Bruins likely to play Flyers in NHL Winter Classic at Fenway

By Brian Kebel

According to a number of sources, the third annual NHL Winter Classic will pit the Boston Bruins against the Philadelphia Flyers at historic Fenway Park.

It was believed that the NHL was considering the Washington Capitals instead of the Flyers, in order to showcase reigning MVP, Alexander Ovechkin. But according to CSNPhilly.com, NBC was in favor of a Flyers-Bruins matchup because of their longtime rivalry and the potential of higher ratings.

Although the Classic is still relatively new, it has quickly become one of the highlights of the NHL regular season. In fact, the league is reportedly also considering adding a second Winter Classic game on the same.

The initial game in 2008 was a huge success. Through bitter cold and falling snow, the Pittsburgh Penguins, winners of this year's Stanley Cup Championship, defeated the Buffalo Sabres in a shootout at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. The game was made even more memorable by superstar Sidney Crosby when he scored the game-winning shootout goal.

Last year’s game was played at another historic baseball stadium, Wrigley Field, as the Detroit Red Wings defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 6-4. But unlike the 2008 game, the real highlight was the venue.

The NHL has yet to officially announce when this season’s Winter Classic will take place, but it is expected to be on New Year’s Day.