January 2, 2012, New York Rangers-Philadelphia Flyers Winter Classic advance for HockeyPrimeTime.com

Previewing the Winter Classic

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Written by Denis Gorman

Sunday, January 01, 2012 20:19

The Flyers-Rangers rivalry spans nearly 40 years and hundreds of memorable regular season and playoff games. None have attracted the amount of eyes that will be tuned into the Winter Classic. PHILADELPHIA—The Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers have played 312 regular season and playoff games in their shared history. Few of those games will have matched the anticipation that tomorrow afternoon’s game at Citizens Bank Park. It is guaranteed none of those games will have had the same amount of viewers as Monday afternoon’s Winter Classic that will be pushed back to a 3 P.M. EST start. But for all of the pomp-and-circumstance surrounding this weekend, it is still very much a work day. The Rangers lead the Atlantic Division—and Eastern Conference—by two points over the Flyers and there are 46 games left in the hated rivals’ seasons. “I think it’s been a great experience for (the players). I’m glad (the Rangers) have gone through it. We are honored to be involved in it,” Rangers coach John Tortorella said after his team’s practice yesterday. “It’s great for our game. It’s great for our league. But as a coach, I’m thinking about one thing: It’s a division opponent, it’s two points. We want to win the hockey game. That’s all we are concerned about it,” Tortorella emphasized. Tortorella said he will have the same lineup as the one that defeated the Florida Panthers, 4-1, Friday night. When asked if that included goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, the look upon Tortorella’s face was an amalgamation of irritation, befuddlement and amusement. “Yes,” he said. Before stepping off the podium to signal the end of his press conference, he deadpanned, “That really is the last question.” The Rangers’ joviality is in stark contrast to a paranoia surrounding the Flyers. Ilya Bryzgalov announced that Sergei Bobrovsky will start in goal for the Flyers tomorrow. When he was asked for confirmation during his press conference, Flyers coach Peter Laviolette was content to play a cat-and-mouse game with the media. “I have been consistent with how I’ve handled the announcement of the goaltenders," Laviolette said when asked for his thinking regarding the decision. "I have not spoken to the goaltenders yet and have not announced anything yet. We plan on making an announcement later (Sunday) as to who the starter will be. “I haven’t spoken to either one of the goaltenders. I plan on speaking to them after I get done with you guys and we plan on making an announcement before the game. Sticking with the company policy that we’ve had since I’ve been here. Same policy, new year, same policy." “I had a lot of tough conversations today because guys want to play. Nobody wants to hear that they are not playing or that they are not in the lineup or they are not part of it. Those are conversations that…that they shouldn’t be taken lightly. I think that when it comes down to making decision you want to put the team on the ice that you feel as the best opportunity to be successful.” Both goaltenders have played in the Flyers’ two losses this season to the Rangers this season, both at Madison Square Garden. Bobrovsky made 30 saves in a 2-0 loss on November 26 while Bryzgalov allowed four goals on 24 shots in Philadelphia’s 4-2 loss on December 23. Bobrovsky is 1-1-1 with a 2.22 goals-against average and .924 save percentage in seven career games against the Rangers. “Bob’s preparation is terrific," Laviolette said. "I think with Ilya getting a lot of the starts, Bob has had a lot of time working with (Flyers goaltending coach) Jeff (Reese) and I think that’s really helped. He spends a lot of time in the weight room and after practice making sure that he’s conditioned and ready. “He’s played really well. His numbers are outstanding. I think his whole work ethic couldn’t be better.” Both teams practiced on the Citizens Bank Park ice. Immediately following both practices, the teams skated on the ice for an hour with their family members and invited guests. You can follow us on Twitter @HockeyPrimeTime (http://twitter.com/#!/hockeyprimetime) and @DenisGorman (http://twitter.com/#!/denisgorman) Photo by Getty Images

Last Updated on Monday, January 02, 2012 02:05

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