philadelphia Police Department took their investigation to the internet by posting a YouTube video to try to identify those responsible.

According to the YouTube video description:

"On January 2, 2012, at 7:15pm, three unknown males wearing Philadelphia Flyers Jerseys assaulted two males while at Geno's Steaks located at 1200 South 9th Street. The assault began after the Winter Classic hockey event and the male victims were wearing New York Rangers jerseys. During the altercation one of the victims was seriously injured."

If you have any information about the incident, police are asking for you to call them at 215-686-3013

See SBNation Philly's StoryStream for complete Winter Classic coverage. You can visit Broad Street Hockey for the Flyers perspective. For the Rangers, check out Blueshirt Banter for the Rangers perspective.

NHL Winter Classic 2012: Rangers Vs. Flyers Draws Event's Lowest TV Rating Ever

The 2012 NHL Winter Classic was a tightly-contested game between the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers that wasn't decided until the final horn. Sadly, relatively few people watched.

The game drew the lowest television rating (2.4) for a Winter Classic game in the first five years of the event. The most-watched game was a 2009 meeting between the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings that drew a 2.9 rating. Last year's game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals had a 2.8 rating.

More: Check out Brayden Schenn's first NHL goal.

Those who did tune in on Monday were treated to a heck of a game. The Rangers scored two third-period goals to grab a 3-2 lead, then held on despite two crucial penalties down the stretch, including one that allowed Danny Briere to shoot a penalty shot with 19.6 seconds left. Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist turned the penalty shot away, allowing the Rangers to skate off with the victory.

See SBNation Philly's StoryStream for complete Winter Classic coverage. You can visit Broad Street Hockey for the Flyers perspective. For the Rangers, check out Blueshirt Banter for the Rangers perspective.

2012 Winter Classic Highlights, Flyers Vs. Rangers (Video): Danny Briere Penalty Shot And More

Despite the outcome for Philadelphia Flyers fans -- a 3-2 loss to Atlantic Division rival the New York Rangers -- the 2012 Winter Classic was an event that hockey fans will have a hard time forgetting. The contest featured a lot of good hitting, a three-goal string, including a pair coming within 30 seconds of each other; a controversial, third-period whistle that prevented a would-be game-tying goal; and a penalty shot with 19.6 seconds remaining that could have potentially led to an overtime.

To top it all off, it even started snowing at one point!

If you missed all the action, well here's a full highlights provided by NHLHockey95 via YouTube:

NHL: 2012 Winter Classic Highlights - Flyers vs Rangers 1/2/12 (via NHLHockey95)

See SBNation Philly's StoryStream for complete Winter Classic coverage. You can visit BroadStreetHockey for the Flyers perspective. For the Rangers, check out Blueshirt Banter for the Rangers perspective.

NHL Winter Classic 2012, Flyers Vs. Rangers: TV Ratings, Ticket Sales Do Well

Monday's 3-2 loss to the New York Rangers in the 2012 Winter Classic was a disappointing one for Philadelphia Flyers fans but there was some good to come out of the narrow loss, as the NHL seems to have found its signature event.

According to ESPN.com's Sports Business writer Kristi Dosh, via Twitter, the ratings for the annual outdoor event, held this year at Citizen Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA, "beat out ABC, CBS and FOX in 18-49 category." Dosh also said ticket sales for the event have seen huge growth.

"Ticket re-seller StubHub has seen overall ticket sales for the Winter Classic trump not only the all-star game but also quite a few Stanley Cup games.

"The Winter Classic also out-sold Game 1 of the 2010 Stanley Cup Finals, and the 2008 Winter Classic was the second-best selling game of the regular season."

See SBNation Philly's StoryStream for complete Winter Classic coverage. You can visit BroadStreetHockey for the Flyers perspective. For the Rangers, check out Blueshirt Banter for the Rangers perspective.

Winter Classic 2012: Rangers Beat Flyers 3-2

The Rangers came from behind to win a dramatic Winter Classic over the Flyers 3-2. The Flyers jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the second period, but three straight goals from the visitors and superb goaltending from Henrik Lundqvist earned the Rangers a pivotal 2 points.

The most dramatic moment in the game came in the waning seconds, when a Ranger player covered up the puck in the crease, prompting the refs to call for a penalty shot with the Flyers down a goal. So with :19 left, Danny Briere, one of the best penalty shot takers in the NFL, had a chance to tie the game. However, as he did all night, Lundqvist bailed out the Rangers and made the game saving stop.

