PHILADELPHIA -- In an event that is used a huge marketing opportunity for the National Hockey League, it was only a matter of time before the annual Winter Classic featured a team from the greatest city in the world. That city, of course, being New York and the Rangers who play within it. The organization has anxiously anticipated their invite, just as the players and their fans have, and although they had to travel 97 miles to the city of Philadelphia, Rangerland is more than honored to be included in this year's Winter Classic game. However, as general manager Glen Sather stated on the actual day that the teams for the 2012 outdoor game were officially announced, the Rangers are not here just to be "included". This is a rivalry and two points are up for grabs, so the Eastern Conference's current first place team is here to win and win big.
Now we all know very well the hatred that runs between these two franchises and the history that goes into the match-up. But the Rangers-Flyers rivalry has escalated to new levels this season with HBO producing even more tension between the two clubs with their 24/7: Road to the NHL Winter Classic series, which has followed each team's story from mid-December up until today's big event. On the most recent episode, we got a behind-the-scenes look at the momentum swings and adversity that the Rangers and Flyers undergo when they face-off against each other. There are always those few games on the calendar that as a coach, a player or a fan, you circle simply because of the opponent. January 2, 2012 was not only circled by everyone associated with Rangers or Flyers hockey because of the opponent, but also because it's a game that will be played on the biggest stage that has ever been created by the sport of hockey - The Winter Classic.
Being in Philly for 24 hours now, I can tell you first-hand that the environment here is simply incredible. There are hockey sweaters on every corner (Flyers and Rangers), everyone is talking about the game and tailgating in the parking lots of Citizens Bank Park started early this morning. The city is filled with hockey-related buzz right now for what is expected to be the highest attended game in the history of the NHL's Winter Classic event. That makes this year's edition even more special if you ask me.
But enough of the sappy stuff and onto the actual match-up. Going into this game, the New York Rangers lead the entire Eastern Conference with a 23-9-4 record and 50 points. Their most recent game, played on Friday in Sunrise, Florida, was a 4-1 win over the Southeast Division leading Panthers. Prior to that, the Blueshirts won six of seven games, and one of those wins featured a 4-1 defeat of today's opponent, the Philadelphia Flyers. In fact, the Rangers are 2-0-0 against the Flyers this season, having also beaten the Flyers, 2-0, earlier in the season. And going back to last season, New York is 4-0-0 in their last four meetings with Philadelphia, so they've had their number for quite some time now.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Flyers currently sit in fourth place in the Eastern Conference at 22-10-4. Early success this season drove the Flyers straight to the top of the standings, but the team has admittedly lost some steam as of late. They've lost four of their last six games, including a 6-0 doozy against the Boston Bruins two weeks ago. Goaltending, which was supposed to be a solidified position once the team brought in Ilya Bryzgalov, has once again become a major issue for Philly. In dramatic fashion, the hockey world was slightly surprised on Sunday when it was announced (by the team and Bryzgalov) that back-up Sergei Bobrovsky would be starting for the Flyers in today's game against the Rangers, instead of usual starter Ilya Bryzgalov.
Actually, the decision stirred up a little more negative attention than the Flyers had hoped for. As I discussed in this morning's article, Bryzgalov created a media frenzy in the Philadelphia locker room with his outlandish remarks, and the Rangers welcome this with open arms. As head coach John Tortorella has repeatedly said, the Winter Classic has brought levels of attention to his players that they have never before been subjected to, but with Ilya Bryzgalov forming quite the controversy on Philly's side, some of the attention has been taken off New York as they sort of fly in under the radar.
As far as New York's lineup goes, John Tortorella claimed yesterday after practice that it would remain the same as it was in Florida on Friday. However, there was a rumor that Marc Staal would be making his season debut this afternoon after not playing a single game this year due to post-concussion symptoms. That has not been confirmed as of now, so I'm going with the coach's word that the lineup will remain the same for today, meaning no Staal.
New York Rangers Lineup
Also be sure to follow my Twitter (@NickMonteRT) throughout the day for the latest news as well as pictures live from Citizens Bank Park.
We've waited for this day all year and now it's finally here.
Let's do this.
UPDATE (12:50 p.m.): John Tortorella has announced that Marc Staal IS in the lineup on defense today. No word on who is out. Read more here.
Comments