The NHL announced on Monday, Sept. 26th, 2011 that the Philadelphia Flyers will host the New York Rangers in the 2012 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic at Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies, on January 2, 2012. As in previous years, the 2012 Winter Classic will be played outdoors, honoring the sport's long celebrated origin. However, this year there is one exception: instead of taking place on New Year's Day the 2012 NHL Winter Classic will be played on the 2nd.
Flyers and Rangers: Division Rivals
Division rivals for over 40 years, the Flyers and the Rangers are no strangers to each other. Over the last 4 decades, the2 teams have traveled back and forth between Broad Street and Broadway, resulting in several historic--vand bloody - contests. Their storied rivalry will enter a new chapter this coming season as the two prepare to face off in front of a nationwide audience in the NHL's most coveted regular season game.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman
"The Rangers-Flyers rivalry is one of our very best," said National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman. "It is only a short distance from Broadway to Broad Street and over the years these not-so-neighborly teams have provided an assortment of memorable games. I have every expectation that the 2012 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic will provide more great moments to remember."
Historical Rivarly
These two teams are no stranger to drama, either. The Flyers and Rangers have squared off against each other in several meaningful games over the last 40 years, both in the regular season and the Stanley Cup playoffs. Perhaps the most memorable game in recent history was the "winner takes all" game on the last day of the 2009-2010 regular season, in which the victor was awarded the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Knotted at 1-1 at the end of overtime, the two teams entered a shootout with everything on the line. Philadelphia eventually prevailed on a beautiful goal by forward Danny Briere, sending the Broad Street Bullies to the playoffs and eventually to the Stanley Cup.
Owner's Perspective
"It's an honor for the Philadelphia Flyers to serve as ambassadors for the NHL. We look forward to hosting the Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic in Philadelphia and showcasing our great city to hockey fans throughout North America," said Comcast-Specator and Philadelphia Flyers founder Ed Snider.
New York Rangers' President and General Manager Glen Sather echoed Mr. Snider's comments, adding, "The Rangers organization is honored and excited to take part in what has become one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year."
Brief History of the NHL Winter Classic
Dating back to 2008, the NHL has held the Winter Classic outdoors on New Year's Day each year. The first contest featured the Buffalo Sabres hosting the Pittsburgh Penguins at Ralph Wilson Stadium. The following year, the Chicago Blackhawks hosted the Detroit Red Wings at historic Wrigley Field. In 2010, the Flyers received their first taste of the Winter Classic as they squared off against the Boston Bruins at Fenway Park. Last year, the Penguins hosted superstar Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals.
Kevin Dillon - Kevin L. Dillon is a recent college graduate of Millersville University, where he majored in English Literature and minored in Print ...
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