So, as it always seems do with the Flyers, this one came down to goaltending. The game tying goal allowed by Sergei Bobrovsky to Mike Rupp was soft, Henrik Lundqvist stood on his head and Ilya Bryzgalov watched from the bench.

See SBNation Philly's StoryStream for complete Winter Classic coverage. You can visit BroadStreetHockey for the Flyers perspective. For the Rangers, check out Blueshirt Banter for the Rangers perspective.

Winter Classic 2012 Update: Schenn, Giroux Score For Flyers

The first period of the 2012 NHL Winter Classic ended scoreless, but the second period has given way to goals. The Flyers got it started when Brayden Schenn, who was the centerpiece of the deal that sent Mike Richards to the Kings, scored his first NHL goal when he slapped in a rebound of a Matt Carle shot.

The Flyers would add to their lead just 2 minutes later when Max Talbot found Claude Giroux streaking to the net. Henrik Lundqvist stopped Giroux on a breakaway earlier in the game, but the NHL's second leading scorer would not be denied again and beat Lundqvist to make it 2-0 Flyers.

The momentum would be short lived however as just :30 later Mike Rupp would beat Sergei Bobrovsky to cut the lead back to one. With 20 minutes left to play it's Flyers 2, Rangers 1 at Citizens Bank Park.

See SBNation Philly's StoryStream for complete Winter Classic coverage. You can visit BroadStreetHockey for the Flyers perspective. For the Rangers, check out Blueshirt Banter for the Rangers perspective.

2012 Winter Classic: Flyers And Rangers Scoreless After One

The Flyers and Rangers are off to a fast start in the 2012 Winter Classic, but so far both teams have been held scoreless through one period. The Flyers got the majority of the best chances in the first period, but Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist was superb making 12 saves.

The Flyers two biggest chances came via breakaways from their two best scorers. The first came from Claude Giroux, who had the puck narrowly poked away with the butt end of Lundqvist’s stick.

The other came on a beautiful piece of play where Giroux found Jagr streaking with a one touch pass. Jagr then split the Ranger defense, deked, but saw Lundqvist save his backhanded shot.

The Flyers have had more energy and chances, but until they can solve Lundqvist, it won’t matter.

See SBNation Philly's StoryStream for complete Winter Classic coverage. You can visit BroadStreetHockey for the Flyers perspective. For the Rangers, check out Blueshirt Banter for the Rangers perspective.

2012 Winter Classic Weather Report: Sunny Forecast For NHL Action

The local weather forecast for the 2012 NHL Winter Classic in Philadelphia is encouraging for the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers -- and the Philly fans who will be in attendance at Citizens Bank Park on Monday. According to Weather.com, the report is for it to be 41 degrees and sunny at the game's new start time of 3 p.m.

Earlier Monday, it will be partly cloudy with winds that could reach nearly 20 miles per hour, and a 20 percent chance of rain. Weather concerns already pushed the game from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Travis Hughes explains the change in Winter Classic start time:

The problem isn't the unseasonably warm temperatures in Philadelphia, rather the sun that beats down on the rink in the middle of the afternoon. The ice conditions become too soft for an NHL game. Cloud cover would have solved the problems, but with mostly sunny skies in the forecast for Monday, delaying the game became necessary.

Last season, it rained on the Winter Classic between the Penguins and Capitals, causing delays. This season, NHL officials hope to avoid a repeat if the weather cooperates with the new start time.

See SBNation Philly's StoryStream for complete Winter Classic coverage. You can visit BroadStreetHockey for the Flyers perspective. For the Rangers, check out Blueshirt Banter for the Rangers perspective.

Winter Classic 2012, Flyers Vs. Rangers: Time, TV, Live Streaming And More

The Philadelphia Flyers host the New York Rangers Monday in the 2012 NHL Winter Classic at Citizen Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA. The NHL's annual outdoor game, which began in 2008, will begin at 3 p.m. ET on NBC, and will pair two Eastern Conference Atlantic Division rivals who have already faced off twice this season -- the Rangers won both meetings.

If you're interested in catching the game but don't know where to find it, well here's the Winter Classics game time, TV schedule and radio streams:

Location: Citizen Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA

Game Time: 3 p.m. ET. Gates open at 1 p.m.

• Sports Complex Parking Lots will open at 9 a.m. ET
  
• Spectator Plaza will operate from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. ET.
  
