NHL 2012 Winter Classic: Philadelphia Flyers vs. New York Rangers?

It has been reported by many outlets that the NHL's 2012 Winter Classic will be played in Philadelphia, PA at Citizens Bank Park. The preferred site was Lincoln Financial Field, but despite the pending NFL season lock out, there is a game scheduled on January 1. NBC Comcast Chairman and Philadelphia Flyers owner Ed Snider does not want to potentially compete with a NFL Sunday Schedule.

With that fact in mind, the proposed date is Monday January 2, 2012. It is a break in tradition, but the show must go on. The Philadelphia Flyers have been confirmed as the host team but their opponent has not been confirmed. The rumors and speculation have named the New York Rangers as their opponent.

The Rangers would be must-see television for the HBO 24/7 Winter Classic. Viewers were exposed to Bruce Boudreau and his acid tongue in last year’s edition. Having John Tortorella and the entire Rangers locker room on full display for the world would be great. There are so many different characters on the Rangers roster and it will be interesting to see.

However, there are some big questions that remain.

1. Will John Tortorella be open to allowing the HBO cameras in his locker room?

In the past John Tortorella voiced his displeasure towards some of the things that were shown through 24/7. To sum his opinions up, he basically said there were some things that were meant to be said in the locker room and to remain in the locker room.

Despite these comments, Tortorella realizes what a big opportunity it would be for the Rangers to participate in the overall Winter Classic experience. In the club’s best interest, I think Tortorella would be agreeable in allowing the Rangers to participate.

2. What jersey would the Rangers wear?

The Winter Classic has been known to be the birth of some new classic jerseys. The Rangers are one of the original six teams in the NHL. All of the original six teams have had the same template and scheme in their jerseys for decades.

The Rangers unveiled a heritage jersey this year which celebrated their 85th anniversary in the league. Many hardcore fans would love to see a hybrid between the current Rangers blue and the original New York Americans jersey. Who knows what could happen. Maybe the Rangers would re-release the Lady Liberty third jersey for this special event.

3. Will a January 2 date be successful?

The major appeal to the Winter Classic and its New Years Day celebration is dual fold. First off, it is a national holiday and it allows fans across the nation to make the long haul to the Winter Classic site. Secondly, many people are hungover from the celebrating of New Years the night before and they are home and have nothing to do. Many people just enjoy lying back and watching some television 

A January 2 date does not allow this to happen. Not as many fans will be off from work—legally at least—and won’t attend the event. Ratings would also be skewed as well. Unless the format was changed to a prime time night event, viewership could suffer.

With that in mind, a lot can happen between now and January. It is only spring and there is some exciting playoff hockey left and the Stanley Cup needs awarding.

Comments, Questions, Concerns?

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