Zdeno Chara and Chris Pronger: State of the Flyers and the Winter Classic

Written By: Mark “The Hard Hitter” Ritter

Admittedly, I did get in on the conference call a bit late and thus, was unable to ask any specific questions to Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger. That said, I was able to jot down a few highlights from another writers questions. Here’s what Pronger had to say about the Winter Classic and the state of the struggling Flyers.

On the state of the Flyers : “I think we all understand that it’s certainly no fun coming to the rink when you’re losing, guys are disappointed, guys are, you know, are just kinda deer in the headlights....We just didn’t think we’d be in this situation, we didn’t think we’d be having to go through what we are going through right now.

“...Having said that, if we’re able to overcome this challenge and overcome this adversity, the more stronger and more united we’re going to be as a group. If we’re able to come together and figure this thing out quickly and get back on track, get ourselves back into the mix and back into contention to not only make the playoffs, but maybe make some hay.

I think we still have 47 games or so to do that and, you know, it’s going to take coming to the rink with a smile on your face, as hard as it is to do when you are losing or marred in a slump, whatever you want to call it, you gotta show up with a smile on your face with energy and excitement and get out into the rink, practice hard, prepare properly for the next game. You can’t look too far ahead and worry about the Winter Classic on January the first, you gotta worry about tomorrow night against Tampa Bay and go from there, take baby steps and just worry about the game in front of us.

Later, I had the pleasure of speaking to the reigning Norris Trophy winner, Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara. This time I was on the ball and led the conference call off with this question:

Mark Ritter: With both Tukka Rask and Tim Thomas playing so well, what are the differences in your preparation when one or the other goalie is getting into the game?

The Big Z: My preparation for the game is the same no matter who is playing in the net. I think we all feel confident in both of our goalies, they are playing extremely well this season and it’s great to have two solid goaltenders playing behind you.

Mark Ritter: Leading up to the Winter Classic, what’s the mood in Boston and how are the fans reacting thus far?

The Big Z: Well, I think everybody is really excited, especially the fans and the whole organization, it’s basically, for most of us, a once in a lifetime experience and I am sure it’s going to be great.

I felt this was an interesting question from NHL.com, so I included it in this article:

NHL.COM: So far at the Winter Classic there hasn’t been a fight yet, and with the Flyers coming in and all the guys on that team that like to fight and you guys (Bruins) have a few players on your team that like to fight, do you think this will be the year that we see the first fight at a Winter Classic?

The Big Z: You never know, I mean it could be. It all depends on how the game goes and for sure both teams are well known for their physical play and well see how the game goes.

Mark Ritter: You spoke about the heightened intensity of the game, are you or any of your teammates experiencing any jitters leading up to this, anybody a little nervous with the spotlight only on you?

The Big Z: No, I don’t think so. Sure, there were a lot of things we had to do as far as doing interviews and signings, commercials, but we have to approach this the same way we approach any other game. We all realize that it’s going to be a big event, but at the same time we have to relax and just play the game.

And with that, Former Toronto Maple Leaf, David Keon, wished Zdeno Chara "good luck," and the interview concluded.

Don’t forget to tune into NBC at 1:00 p.m. on New Year's day to witness Zdeno Chara and the Boston Bruins take on Chris Pronger and the Philadelphia Flyers at historic Fenway Park in Boston. The Winter Classic is an event I will be covering LIVE for the Bleacher Report, check back often with me at the Bleacher Report for exclusive insight and interviews concerning the Winter Classic; I will be posting often, so don’t miss out.

Until next time,

Peace!