• Gates to Citizens Bank Park will open at 1 p.m. ET

TV: NBC -- "Doc" Emrick (play-by-play), Eddie Olczyk (analyst) and Pierre McGuire (inside-the-glass reporter).

• Pregame Show on NBC, 1 p.m.
  

Rangers Radio Stream: 1050 ESPN

Flyers Radio Stream: 94 WIP

-- See SBNation Philly's StoryStream for complete Winter Classic coverage. You can visit BroadStreetHockey for the Flyers perspective. For the Rangers, check out Blueshirt Banter for the Rangers perspective.

2012 Winter Classic, Flyers Vs. Rangers: Game Time Moved Because Of Weather Forecast

Expecting an unseasonal weather forecast that is calling for a high temperature of 41-degrees and some sun, the NHL decided Sunday to move up the game time of Monday's 2012 Winter Classic between the Philadelphia Fylers and New York Rangers at Citizen Bank Park from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

"The revised start time is based on tomorrow's weather forecast and should offer optimal game conditions for players and fans, said an official release by the NHL"

The contest will be played on a specially made rink that needs the right temperate to stay playable. It seems that starting the game at 3 p.m. will at least preserve the ice enough for a full 60-minute contest.

Only twice in five years has there been weather issues during the Winter Classic. The first came during the inaugural in 2008, when the Buffalo Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins played in snow flurries at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Then, last last year at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA, the Penguins and Washington Capitals played in a bit of a drizzle during the game.

-- See SBNation Philly's StoryStream for complete Winter Classic coverage. You can visit BroadStreetHockey for the Flyers perspective. For the Rangers, check out Blueshirt Banter for the Rangers perspective.

NHL Winter Classic: Sergei Bobrovsky To Start For Flyers

The Philadelphia Flyers's starting goaltender for the 2012 Winter Classic has been decided, but it it wasn't head coach Peter Laviolette who made the announcement Saturday instead it was goalie Ilya Bryzgalov.

"Great news, I’m not playing tomorrow night," Bryzgalov said Sasturday. "Good news, we have a chance to win the game."

Despite Laviolette not telling either goaltender who would be facing the New York Rangers Monday in the NHL's annual outdoor game, which will be played at Citizen Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA (1 p.m. on NBC), Bryzgalov told reporters that backup Sergei Bobrovsky would get the start. The assumption by Bryzgalov was made because Laviolette has been using a day-to-day evaluation on players, who have been rewarded with good play by more minutes.

In the his last three starts, Bobrowsky has played well and won all three, while Bryzgalov has been inconsistent in three of his last four starts.

For more on the NHL Winter Classic and the Alumni Game check out our full storystream and Broad Street Hockey.

2012 Winter Classic, Flyers Vs. Rangers: Weather Report, Game Time, TV Schedule

The 2012 NHL Winter Classic is about 24 hours away and it seems that the weather report for the NHL's annual outdoor game looks pretty promising. According to Weather.com, Sunday's forecast calls for windy and mild conditions, but very little chance for any precipitation to ruin the contest between the two East Conference rivals, Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers, who will play in a specially created rink in the middle of Citzen Bank Park.

The game will be broadcast on NBC starting at 1 p.m., and around that time the weather is predicted to be around 41-degress with a wind around 23 miles per hour and just a 20-percent chance of any precipitation. As the contest progresses nothing is really suppose to change.

Only twice in five years has there been precipitation during the Winter Classic. The first came during the inaugural in 2008, when the Buffalo Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins played in snow flurries at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Then, last last year at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA, the Penguins and Washington Capitals played in a bit of a drizzle during the game.

For more on the NHL Winter Classic and the Alumni Game check out our full storystream and Broad Street Hockey.

Winter Classic Alumni Game: Flyers Legends Score 3-1 Victory Over Rangers

In what is seen as a largely a dress rehearsal for the Winter Classic on January 2nd, Flyers and Rangers alumni took the ice this afternoon for the annual Winter Classic Alumni game in front of 45,000 fans at Citizens Bank Park In Philadelphia. The Flyers legends emerged with a 3-1 thanks to goals from John LeClair, Shjon Podein & Mark Howe.

The star of the day however had to be 66 year old Flyers hall of fame goaltender Bernie Parent, who played only about 4 minutes, but stopped all six shots he faced, including a breakaway from Ron Dugay. It was pretty amazing just to see a guy of Parent’s age suit up, but for him to play well and make some saves really got the fans in South Philadelphia excited.

