There has been no official confirmation from the NHL, but “sources” have told several different media outlets, including Chuck Gormley of the Courier-Post, that the Flyers will be hosting the 2012 Winter Classic versus the New York Rangers.
The NHL is likely waiting until the end of the 2011 playoffs to maximize the impact of the news.
The date and venue will be January 2 at Citizens Bank Park. Although the Linc would be better for sight lines, the Eagles will be playing the Redskins on January 1.
None of this really comes as a surprise, as the Flyers have been rumored for the event as early as January 2, 2011. Truth be told, I wasn’t happy to hear the Pittsburgh Penguins would be in their second Classic so soon and I feel the same way about the Flyers. There are many other teams that deserve their chance to shine as much as Philadelphia’s.
On the other hand, this means that HBO’s 24/7 program will be covering the Flyers when no one else is looking. This past year’s four-episode series following the Penguins and the Washington Capitals was excellent. Perhaps the Flyers fans that show up around April will finally see why Mike Richards is actually deserving of the captaincy.
The New York Rangers are arguably the fourth biggest rival for the Flyers, behind the Penguins, New Jersey Devils, and (lately) Boston Bruins. Should the Blueshirts stay healthy next season, this will likely be as physical of a game as it gets. Rangers fans would best stay clear of the ballpark if the NHL hopes to avoid its first fatality at a Winter Classic.
One question nags me, though- what’s the over/under that Michael Leighton backstops the Flyers in his second Winter Classic?
If this is true, then I will see all of you there. The Flyers have a strong fan base and their will be a ton of people their because of the Birds game too.
Sounds good, Hopefully they can sure up their Goaltending,Overall Defense, Special Teams,Faceoffs,Scoring and their Coaching by then…
Did anyone see Ed SNider on that interveiw on COmcast.. What a joke he is