Winter Classic Preview and Predictions

The day has finally come: the 2010 Bridgestone Winter Classic between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Boston Bruins at Fenway Park will take place tomorrow at 1:00 PM EST.

Feel free to smile.

Now, for BTP's preview and predictions for tomorrow's game. While the Flyers were practicing for the Classic last night in New York, the Bruins were working over the Atlanta Thrashers, outscoring them 4-0 on three first period goals.

Even Bill Clement could tell you that tomorrow features a big game for both teams. The Flyers and the Bruins both need those two points, and will make sure that the majesty of the Classic does not overshadow the importance of this regular season matchup.

Enough for the obvious, time for some bold predictions.

Adam's Predictions:

• First thing's first, the Fenway Classic will definitely include the first-ever fight in an NHL outdoor game. The Flyers and Bruins always have heated battles, and tomorrow will certainly not be any different. Who's dropping the gloves first? Laperriere and Thornton. Let's go Lappy.
• Not a lot of goals. Boston's Tim Thomas isn't having his best season to date, but BTP's not forgetting that he won the Vezina Trophy last year. Michael Leighton appears to be getting the start in net tomorrow, and the Flyers are definitely hoping to ride his hot hand to the victory. Moreover, if it does snow tomorrow, pretty plays are gonna be difficult to execute, thus lowering the chances of many goals being scored. See: 2008 Winter Classic.
  
• Final Score: Flyers 3, Boston 2. Richie lights the lamp twice, Gags adds his fourth goal in two games. Briere has two assists. Bruins scorers: Savard and Chara. Powerplay goals.
  
  

Chelsea's Predictions:

• I'll agree with Adam-- there will definitely be a fight.  But I think there's a better chance of finding Hartnell or Carcillo out for the Flyers.  Carcillo leads the team in penalty minutes and Hartnell had six penalty minutes in the last game against the Bruins, including two for unsportsmanlike conduct.
• Final Score: Flyers 3, Boston 1.  Goals from Sturm, Richards, Gagne, and Giroux.  Tight game with the third goal as an empty netter solidifying the win in the last minute.