Other than Parent. the story was the partial reunion of the famed "Legion of Doom" line. While Mikael Renberg could not make it, Eric Lindros and John LeClair teamed up with Mark Recchi to reform the famous line which struck early when Lindros found LeClair at the side of the net for a tap in past Rangers goalie John Vanbeisbrouck.

All in all it was a feel good afternoon in South Philly to see all the Flyers and Rangers legends back on the ice. The pace was slow, the hockey was pretty bad, but excitement was there. The current Flyers and Rangers faceoff on Monday for the real thing.

For more on the NHL Winter Classic and the Alumni Game check out our full storystream and Broad Street Hockey.

Winter Classic Alumni Game: Lindros, LeClair, Parent Star Early On

The NHL Winter Classic Alumni game is underway at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia featuring many of the great players to ever don a Flyers or Rangers sweater. The game looks pretty much like what it is, a bunch of old men playing hockey, but the fans in South Philly are clearly having a blast.

66 year old Bernie Parent was the star of the first five minutes making 5 saves, including a breakaway stop on Rangers’ legend Ron Duguay. He left after just about 5 minutes to a standing ovation from the crowd and both teams.

After Bernie departed, the scoring began and of course, it was the Legion of Doom line who did the damage. Eric Lindros found John LeClair at the side of the net and he beat John Vanbeisbrouck for the first goal of the game. Shjon Podein scored the games’ second goal a few minutes later after he picked up on a fanned shot from Rick Tocchet.

For more on the NHL Winter Classic and the Alumni Game check out our full storystream and Broad Street Hockey.

Winter Classic Alumni Game: Eric Lindros Talks Concussions

With star players like Sidney Crosby & Chris Pronger losing large stretches of time to concussions over the past two seasons, the issue has become front and center in the NHL. However, back in Eric Lindros’ day that wasn’t the case. He was one of the few players whose bouts with concussion symptoms was public.

“I feel pretty lucky based on my [history] and a bunch of guys going through some tough times,” Lindros said at the Alumni Game press conference. “I feel quite lucky and very healthy.”

Former Ranger Paul Broten, who will play for the Rangers in the alumni game, said that just because they weren’t as publicized back then, doesn’t mean they didn’t exist.

“People always ask me that question and this is a bad way to answer it, but 50 years ago you never heard about child abuse or anything else and now you hear it all the time. You never heard about concussions or fetal alcohol syndrome, you never heard anything,” Broten said. “Now everything’s coming up and people are studying it, really looking into it. If it causes long-term damage, they’ve got to look at it.”

The Winter Classic Alumni Game takes place today at 3pm and can be seen on Versus.

Winter Classic 2012 Alumni Game: A Warm Weather Affair

If you never thought you would get another chance to see Eric Lindros meet Mark Messier and Brian Leetch, the feeling was natural. But you'll get another chance this afternoon. They just might be skating in slush by then.

The 2012 Winter Classic Alumni Game pits famous players of yesteryear against each other, a handful of Philadelphia Flyers legends against their counterparts from the New York Rangers. The game time has already been pushed back due to warm weather in the region, and temperatures for Saturday afternoon threaten to burst into the 50s, with a chance of rain showers according to Weather.com.

Participating in the alumni game for the Flyers will be Jeremy Roenick, Eric Lindros, John LeClair and Mark Howe, among others, and the crew will be coached by Pat Quinn. The Rangers will be coached by Mike Keenan, who led the organization to its first championship in more than 54 years in 1993-94. Mark Messier, Brian Leetch, Adam Graves, Ron Duguay, Dave Maloney and Mike Gartner are all expected to skate in the game.

Game Date/Time: Saturday, Dec. 31, 3 p.m. ET

Location: Citizen's Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pa.

TV: Versus (National), CBC (Canada), CSN Philadelphia (Philadelphia)

For continued updates and analysis of both these teams, visit the Flyers blog Broad Street Hockey and the Rangers blog Blueshirt Banter.

Winter Classic: Alumni Game Pushed Back Due To 3 P.M.

Two days before the Philadelphia Flyers meet the New York Rangers in Citizens Bank Park, the home of the Philadelphia Phillies, for the NHL's annual Winter Classic outdoor game, famous almuni from both teams will face each other in the alumni game. Players that are to be featured include Eric Lindros and Mark Messier and should be a fun show to start off a very important game for both the Flyers and the Rangers as they'll be fighting for first place in the Eastern Conference's Atlantic Division.

The alumni game will be getting off to a late start on Saturday, though, as the game has been pushed back from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET due to warm weather that has created "soft ice."

