Winter Classic 2012: Rangers Affirm Eastern Conference Dominance with Gutsy Win

The 2012 NHL Winter Classic from Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia lived up to its name in front of 46,967 paying hockey fans. 

Coming into today's showdown, The New York Rangers were leading the Eastern Conference with 50 points—just two points ahead of the high-scoring Philadelphia Flyers.

On one of the sport's biggest stages—the annual outdoor game that draws huge crowds and tons of viewers—the Rangers beat the Flyers for the third time this season, despite an early deficit and a barrage of shots.

Brad Richards was able to put the Rangers ahead with their second goal of the third period, and goalie Henrik Lundqvist held on for the win, stopping Danny Briere on a penalty shot with 19 seconds left in the game.

After a signature comeback win in the Winter Classic, the Rangers have won seven of eight games and now have a three-point lead over second place Boston in the conference. 

New York is 5-1 against the other top teams in the conference—Florida, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh (they have yet to play Boston). 

The Rangers have Lundqvist in top form as he exhibited by stopping 34 shots against the league's No. 2 scoring team.  Lundqvist is No. 3 and No. 4 in goals-against average and save percentage, respectively. 

And on top of a confident goalie in net, New York has a great one-two scoring punch in Marian Gaborik and Brad Richards.

In the grand scheme of things, it was just a win during a long season, but the Rangers look poised to make a run this year, especially after a big win under the conditions and spotlight of the Winter Classic.