Flyers downed by Bruins in Winter Classic

(Photo by Andre Ringuette/NHLI via Getty Images)

It wasn't the best-played hockey game but that didn't make it any less fun to watch. The Winter Classic was classic indeed, more for the spectacle of the game than the game itself. With a huge crowd on hand at Fenway Park, the Flyers were beaten by the Bruins 2-1 in overtime in a sloppy but hard-fought game.

Despite the loss, Michael Leighton continues to be a revelation in net for the Flyers. Leighton nearly picked up his second straight shutout after turning aside 23 of 25 shots by the Bruins, letting up a goal in the final minutes of the game. If Leighton, who is now 4-0-1 as a Flyer with a 1.75 goals against average, continues to play this well, I see no reason why he can't take over as the Flyers starter. Yeah, he isn't likely to lead the Flyers to a Stanley Cup, but I don't know how you can't keep playing the hot hand in net.

The lone goal for the Flyers was scored by defenseman Danny Syvret, his first career goal in 44 games in the NHL. The Flyers had several chances, especially in the second period on a few odd-man rushes, but always seemed to make one pass too many as they tried to set up the pretty goal rather than trying to just put the puck on net.

As for the bigger picture, the Flyers now have points in their last 5 games and find themselves in the 9th seed in the Eastern Conference. Suddenly, the season that seemed like a total wash is turning slightly respectable. While no one expects a Stanley Cup run this season, with the talent this team has, there is no reason why they couldn't fight their way into the playoffs and make a little noise for a round or two. After how awful they were playing just a few weeks ago, that would be quite an accomplishment.

(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Leighton to start in net for Flyers in Winter Classic

Quite a life Michael Leighton is leading these days, huh? Since being scooped up off the trash pile two weeks ago by the Flyers, the journeyman goaltender has made a big impact, going 4-0 with a 1.70 goals against average. While I wouldn't expect the hot streak to last and he will likely be sent packing once Ray Emery is healthy, Leighton certainly is making the most of his limited opportunity with the Flyers.

Leighton, coming off a shutout of the Rangers yesterday, has even been announced as the starter in net for the Flyers in the Winter Classic against the Bruins. There was plenty of talk that Brian Boucher would be the man in net, seeing as how he is from Rhode Island, but Leighton definitely deserves the nod with how he has played.

Leighton will even be wearing a special Winter Classic mask, one that features the city of Philadelphia and the Winter Classic logo. This image via John Boruk of CSN's Twitter:

NHL releases awesome Winter Classic commercial

It's time to start getting pumped up for the NHL Winter Classic. Check out the first commercial done by the NHL, complete with both the Flyers and Bruins throwback jerseys:

Awesome, I can't wait for January 1st!

Flyers unveil Winter Classic Jerseys

Click here for 2012 Winter Classic JerseysThe Flyers unveiled their Winter Classic Jerseys today in dramatic fashion, having players from the team shatter a block of ice to reveal what they will wear on the January 1st outdoor game against the Bruins at Fenway Park. As expected, the team went with a classic white jersey, a counterpart to the classic orange jerseys they will be wearing at home this season.
It's a shame this sharp looking jersey will only be worn once this season, perhaps the Flyers will put it into their rotation if the fan feedback is overwhelmingly positive. The return of these classic Flyers jerseys are a welcome sight; they remind the city of the last time the team won the Cup and they look darn good, too.
(Pictures via @Philabright on Twitter)

NHL schedule released: Flyers begin season October 2nd

The NHL schedule has been released! Click here to see the Flyers schedule.

The season begins for the Flyers on October 2nd on the road against the Hurricanes and ends at home April 11th against the Rangers. The Flyers home opener is a big one, October 6th against Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals. Of course, the highlight of the schedule is the Winter Classic, on January 1st, against the Boston Bruins at Fenway Park.

With training camp opening in September, hockey season is coming sooner than you think!

Flyers vs. Bruins in 2010 Winter Classic

The rumors have proven to be true: the Flyers will be in the 2010 Winter Classic. In a game that will be played on January 1st, 2010 at Fenway Park, the Flyers will square off against the Boston Bruins in the 3rd annual Winter Classic.

The Flyers are an interesting choice to play in this game considering they aren't really a rival of the Bruins. It has been known for a while that Fenway would be the site of the next Winter Classic, and apparently the Flyers beat out the Washington Capitals as the opponent for the Bruins. Rumors have been circulating that the NHL wanted to promote Alex Ovechkin in the game but NBC, who will televise the game, wants the big Philadelphia hockey market watching the game for maximum ratings.

The Winter Classic should feature two division rival teams duking it out in the snow, so I would have preferred the Flyers playing the Penguins or Rangers for their first Winter Classic, but I can't complain. Seeing the Flyers playing outdoors in a game that will be watched by every hockey fan and even some casual sports fans will be great. I just hope we get a nice helping of snow as the backdrop for an exciting game.