The NHL was fortunate in the first three Winter Classic games as they got perfect "hockey weather" in Buffalo, Chicago and in Boston. Last year's game in Pittsburgh had to be pushed back to avoid rain. Weather forecasts are predicting a cold front to come into the area on Sunday night which should help the actual game itself start on time.

Photo: Winter Classic Ice At Citizens Bank Park

NHL Winter Classic 2012: Could Bobrovsky Start In Net?

The last Flyers win came with Sergei Bobrovsky in net. That was the 4-1 victory over Dallas. Bobrovsky will be back in net tonight against the Pens. The question is, what happens if he's good tonight? What would it mean for the Winter Classic?

Tonight's game marks the Flyers final tune up before the 2012 Winter Classic on January 2nd. It's a huge game not only from a rivalry sense but in the standings as well and after surrendering 9 goals in his last two games, Ilya Bryzgalov is getting the night off. Could it be a sign that Bob might end up starting the Winter Classic if he plays well? Peter Laviolette wouldn't say that, but he also didn't commit to Bryz as his netminder for the game.

"I’m only going to comment on one game here, don’t read anything into it," Laviolette said.

He would say only that winning is what he's focused on.

"I don’t think you need to put who’s in goal in there," Laviolette said. "The only thing that really matters is getting two points. That’s spread throughout the team here. We need to play really well ... We have a chance to end this year on a positive note."

So if he's focused on winning and Bob plays lights out tonight against the Pens, why wouldn't Lavy start him against the Rangers in the Winter Classic?

2012 NHL Winter Classic Schedule, Game Time And More

The 2012 Winter Classic is right around the corner, with the festivities scheduled to begin on Saturday with an alumni game that precedes the main event: a regular season meeting between the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers.

The alumni game, which will be televised on Versus at 1 p.m. on Dec. 31, pits famous alumni from both franchises.

Participating in the alumni game for the Flyers will be Jeremy Roenick, Eric Lindros, John LeClair and Mark Howe, among others, and the crew will be coached by Pat Quinn. The Rangers will be coached by Mike Keenan, who led the organization to its first championship in more than 54 years in 1993-94. Mark Messier, Brian Leetch, Adam Graves, Ron Duguay, Dave Maloney and Mike Gartner are all expected to skate in the game.

The alumni game will foreshadow the actual game, which boasts two of the Eastern Conference's top teams.

Game Date/Time: Monday, Jan. 2, 1 p.m. ET

Location: Citizen's Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pa.

TV: NBC (National), CBC (Canada)

For continued updates and analysis of both these teams, visit the Flyers blog Broad Street Hockey and the Rangers blog Blueshirt Banter.

NHL Winter Classic 2012: Game History, Results, Flyers Vs. Rangers

In just four days the Philadelphia Flyers will host the New York Rangers in the 2012 edition of the NHL Winter Classic, which will be played at Citizen Bank Park, Jan. 2 (1 p.m. ET on NBC). This will be the second time the Flyers franchise will play in the NHL's annual outdoor game that begin in 2008 when the Buffalo Sabres hosted the Pittsburgh Penguins at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

It was just two years ago, that Philadelphia lost in overtime to the Boston Bruins, 2-1, at Fenway Park. It was also the second time in the game's history that the contest couldn't be decided in regulation -- Pittsburgh defeated Buffalo, 2-1, in a shootout.

The recent history of these two legendary Eastern Conference Atlantic Division franchises, features the Flyers and Rangers already playing twice this season, as New York won both contests.

On Nov. 26, the Rangers used goals from center Brad Richards and right winger Brandon Prust, and 29 saves from goaltender Henrik Lundqvist to blank visiting Philadelphia, 2-0.

And, just a few days ago, Dec. 23, the Rangers used another solid effort by Lundqvist (28 saves) to beat the Flyers, 4-2.

Here's a composite final score history of the NHL's Winter Classic:

2008: Pittsburgh Penguins 2, Buffalo Sabres 1 (SO) -- Ralph Wilson Stadium in Buffalo, NY
2009: Detroit Red Wings 6, Chicago Black Hawks 4 -- Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL
2010: Boston Bruins 2, Flyers 1 (OT) -- Fenway Park in Boston, MA
2011: Washington Capitals 3, Penguins 1 -- Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA

For more on the Winter Classic, check out SB Nation Philly's StoryStream. For more on the Flyers, visit our team page or our blog, Broad Street Hockey.

