Winter Classic 2012

[chippa13 1844]

Can't remember if we've discussed previously but based on today's planned NHL announcement and looking at the schedule, the upcoming winter classic will be Flyers-Rangers in Philly. Personally, I'm a little surprised that they're putting a bubble team like the Rangers into the Classic but you can't deny the size of the New York market.

Edit: Just read the press release and they will be doing another 24/7 series this year.

[TeamBlue96 3]

Edit: Just read the press release and they will be doing another 24/7 series this year.

Glad they finally officially confirmed the winter classic, but i'm more pumped for the 24/7. Last year's was the coolest media coverage of the sport i've ever seen.

Plus, i'm interested to see if the classic jerseys are or aren't the knock-off ones being sold in the complex parking lots right now (after Eagles and Phillies games)

[Axxion89 32]

After the moves the Flyers made, they might be a bubble team as well!

But I can't wait to see the classic jerseys and 24/7 between these two teams. The game itself should be great as well since the rivalry between the two is pretty intense. Gonna try and get tickets and make the trek to Philly to watch it!

[steelnation248 101]

Philly is one of my favorite teams, but I'm a little bummed to see them in the Classic again. They were just in it two years ago. I didn't like it when they had Pittsburg in it last year as well. I'd much rather see a team that I haven't been in an outdoor game yet. I understand they are trying to get rivalries and big markets involved, but that's just my personal opinion.

[Quintin 16]

I would've much preferred Devils vs Rangers

[RussianDangler15 0]

As a Rangers fan I should enjoy but I really can't wait for the 24/7.

[TeamBlue96 3]

.... I understand they are trying to get rivalries and big markets involved, but that's just my personal opinion.

This. all economics and ratings. I don't remember what beat writer wrote it, but out of all teams and all games in the NHL in the past 10 or so years, NYR and PHI has fetched the best ratings when on a national stage. I was kind of shocked to see this over like DET/CHI or even newer rivalries like PITT/WSH.

[chippa13 1844]

I would've much preferred Devils vs Rangers

Even families of the Devils players aren't that interested in the Devils. Not really the draw the league is looking for its marquee event.

Ummmm........they just had Pitt/WSH last year.

[TeamBlue96 3]

Ummmm........they just had Pitt/WSH last year.

Right, but i'm saying that the Pitt/Wsh over the years, including the WC, hasn't surpassed ratings of NYR/PHI over the same years.

on a side note - I'm interested to see who comes back for the alumni game; some drama there with a guy like Lindros.

Other candidates: Roenick, Primeau, LeClair, Recchi (maybe too early?), Hawerchuk, Hextall, Snow, Otto etc...maybe even some of the real old guys Clarke, Barber, Schultz?

[5 Minute Major 1]

http://flyers.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=73656

[Barts66 0]

This. all economics and ratings. I don't remember what beat writer wrote it, but out of all teams and all games in the NHL in the past 10 or so years, NYR and PHI has fetched the best ratings when on a national stage. I was kind of shocked to see this over like DET/CHI or even newer rivalries like PITT/WSH.

Okay, there has to be some reason behind this..

Why is the game being played on a Monday at 1 instead of on a Sunday?

[flyers10 57]

Okay, there has to be some reason behind this..

Why is the game being played on a Monday at 1 instead of on a Sunday?

I believe to have less programming competition. Sunday would showcase Bowl games and NFL playoffs, where Monday is more open.

[goaliemanshark 6]

Huge mistake, a monday at 1pm is not a good time...

[chippa13 1844]

Not necessarily, because of the date of New Year's Day, basically everyone will be getting the 2nd off for the holiday.

[Barts66 0]

Not necessarily, because of the date of New Year's Day, basically everyone will be getting the 2nd off for the holiday.

Most schools (non-collegiate) go back to school that day, believe it or not..well at least from where I'm from.

[chippa13 1844]

Elementary schools, sure, we adults in the working world, we'll get it off.

[Barts66 0]

Elementary schools, sure, we adults in the working world, we'll get it off.

True. After all, kids aren't the ones buying the ticket. I know they say that they want to branch hockey out to more people, and wouldn't you think the Winter Classic would be one of these attention drawers for kids?

[BoDangles 0]

Love the 24/7 series, not even a boxing fan, but even watch those because they're so entertaining and it's just really cool to see inside the sport and training.

[Steve_v3 289]

They should play it at night. I think it worked well last year (except for the rain).

[Chadd 916]

Elementary schools, sure, we adults in the working world, we'll get it off.

The only people I know that have the second off work for local, state or federal government. Every other person I know that works for a normal company does not have the day off. TV numbers will be way off what they could be.

[EBondo 233]

Okay, there has to be some reason behind this..

Why is the game being played on a Monday at 1 instead of on a Sunday?

The Eagles are home on Sunday. Hence why the game is being played at CBP and not Lincoln Financial Field.

[goaliemanshark 6]

The majority of colleges over here go back to school on the Second. January 1st is great becasue family and friends are hanging out together, doing nothing, so they watch some hockey. Like football on thanksgiving.

Early on Dec 31 would have been better.

[chippa13 1844]

Having the 1st land on a Sunday really screws them up. Everyone knows you can't go up against the NFL in the States. Looking at the NCAA bowl schedule, it looks like the 31st could have been a better option, depending on what the NCAA basketball schedule looks like on that day.

[shotty 7]

they knew that going if they were going to do it this season, it would have to be on the monday due to the conflict with football.

the sather trash talk was a nice touch.

[pbhockey4 0]

I would've much preferred Devils vs Rangers

I agree I am a huge devils fan. But I cannot wait to see 24/7 its like any hockey fans dream show. We always want to know what they players do before and after the game. Also what the coaches and players say during the game and during intermission.