Winter Classic 2012: 3 Bold Predictions for Today's Showdown

The NHL's Winter Classic always seems to provide some good thrills, and I wouldn't be surprised if the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers gave us some great stories again today. 

Here's a quick look at three bold predictions for the big upcoming game. 

Claude Giroux Will Score a Hat Trick

With the way Giroux is playing this year, this isn't necessarily a bold prediction, but it's who he's going up against that makes it bold. 

The New York Rangers are second in the league in goals allowed per game, and Henrik Lundqvist is about as elite as it gets for goaltenders.

Still though, Giroux, who is second in the NHL in points with 17 goals and 28 assists, is capable of big, big things. He's going to put forth a huge performance on a big scale. 

The Rangers Will Match Him Goal for Goal

While the Rangers have one of the best goaltenders in the league, there is a whole lot of uncertainty on the other side of the ice.

Ilya Bryzgalov has been fairly terrible in between the pipes, but luckily (for the Flyers), he won't get the start today. In his place will be youngster Sergei Bobrovsky

Bobrovsky has been better during his limited time, but he is young and beatable. Giroux will be impressive, but the Rangers will keep up, as this battle will become a much higher-scoring affair than people think. 

The Rangers Will Win in Overtime

This is going to be a hard-fought battle, and I think it eventually goes into overtime. 

In the extra period, however, New York's advantage in goal will propel them to victory. Let's say, for fun, the red-hot Brian Dubinsky gets the game-winner.