2012 Winter Classic: Weather Report Contains Small Chance Of Precipitation

The 2012 Winter Classic will be played outside with no roof to shield fans from the elements, a flashback to hockey many people are familiar with, hockey played on a frozen pond with breath that shows up as smoke in the air and perhaps a wintry mix of snow flakes falling from the sky.

The atmosphere is exciting and unique, but it also gives fans another variable to pay attention to: the weather report.

According to Weather.com, the forecast for Jan. 2 -- when the Philadelphia Flyers host the New York Rangers at 1 p.m. at Citizen's Bank Park -- contains just a 10 percent chance of precipitation as of 12:35 p.m. ET on Dec. 28. The high temperature for the day is expected to reach 42 degrees, but the wind could be harsh on those who attend the game: gusts are expected to come from the west at 22 MPH.

For more on the Winter Classic, check out SB Nation Philly's StoryStream. For more on the Flyers, visit our team page or our blog, Broad Street Hockey.

NHL Winter Classic 2012: NBC's 'Doc' Emrick Talks Flyers Vs. Rangers

The 2012 Winter Classic is just one week away, and everyone who's associated with the NHL's annual outdoor game, which this year will be played between the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers at Citizen Bank Park in Philadelphia, is excited about it.

On Saturday, USAToday.com published an interview with the contest's play-by-play announcer, NBC's 'Doc' Emrick, who talked about the electric atmosphere that surround the game.

"It's as close to a Game 7 of a Stanley Cup Final as you can get," said Emrick. "...These guys have been all over the world and they've played a lot of hockey in a lot of venues but this is a special one."

Emrick was also asked about the rash of head injuries, which have plagued the Flyers, and what the league can do to solve the problem.

"The analogy of the 500 Mile Race leads me to conclude that widening the rink by even three or four feet," said Emrick, "might make a difference. Seating wise I know there wouldn't be a lot of trouble because normally the lower seats are temporary anyway. I am uncertain of the 30 rinks and how the ice plant could be expanded. I am sure there is ice enough in some---Calgary for example---and building would have to place in others."

For the full interview with 'Doc' Emrick click on this link.

For more on the Winter Classic, check out SB Nation Philly's StoryStream. For more on the Flyers, visit our team page or our blog, Broad Street Hockey.

2012 NHL Winter Classic Time Lapse Video

Flyers Winter Classic 2012: Episode 2 Of HBO 24/7 Airs Tonight

The anticipation for the 2012 Winter Classic continues to build. The Philadelphia Flyers will be taking on the New York Rangers in Philly  in a game that figures to have big implications in the Atlantic Division.

Currently the Flyers are staying ahead of the Rangers for first place, but the gap isn't as big as Philadelphia would hope. The Flyers are boasting a record of 20-8-4 and have 44 points. The Rangers are nipping at their heels with 42 points and a 19-18-4 record. The Flyers will take on the Dallas Stars on Wednesday night and the Rangers will host the New York Islanders on Thursday night.

Wednesday will also feature the debut of episode 2 of the acclaimed HBO series "24/7 Flyers/Rangers: Road to the NHL Winter Classic." Any hockey fan who saw last year's series featuring the Penguins and Capitals leading up to the 2011 Winter Classic knows just how riveting and informative the series can be.

Episode 2 will air at 10 PM EST on HBO and you can find plenty more information as well as video previews of the episode at the official HBO 24/7 website.

For more on the Winter Classic, check out SB Nation Philly's StoryStream. For more on the Flyers, visit our team page or our blog, Broad Street Hockey.

Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Excited For The Winter Classic

Ilya Bryzgalov's Winter Classic Mask Will Pay Tribute To Philly Sports History

Flyers Winter Classic 2012 Rendering: What Citizen Bank Park Will Look Like

On Monday, the ice trucks that will help Citizens Bank Park transform from a baseball stadium into an ice rink for the 2012 Winter Classic arrived. That means only one thing, the annual NHL outdoor game, which will be played Monday, Jan. 2, between the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers, is almost here! -- in fact, its just 13 days away!

And, if you'd like an idea of what the stadium is going to look like on that day. Well, you're in luck, as Schuyler Baehman, who's the NHL Senior Manager of Communications, tweeted Monday a rendering of what Citizens Bank Park will look like with a hockey rink in the middle of it.

