Bruins to host Flyers in 3rd Winter Classic at Fenway

July 16, 2009   ·   Derek Felix   ·   Jump to comments

In case anyone was asleep at the wheel yesterday, the NHL unveiled the worst kept secret (Yes. Even worse than Lemaire’s Devil return) by announcing that the Bruins and Flyers will take part in the third Winter Classic on New Year’s Day at historic Fenway Park.

What a scene that should be with the Green Monster the back drop for the continuation of a new tradition- the cool concept of pond hockey front and center on NBC showcasing our game.

Listening to some of what Boston Red Sox Team President and CEO Larry Lucchino said made it obvious how excited he was to be able to host such a special event. Somebody ought to relay that message to the buffoons that run the Yankees along with the rest of a city that’s too baseball-sessed. Just imagine what a Rangers-Islanders or Rangers-Devils game could draw if there were stronger support for it. Too bad it will probably fall on deaf ears. Getting this game on one of the biggest stages would be awesome. And what better place to have it than at the old Yankee Stadium before they rip it up. Why shouldn’t it happen? Because it makes too much sense for an egotistical organization that thinks they’re bigger than everyone else.

Kudos to the Red Sox for getting this game. Aside from the fact they never sold out unlike their bitter rival adding Monster seats to their wonderful ballpark, that’s a better run franchise that clearly gets it. Seeing the big picture is something you can’t always say for either baseball team in this city.

As exciting as the first two games were with Ralph Wilson Stadium hosting the inaugural between the Pens and Sabres that Sidney Crosby decided in a shootout and Original Six rivals Detroit and Chicago getting together at Wrigley Field with the Red Wing star power winning out- that’s how much I want to see this game. It promises to be a signature event which even Lucchino couldn’t ignore during Wednesday’s conference call seen on NHL Network.

“When you have something special like the Winter Classic and a facility as special and iconic as Fenway Park, it just seemed like a good marriage,” he said.

“I think it will be one of those events that is going to be frequently cited as a key event in the long and diverse history of Fenway Park.“

Having been fortunate enough to see a game in that place as a kid, I can remember how special Fenway is. The Monster itself is like nothing else you’ve ever seen. It’s one of the most unique stadiums in sports. I really love the old fashioned scoreboard where they post the standings and scores. It’s part of what makes the Red Sox such a fabric. While I have no love for them, it’s certainly easy to admire their team and how the organization is run. That’s what made this game possible. Every hockey fan should thank them because it’s going to be memorable.

Of course, I’d love to have the game come here. If not either baseball stadium, then what about Giants Stadium with the Devils hosting the Rangers? That would be a dream. Just wonder if it will ever come to be.

The Flyers and Bruins will renew their rivalry. Both clubs who combined to win four Stanley Cups in the 1970’s should each remain competitive this season with the Flyers acquiring All-Star defenseman Chris Pronger. Add the big bruising blueliner to a talented core that includes Mike Richards, Jeff Carter, Simon Gagne and possibly Daniel Briere if he’s not traded and Philly should be stacked. Just wonder how Ray Emery will workout.

The Bruins should at least still have David Krejci, Marc Savard, Milan Lucic along with Norris winner Zdeno Chara and Vezina champ Tim Thomas. Will they still have Phil Kessel? I really feel they’d be foolish to trade him as he’s a future 40-50 goal guy. If they’re serious about bringing Lord Stanley back to Beantown, they must get him re-signed. Even if it means unloading salary (Savard, Bergeron, Ryder), they gotta find a way to keep Kessel, who won’t turn 22 until Oct.2.

Regardless, it should be a great game and day for the NHL.

“I think we’re going to bring something a little unique,” Bruins Principal Charlie Jacobs said. “New Year’s Day itself is just going to be a big party, a lot of fun. We’ll gain momentum right on up to the event.”