[The Hockey Writers will be providing full coverage of the 2012 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic. Senior correspondents Justin Johnson (@JustinTHW) and Mike Colligan (@MikeColligan) will be covering all the action leading up to and during the game at Citizens Bank Park.]
A numerical look at the 2012 Winter Classic from the NHL:
1 Cable cam that will be used in network coverage by NBC and CBC
2 Current Rangers who have played in past NHL Winter Classics (Mike Rupp, Pittsburgh, 2011 and Erik Christensen, Pittsburgh, 2008)
3 Baseball parks that have hosted an NHL Winter Classic – Wrigley Field, Fenway Park and Citizens Bank Park™
3 Rangers who had seasons of 50 or more goals (Vic Hadfield 50 in 1971-72, Adam Graves 52 in 1993-94, Jaromir Jagr 54 in 2005-06)
4 Colors were used to light the Empire State Building on Dec. 28 in celebration of the NHL Winter Classic (Flyers orange and white, Rangers blue and red)
4 Of the five most-watched NHL regular-season games in the U.S. since 1975 were NHL Winter Classic games.
6 Flyers who had seasons of 50 or more goals (Reggie Leach 61 in 1975-76, 50 in 1979-80; Tim Kerr 54 in 1983-84, 54 in 1984-85, 58 in 1985-86, 58 in 1986-87; Mark Recchi 53 in 1992-93; John LeClair 51 in 1995-96, 50 in 1996-97, 51 in 1997-98; Bill Barber 50 in 1975-76, Rick MacLeish 50 in 1972-73)
9 Members of the 1994 Stanley Cup Champion New York Rangers (including coaches) are participating in the Molson Canadian 2012 NHL Alumni Game: Glenn Anderson, Colin Campbell, Adam Graves, Mike Keenan, Nick Kypreos, Brian Leetch, Stephane Matteau, Mark Messier, Mike Richter
9 Active Flyers who have played in past Winter Classics: Daniel Briere, Philadelphia, 2010; Matt Carle, Philadelphia, 2010; Braydon Coburn, Philadelphia, 2010; Claude Giroux, Philadelphia, 2010; Scott Hartnell, Philadelphia, 2010; Maxime Talbot, Pittsburgh, 2011; Kimmo Timonen, Philadelphia, 2010; James Van Riemsdyk, Philadelphia, 2010; and Matt Walker, Chicago, 2009
10 Playoff meetings between the Flyers and Rangers (Flyers have won six)
14 Members of Stanley Cup champion Philadelphia Flyers team participating in the Molson Canadian 2012 NHL Alumni Game, including coaches and off-ice ambassadors: Bill Barber, Bob Clarke, Terry Crisp, Gary Dornhoefer, Larrry Goodenough, Bob Kelly, Orest Kindrachuk, Reggie Leach, Bernie Parent, Jimmy Watson, Joe Watson, Mike Nykoluk, Dave Schultz, Don Saleski
25.5 Hours of NHL Network live coverage of Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic activities
39 Average temperature in Fahrenheit at puck drop for the four NHL Winter Classics (2008 – 31.1, 2009 – 31.9, 2010 – 39.6, 2011 – 51.7)
51 NHL Alumni will play in the Molson Canadian 2012 NHL Alumni Game on Dec. 31 (1 p.m., ET VERSUS, CBC, CSN Philly)
53 Length, in feet, of the world’s largest mobile rink refrigeration unit, specially built for the NHL Winter Classic
66 Goals scored by Eric Lindros as a member of the Rangers (over 3 seasons)
69 Players in NHL history who have played for both the Rangers and Flyers
70 Broadcast cameras (all networks) that will capture all the NHL Winter Classic action at Citizens Bank Park, including a cable cam and an airplane cam
93 Miles separate Philadelphia and New York City
112 All-time regular-season games won by the Rangers over the Flyers
114 All-time regular-season games won by the Flyers over the Rangers
134 Goals scored by Jaromir Jagr as a member of the Rangers
300 Ton capacity of refrigeration trailer that will keep the ice cool at Citizens Bank Park™
311 Regular-season and playoff games between the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers including the 2012 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic
314 Goals scored by Eric Lindros as a member of the Flyers (over 8 seasons)
350 Gallons of paint used to make Citizens Bank Park™ ice white
2003 The year the Heritage Classic was played in Edmonton between the Oilers and the Montreal Canadiens, the first regular season NHL outdoor game in history
2008 The year the first NHL Winter Classic was played in Buffalo between the Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins, with Sidney Crosby netting the game-winner in a shootout
3,000 Gallons of coolant used to freeze the Citizens Bank Park™ rink
4,500 Soft pretzels projected to be purchased by fans during the Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic*
9,000 Cheese steaks projected to be purchased by fans during the Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic*
10,000 Hot Dogs projected to be purchased by fans during the Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic*
12,000 Cups of hot chocolate and coffee projected to be purchased by fans during the Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic*
20,000 Gallons of water needed to create a two-inch ice surface on Citizens Bank Park™
27,000 Plastic bags prevented from entering circulation thanks to the continuing NHL Green initiative to provide reusable commemorative bags free with purchase at official merchandise locations.
47,000 Fans are expected to attend the 2012 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic at Citizens Bank Park™
75,000 People are expected to pass through Spectator Plaza between Saturday, Dec. 31 through Monday, Jan. 2
218,259 Total spectators in attendance at the first four Winter Classics