What a great picture! Travis Hughes of the Flyers blog Broad Street Hockey had this to say Monday:

"I think the one thing that's surprising is that mound of temporary bleachers in center field," said Hughes. "(Unless you have tickets there.) Then, I guess they're not that surprising at all.) Those will block off the ivy and the bullpen and create a lot more seats for the game, but it looks like they shield some of the outfield seats from a full view of the ice. They certainly take away some killer standing room views out on Ashburn Alley."

For more on the Winter Classic, check out SB Nation Philly's StoryStream. For more on the Flyers, visit our team page or our blog, Broad Street Hockey.

HBO's 24/7 Flyers Rangers Episode One Recap

HBO once again chronicles the buildup to the Winter Classic in this fantastic four-part, behind-the-scenes look at the NHL teams.

Penn State Hockey To Play Post-Winter Classic Game

Winter Classic 2012: NBC Releases "Rivalry" Spot

HBO Releases 24/7 Flyers/Rangers: Road to the NHL Winter Classic Preview

Flyers Winter Classic 2012: Chris Pronger Out Three To Six Weeks, Winter Classic Status In Jeopardy

Despite a troublesome virus that still bothers him, Philadelphia Flyers captain Chris Pronger is on track to return in three to six weeks and it's possible he could still compete in the 2012 Winter Classic.

The defenseman, who had surgery Tuesday on his left knee, told reporters on Thursday that he is still battling a mysterious virus.  

"It's been a bit of a mystery with what exactly is going on," he said. "I did some blood work, and we're trying to get to the bottom of what's going on."  

General manager Paul Holmgren said the blood rests revealed "no worries" and the team said that if Pronger didn't have knee problems, he might have been able to play this Friday. 

As for the knee injury, Pronger said it wouldn't have kept him from playing in the playoffs. But because it's still early in the season, he decided surgery -- which was less involved than the 2010 surgery that kept him our for 10 weeks -- was worth it. 

"But it got to the point where I wouldn't have played very well," he said. "We can always say we can play, but at what level and at what detriment are you playing? At this stage in the season, not knowing the other side of it, it was prudent to get it done now so that if I'm able to return in four weeks, let's say, then I'm able to get three weeks in before the all-star break and then put the hammer down after that, as we get into the playoff stretch."

For more Philadelphia Flyers coverage, visit our team page, or our blog Broad Street Hockey.

Flyers Announce Winter Classic Alumni Game Roster

Flyers Officially Unveil Winter Classic Jerseys

The Philadelphia Flyers officially revealed the jerseys that they'll be wearing at this year's Winter Classic to be played at Citizens Bank Park. As you can see from the following picture tweeted by Broad Street Hockey, they're very close to the images that have been leaking out in recent weeks.

BSH also got a pick of Blair Betts and Brayden Schenn in the jersey.

The 2012 Winter Classic will pit the Flyers vs the New York Rangers at Citizens Bank Park. The game will be shown nationally on NBC. HBO will also air a 24/7 series following the two teams in the run up to the game.

"The NHL Winter Classic is arguably the biggest game played during the NHL's regular season and it is a wonderful platform to feature our great sport to millions of worldwide viewers," said Ed Snider. "It's an honor for the Philadelphia Flyers to serve as ambassadors for the NHL. We look forward to hosting the Winter Classic in Philadelphia and showcasing our great city to hockey fans throughout North America."

For more on the Winter Classic unveil, check out Broad Street Hockey.

Winter Classic Jersey Unveiling Today

After months of speculation, the Flyers are unveiling their Winter Classic jersey today at Citizens Bank Park. Beginning at 11:30 AM, the team will hold a press conference, which Broad Street Hockey will be covering.

The jerseys are supposed to look something like what icethetics reported last week, thanks to player tees currently for sale.

For full coverage, follow Broad Street Hockey.

Winter Classic Jersey Speculation: Two Images Similar, Getting Closer to Real?

After sources confirmed a jersey to Philly Sports Daily in October, it became less likely with each day that it was actually the jersey the Flyers would wear on the Citizens Bank Park infield January 2nd. So we waited for another possible leak.

Today, The Orange Update posted an image - since removed - of the Winter Classic jersey, saying:

"This design, confirmed by people involved with the design and production of the jerseys, has been recognized as the 'closest they've seen' to 'the actual thing.'"

Luckily, Puck Daddy wrote about it before the story was removed - the catalyst for it being removed? - which captured the image and some of the language.

via Puck Daddy

Later today, icethetics posted their theory on what the jersey would be by simply saying, "Again, understand these are based on what I believe to be true. Feel free to tell me how wrong I am."

via icethetics

With only small differences, the two jerseys look largely the same. Is it possible that these are actually, at least, very close to the jerseys the Flyers will wear

The icethetics mockups have the added element of realism, but that may just be superior artwork always found on their site. In any event, the keystone under captain patches is a fantastic addition.

