NHL Winter Classic 2012: 10 Fights We Could Potentially See on Game Day

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Like it or not, fighting is a part of the NHL (at least for now, but that could change within a couple of years), and even during special or significant games, specifically the Winter Classic, fighting still occurs.

Two out of the four NHL Winter Classic games have included fights: Bruins-Flyers in 2010 and Penguins-Capitals in 2011. 

The more meaningful and historic the rivalry is between the two clubs, the more likely that physicality will be prevalent in their meeting.

With the Philadelphia Flyers facing off against their longtime division rivals, the New York Rangers, in this year's outdoor game, it's almost guaranteed that the mitts will drop at some point.

New York leads the league in fights; Philadelphia ranks fourth in that category.  The two teams have met twice so far this season and have combined for 72 minutes of penalties, including eight fighting majors.

Taking into account those figures, and the fact that these teams have a mutual hatred for each other, the odds of this Jan. 2 affair being an intense and chippy battle are great, and the chance of a scrap or two manifesting seems imminent.

These are the 10 most likely partners to square off in this nostalgic pond hockey showdown.

10. Harry Zolnierczyk vs. Brandon Dubinsky

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It's a bit of a long shot, considering Harry Zolnierczyk and Brandon Dubinsky don't have much of a history, but they are both willing combatants whose paths are bound to cross in some game.

This could be the game. 

9. Scott Hartnell vs. Brandon Dubinsky

Scott Hartnell has been scoring a lot more than he has been fighting this season, but he still enjoys mixing it up on occasion.  Look for him to get something going Monday.

He and Dubinsky have fought once before (see video), so they definitely have each other's numbers.   

8. Jody Shelley vs. Brandon Prust

Jody Shelley may be a healthy scratch for the Classic, but if not, look for him to get something going with Brandon Prust.

7. Braydon Coburn vs. Brian Boyle

Braydon Coburn and Brian Boyle are no slouches when it comes to shedding the mitts, and since they have traded punches before, be sure to keep an eye out when they are on the ice together.  

6. Jody Shelley vs. Mike Rupp

Again, it's doubtful that Shelley will play Monday, but if he does, Mike Rupp will probably be his first target.

The two veteran enforcers have tangled before, so an outdoor rematch is not out of the question.

5. Zac Rinaldo vs. Mike Rupp

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Rookie enforcer Zac Rinaldo has made his mark on a number of skulls this season, and Rupp may be his next challenge. 

4. Wayne Simmonds vs. Brandon Prust

Prust beat Wayne Simmonds in a bout earlier this season, but they may want to go at it again with Simmonds hoping for a different result. 

3. Marc-Andre Bourdon vs. Brandon Prust

Marc-Andre Bourdon and Prust scrapped in the last Flyers-Rangers meeting.  Will we see a rematch?

2. Zac Rinaldo vs. Stu Bickel

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Stu Bickel has fought three times in his first five NHL games. Fighting someone in a Winter Classic game may be a dream of his.

To find an opponent, he won't have to look any further than Rinaldo.

1. Zac Rinaldo vs. Brandon Prust

The odds of each team's main enforcer dropping the gloves with each other on Monday are very good, assuming that Rinaldo and Prust are not healthy scratches.