NHL Winter Classic 2012: Matt Read and Little-Known Players To Keep an Eye on

While every hockey fan is aware of the big-name players that will be taking part in the NHL Winter Classic on Monday like Jaromir Jagr, Daniel Briere, Brad Richards and Henrik Lundqvist, it is often the players you least expect who have the biggest impact on the game.

That was the case in last season's Winter Classic between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals. Superstars like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Alex Ovechkin were overshadowed by former Washington forward Eric Fehr's two-goal effort. Here are three players who can similarly steal the show this season.

Zac Rinaldo, Philadelphia Flyers

The chances of Flyers rookie forward Zac Rinaldo making a big impact on the score sheet in this game are fairly low as he has just one goal in 31 games this season, but Rinaldo makes his presence felt in other ways. Rinaldo may be small at 5'11" and 169 lbs, but he is quickly developing into one of the league's better agitators.

Not only does he like to throw what little weight he has around the rink, but he is also tied for fourth in fighting majors this season with eight. While Rinaldo doesn't always come out on top, he is more than willing to stick his neck out on the line. Rinaldo could play a huge role in this game if the Flyers get off to a slow start. It wouldn't be surprising to see him pick a fight in an effort to provide Philly with a spark.

Carl Hagelin, New York Rangers

Swedish rookie forward Carl Hagelin has only played 17 games for the New York Rangers, but he has already made his presence felt with nine points, including six goals. Hagelin is an interesting case in that he is a Swedish citizen who came overseas to play collegiate hockey at Michigan. Due to that, he is already accustomed to the North American style of play and he has meshed quickly with the rest of his Rangers teammates.

Hagelin turned in a two-goal effort against the New York Islanders two games ago and truly seems to be hitting his stride as an NHL player. He isn't the flashiest player and he isn't always the most noticeable either, but you can't argue with his production thus far. It isn't hard to envision Hagelin netting a big goal in the Winter Classic.

Matt Read, Philadelphia Flyers

While he may not be as heralded as other NHL rookies this season after going undrafted, Flyers forward Matt Read is surprisingly one of the most productive rookies in hockey this season. He ranks second in goals behind first-overall pick Ryan Nugent-Hopkins of the Edmonton Oilers with 12, and he is fourth in the league in total rookie scoring with 22 points.

Not much was expected of Read this season when he unexpectedly made the roster out of training camp, but he has continued to prove his doubters wrong. Inspired play from youngsters like Read is the precise reason why the Flyers have had so much success this season. In a game with skill players galore, Read very well may have the biggest impact of anyone on Monday.