Other than that, these are simply the Flyers current home threads with alternate black/white numbers and letters as well as off-white instead of white. Is that enough to get you to buy one, if real?

UPDATE: As Crossing Broad pointed out on twitter, Frank Seravalli of the Daily News has already gotten a Flyers executive to deny The Orange Update's claim. While nothing above contradicts this information, it is worth clarifying.

Eric Lindros Will Participate In Flyers Winter Classic Alumni Game

Sources Confirm Flyers Winter Classic Jersey

According to Dave Isaac of Philly Sports Daily, multiple sources have confirmed the jersey that the Flyers will wear during the Winter Classic.

via phillysportsdaily.com

One problem with these is that Claude Giroux is not an alternate captain. Otherwise, I'm not sure what I think of these. I like the classic look (makes sense considering the game), but I don't love them. I think it needs a cream colored stripe somewhere on the bottom, instead of the triple black, but my reaction is quite lukewarm.

In either event, what do you think?

2012 Winter Classic: Multiple Events Highlight the Schedule

While the Winter Classic will be played between the Flyers and Rangers on Monday, January 2nd at 1 p.m., that won’t be the only event taking place on Citizens Bank Park ice.

Prior to the game, the Flyers and Rangers will be continuing the tradition of having an alumni game. This year’s will be on Saturday, December 31st and 1 p.m., and there is already a push to get Flyers great – and Rangers alum – Eric Lindros to play in the game. Considering how important Lindros was to the Flyers’ resurgence to relevance in the 1990s, how integral he was in building the home the Flyers currently play in, and how he revolutionized the game, Lindros’ inclusion in the Alumni Game is something the Flyers should work hard to ensure.

After the Winter Classic, two former Flyers’ AHL affiliates will play on the Citizens Bank Park infield. On Friday, January 6th at 7 p.m., the Adirondack Phantoms will host the Hershey Bears. For those fans who are likely to be shut out from getting tickets to the main event, this could be a nice consolation prize. The Phantoms look to build off of last year’s second-half resurgence, behind a new influx of talent. Who knows what the team will look like in January, but this game should be easier to get into while still being exciting.

Yet to be announced is when the rink will be opened for public skates. But there will be more than just an NHL game in Citizens Bank to draw fans in.

Live Video: The 2012 Winter Classic Announced in Philly

Or watch online, here.

Winter Classic to be Announced Today at Citizens Bank Park

The NHL announced that they will be holding a press conference today at Citizens Bank Park, beginning at 1:30 p.m. It seems a fairly safe assumption that this will be the official announcement of the 2012 Winter Classic between the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers.

The announcement is later than usual, which has led some to believe that the jerseys worn by each team will be revealed today as well. In other words, today is likely to reveal a lot.

Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer is reporting that the Flyers will be represented by Chris Pronger, Matt Carle, James van Riemsdyk, and Scott Hartnell, though Hartnell’s presence may be hampered by the disclosure of his rapid heart beat.

The press conference will be streamed live on the NHL Network, NHL.com, and each of the official team sites for the Flyers, Rangers, and Phillies.

Report: Flyers Favorites To Host 2012 Winter Classic

TSN is reporting that the Philadelphia Flyers are the leading candidates to host the NHL's 2012 Winter Classic. According to the report, the most likely opponent is the New York Rangers.

It also says that the NHL would like to hold the game at 70,000 seat Lincoln Financial Field, however the Eagles are hosting the Redskins on New Years day, which has typically been when the Winter Classic held. Obviously that all but rules out the Linc. It also may well rule out New Years' Day.

The speculation now is that the game could be played at 40,000 seat Citizen's Bank Park on January 2nd to avoid the NFL. Moving the game to avoid competing with the NFL is smart, but as anyone who has watched the Winter Classic over the past few years, it's a lot more awkward in a baseball stadium.No doubt it would be fun to have it in Philly either way, it would just be more fun to have it at the Linc...

Of course, probably the best thing about the Flyers in the Winter Classic means that we'll get treated to an HBO 24/7 series starring the orange and black leading up to the event.  That will be awesome.

So far there's been no official confirmation, so for the moment we'll have to file this in the "very strong rumor" department.

James van Riemsdyk wants to know!